By IROHA Travel
This video introduces viewers to one of Japan’s most ambitious civil engineering feats—the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, also known as G-Cans, located near Kasukabe City. Often referred to as an underground temple due to its awe-inspiring, cathedral-like structure, G-Cans was built to prevent flooding from typhoons and heavy rainfall, protecting Tokyo and its surrounding areas. The vast system includes rows of gigantic 500-ton pillars and a sophisticated network designed to handle massive surges of water.
The tour starts at Minamisakurai Station, where access to the facility is readily available via bus or taxi. After a short ride, visitors arrive at the main G-Cans site. The highlight of the visit is the gigantic pressure control tank, a cavernous space whose scale rivals that of any ancient temple. Visitors can join guided tours, which must be reserved in advance, for a fee of 1,000 yen per person. The tour lasts about 55 minutes and explains how the facility works to keep millions safe each year.
The experience also includes a stop at the on-site museum, which provides educational displays on the engineering behind G-Cans and its importance in regional disaster prevention. The video further includes scenes along the Edogawa River, emphasizing the connection between the local waterways and flood management.
While flood control infrastructure is not often a typical tourist destination, G-Cans stands out as a unique example of Japan’s approach to solving urban challenges. For travelers interested in modern engineering, urban planning, or off-the-beaten-path attractions around Greater Tokyo, Kasukabe’s underground flood control system is a must-visit.