Gallery: Check Out Tokyo’s Cavernous, Creepy, Totally Sci-Fi Drainage Tunnels

  • This image may contain Building Architecture Corridor Column Pillar Floor Crypt and Concrete
    Christoffer Rudquist
    01

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    Inside the water tank, also known as "the underground temple." It's full of nearly five-dozen 60-foot high pillars hewn from 500 tons of reinforced concrete.
  • Image may contain Water Outdoors River Nature Construction and Dam
    Christoffer Rudquist
    02

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    The flood defense system includes five silos, each one measuring 230 feet deep by nearly 100 feet wide.
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    Christoffer Rudquist
    03

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    Massive yellow pumps suck water from the tank and dump it into the Edo River.
  • Image may contain Clinic and Furniture
    Christoffer Rudquist
    04

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    Screens line the central control room.
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    Christoffer Rudquist
    05

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    A map of the flood defense system.
  • Image may contain Corridor Floor Flooring Building Architecture and Crypt
    Christoffer Rudquist
    06

    Japanese-flood-defence93177F.jpg

    The pressure-regulating tank is the last stop for water passing through the system. It contains 59 reinforced concrete columns that help slow down the water and reinforce the ceiling.
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    Christoffer Rudquist
    07

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    Bright yellow paint adds a touch of cheer to the dark underground facility.
  • Image may contain Human Person Clothing Footwear Apparel and Shoe
    Christoffer Rudquist
    08

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    An employee at the underground storm drain.
  • Image may contain Corridor Staircase Crypt and Tunnel
    Christoffer Rudquist
    09

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    Each pillar in the pressure-regulating tank stands nearly 60 feet tall and weighs 500 tons.
  • Image may contain Architecture Building and Dome
    Christoffer Rudquist
    10

    Japanese-flood-defence93213F.jpg

    An opening between the pressure-regulating water tank and the first drainage silo.
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