Ushijima Lock

Ushijima Lock is a water control structure in Fugan Canal that manages water levels between the canal and Itachi River through mechanical gates and mechanisms. The gates are operated to move water between the two different elevations, allowing navigation and flood control in the surrounding area.

The lock was built in 1934 during a period of major industrial development in Japan and represented advances in water control engineering. It was part of broader efforts to improve agriculture and industry by managing water resources more effectively across the region.

The lock demonstrates how water control shaped settlement and agriculture in this region, serving as a visible reminder of engineering choices that affected daily life. Locals and visitors can see how such infrastructure connected communities by managing the natural flow of water between different areas.

The lock is located in Fugan Canal Kansui Park, which has walking paths and information signs that help visitors understand the structure. You can best see how it works from various viewpoints along the park, and it is accessible throughout the day for observation.

The lock still operates with many of its original mechanical components from 1934, even though careful restoration work has been done to keep it functioning. This balance between preserving the original machinery and maintaining its practical use makes it an interesting case of engineering that has served the same purpose for nearly a century.