Highlights

The Former Imperial Palace Water Pump Station
KEAGE

The Former Imperial Palace Water Pump Station

The Former Imperial Palace Water Pump Station

A building in which a water pump is installed. The pump was used to carry water from the First Canal to Dainichiyama Water Reservoir. The water in the reservoir was used as fire protection for Kyoto Imperial Palace. The pump station was designed by Tokuma Katayama, a court architect during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), who also designed the Kyoto National Museum and the Akasaka Imperial Villa (present Guest House of the Akasaka Palace) in Tokyo. With a columned balcony, the building lends a dignified impression. Located close to the boarding area of the canal, you can see the pump station when getting on or off the canal cruise boat. You can also see it from the nearby Daijingu Bridge. The Former Imperial Palace Water Pump Station was designated an important cultural property in April 2020.