Our group embarked on two tours: the Loop Route 7 Underground Regulation Pond and the Hikarigaoka incineration plant. These tours showcased Japan’s approaches to flood control and waste management.
The Underground Regulation Pond Tour in Honan Town
Our day began in Honan Town with a tour of the Loop Route 7 Underground Regulation Pond. Upon arrival, we changed into appropriate footwear and settled into a meeting room where we were introduced to the reservoir system through an informative presentation. Japan receives an immense amount of rainfall, making it crucial to have a system in place to manage excess water and prevent flooding. The regulation pond is part of an extensive underground network that collects rainwater from rivers like the Kanda River and stores it until it can be safely returned once water levels subside.
Following the presentation, we explored a room next door that featured detailed dioramas illustrating the reservoir’s mechanics. These models demonstrated the process of diverting water from the Kanda River to the reservoir, a crucial step in flood prevention.
The highlight of the tour was going down
into the actual tunnels used to hold the water. The vastness of the tunnel was both impressive and eerie, with its enormous size and occasionally walking in the water. The walls were marked with numerous cracks, each labeled with katakana symbols such as “u” and “hi.” At the tunnel’s end, it branched into two directions, allowing us to take photos, making echoes, and even experience complete darkness by turning off our flashlights. This adventure concluded as we resurfaced, marking the end of an enlightening tour.
Art within the Underground tunnel
The Hikarigaoka Incineration Plant Tour
After a quick lunch at a mall in Hikarigaoka, conveniently located near our next destination, we proceeded to the incineration plant. The plant, crucial to Tokyo’s waste management system, processes the city’s trash in an environmentally responsible manner. This was a topic that I had to research for our project presentations, so I was very excited to see the actual thing.
Our visit began with a presentation video in a meeting room, providing an overview of the plant’s operations. As the video concluded, the blinds rose to reveal a live view of trucks unloading waste into a massive pit. This was followed by a tour of the control rooms, where we observed the crane maneuvering the trash.
We then explored a room with floor panels displaying a map of the trash collection and transportation routes to the plant. The visit continued down a hallway with a glass window showcasing the incinerator. The heat emanating from the incinerator could be felt through the glass, underscoring the immense energy involved in the process. Our tour concluded with a group photo in front of a replica crane, capturing the day’s unique experience.
Crane used to mix and carry trash
Photo in front of replica of the crane