OKAZAKI, Aichi -- A cylindrical water tower built in 1934 and reminiscent of an old European castle stands on a hill overlooking the downtown area in the Aichi Prefecture city of Okazaki.

       A lightning rod is seen on the domed top of the water tower overlooking the city of Okazaki's downtown area in Aichi Prefecture. (Mainichi/Koji Hyodo)=Click/tap photo for more images.

       The water tower was erected in the city's first water purification plant in the Rokkucho district that started supplying water to the surrounding areas in 1933. The tower measures 20.2 meters in height, 12.8 meters in diameter at the top, and can store 1,400 cubic meters of water. A classical Greco-Roman design was used for the structure. Its cement-mortared top part has lines on it to make it appear as if covered with large stone plates, and the area above the eaves is adorned with tall windows. An expressionist arched-top staircase is part of a facade protruding above the roof. While it has an imposing air, the structure's many curves also give it a sense of softness.

       It is as if the water tower is watching over the residents in the area.

       (Japanese original by Koji Hyodo, Nagoya Photo Group)

       Arched beams on the domed ceiling are seen through a staircase window of a water tower in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, on Aug. 13, 2020. (Mainichi/Koji Hyodo)=Click/tap photo for more images.

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       The Japanese version of this article was originally published on Sep. 13, 2020.

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       This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.

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