A short distance from Akizuki is a traditional water wheel. Of the triple water wheels that are still used in irrigation in Japan to this day, this is the only one. It’s called the “Tanbo SL” (lit: rice paddy steam locomotive) and it has been assigned cultural heritage status given its standing as an important historical structure to Japan and as a tourist destination.
The water wheel is only in operation from June to October each year, supplying water to 35 hectares of surrounding fields.