The so-called G-Cans project or the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is a drainage system in Saitama near Tokyo which was constructed to prevent floods around the metropolis during the rainy and typhoon season.
The subterranean infrastructure (video) is a combination of five huge silos that collect flood water above, 10-meter thick tunnels running 50 meters below ground through which the water flows, and an imposing surge chamber supported by massive pillars. From here, water is pumped out into the Edogawa River by gas turbines at a rate of 200 cubic meters per second. Constructed at a cost of over 2 billion dollars, it is one of the largest infrastructures of its kind in the world.
Because of its imposing pillars supporting a high ceiling, the surge chamber is often called the “Underground Temple” of Tokyo. G-Cans recalls the cavernous Mines of Moria in the Fellowship of the Ring, where the heroes battled Orcs and then fled from underworld demon Balrog (video).
A number of of TV programs and a popular music video in the Japan, Nana Mizuki’s Wild Eyes (video), were filmed inside the facility as is Range Rover’s TV commercial (video) for its Range Rover Sport.
If you’re interested in paying the site a visit, there are free arranged tours of the facilities that is conducted in Japanese from Tuesday to Friday, twice a day.
Massive structures inside the Underground Temple
{Photos from the Edogawa River Office. Thanks for the tip, mk ^_^;}
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