Gallery: Check Out Tokyo’s Cavernous, Creepy, Totally Sci-Fi Drainage Tunnels

  • This image may contain Building Architecture Corridor Column Pillar Floor Crypt and Concrete
    Christoffer Rudquist
    01

    Japanese-flood-defence93190v3.jpg

    Inside the water tank, also known as "the underground temple." It's full of nearly five-dozen 60-foot high pillars hewn from 500 tons of reinforced concrete.
  • Image may contain Water Outdoors River Nature Construction and Dam
    Christoffer Rudquist
    02

    Japanese-flood-defence93210-2.jpg

    The flood defense system includes five silos, each one measuring 230 feet deep by nearly 100 feet wide.
  • Image may contain Building and Factory
    Christoffer Rudquist
    03

    CF093282F.jpg

    Massive yellow pumps suck water from the tank and dump it into the Edo River.
  • Image may contain Clinic and Furniture
    Christoffer Rudquist
    04

    CF093312F.jpg

    Screens line the central control room.
  • Image may contain Electronics GPS Screen Display and Monitor
    Christoffer Rudquist
    05

    MG-0113.jpg

    A map of the flood defense system.
  • Image may contain Corridor Floor Flooring Building Architecture and Crypt
    Christoffer Rudquist
    06

    Japanese-flood-defence93177F.jpg

    The pressure-regulating tank is the last stop for water passing through the system. It contains 59 reinforced concrete columns that help slow down the water and reinforce the ceiling.
  • Image may contain Building Machine and Factory
    Christoffer Rudquist
    07

    MG-0107F.jpg

    Bright yellow paint adds a touch of cheer to the dark underground facility.
  • Image may contain Human Person Clothing Footwear Apparel and Shoe
    Christoffer Rudquist
    08

    MG-0142.jpg

    An employee at the underground storm drain.
  • Image may contain Corridor Staircase Crypt and Tunnel
    Christoffer Rudquist
    09

    Japanese-flood-defence93160F.jpg

    Each pillar in the pressure-regulating tank stands nearly 60 feet tall and weighs 500 tons.
  • Image may contain Architecture Building and Dome
    Christoffer Rudquist
    10

    Japanese-flood-defence93213F.jpg

    An opening between the pressure-regulating water tank and the first drainage silo.
Read More
Amnesty International Warns That World Cup Fans Face Potential Human Rights Violations
The organization claims that the FIFA tournament could have impacts on the rights of local people and visiting soccer fans in all three host countries.
Fernanda González
Mapping Every Flock License Plate Reader Near US World Cup Stadiums
Most US World Cup stadiums are surrounded by surveillance cameras. Want to know if you’re being watched on your way to a match? These maps will help you.
Maddy Varner
How to Watch the 2026 World Cup
The games start June 11 and end with a grand finale in New Jersey on July 19. There are 104 of them. Here’s how to watch ’em all.
Boone Ashworth
This World Cup, You Can Watch the Game From a Ref’s Point of View
Referees for the 2026 World Cup will be wearing cameras positioned at their temples, allowing TV audiences to see a live view of the pitch from a vantage point they never have before.
Ben Dowsett
Artificial Intelligence Sneaks Into the World Cup Thanks to Google Gemini
The Argentine national team will be Google’s test bench and technological showcase during the World Cup.
Rosa Jiménez Cano
Soccer Fans, You’re Being Watched
From anti-drone tech to face recognition, 2026 World Cup stadiums in the US, Canada, and Mexico are subjecting fans to an array of surveillance tech. Here’s what you need to know.
Vas Panagiotopoulos
The Other Major Soccer Event of 2026? The Shake-Up in the World of Video Games
The 48-team World Cup is not the only historic soccer event this year. Four titans are vying for control of video game soccer in the fiercest battle the industry has ever seen.
Javier Rodríguez
The World Cup’s Trionda Ball Challenges Traditional Aerodynamics
According to new research, Trionda would show less unpredictable movements in actions such as corner kicks or free kicks. However, in powerful and long-distance clearances it would lose range.
Fernanda González
Top Corsair Discount Code: Up to 50% Off for June 2026
Upgrade your gaming setup or PC build for less with these verified Corsair coupon codes, student discounts, and refurbished deals.
Luke Larsen
Litter-Robot Promo Codes: $150 Off Bundles, $50 Off the Starter Bundle, and More
Get the latest Litter-Robot Discounts on Litter-Robot self-cleaning litter boxes, accessories, and more.
Molly Higgins
Top Lenovo Coupon Codes and Deals in June 2026
Whether you’re shopping for a ThinkPad, Yoga laptop, or Legion gaming PC, these Lenovo discount codes and promotions can help you save big on your next tech upgrade.
Luke Larsen
Top Adidas Promo Codes: Up to 40% Off in June 2026
Save 15% or 30% with Adidas promo codes, plus explore Adidas deals for 40% off trendy sneakers.
Molly Higgins