Tucked outside Gonokami Shrine in western Tokyo, the Gonokami Maimaizu Well is a striking relic of medieval engineering built to conquer the deep groundwater of the Musashino Plateau. Named after the local Tama dialect for "snail," this dramatic pit descends in two spiraling rings through fragile loam before reaching its deep water source. Used continuously from the Kamakura period until 1960, the restored 16-meter-wide monument offers visitors a rare, picturesque look at an ingenious historical solution to water scarcity.
- Historic Sites
- Ancient Engineering
- Unique Architecture
- Landmarks
Swipe more in Tokyo
tryJP is a swipe deck for Japan places — save spots you like and plan a route.
Open tryJP