🗺️ Capital Area Flood Relief Channel首都圏外郭放水路

The Capital Area Flood Discharge Channel was built to address the flooding issues that plague the low-lying areas of eastern Saitama Prefecture during heavy rains. This facility is one of the largest flood discharge systems in the world. It channels floodwaters from various rivers, including the Nakagawa, Kuramatsu River, and Oogawakoregawa, underground, constructing a 6.3-kilometer-long tunnel that directs the water to the Edogawa River as part of a large-scale flood control system. Floodwaters flow through the river's overflow embankments and then through a massive cylindrical shaft that connects the surface to the underground. The water is transported to a pressure regulating tank located in a tunnel 50 meters underground, where it is then pumped out to the Edogawa River using large pumps. The pressure regulating tank is a massive space measuring 177 meters long, 78 meters wide, and 18 meters high, supported by 59 columns. This scene resembles a grand underground temple, earning it the nickname "Disaster Prevention Underground Temple." Typically, this facility is only activated a few times a year. On days when it is not in use, educational tours are held for the public. The tours are divided into three categories: the Impeller Exploration Route (duration: 110 minutes), the Shaft Experience Route (duration: 110 minutes), and the Underground Temple Route (duration: 60 minutes). Each tour includes a lecture on the principles of the Capital Area Flood Discharge Channel and a visit to the pressure regulating tank (the Underground Temple). Detailed information about each tour is available on the official website, allowing visitors to choose based on their time and interests, with advance reservations possible through the official site.

Visit the mysterious "Underground Temple," a filming location for movies. You can gain a deeper understanding of flood control principles. To visit the regulating reservoir, you must climb about 100 stairs on your own. It is quite far from the station, and bus services are infrequent, so you may need to take a taxi. Since there are not many taxis at Minami-Sakura Station, it's best to make a reservation in advance or take a taxi from "Kasukabe" Station. Please note that the visit schedule may change or be canceled when the facility is in operation.