Photo= Seen from the sky, the rather complex shape of "Tatsuta Tower Kizugawa City" particularly stands out (April 26, Kunimidai, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture) = shot via drone

Is it a theme park's castle? No, no, no; isn't it a giant, spiral-shell object? A unique building that stirs viewers' imaginations soars on the hilly land of Kizugawa City, which is located at the southernmost part of Kyoto Prefecture and adjacent to Nara Prefecture. Its true identity is "Tatsuta Tower Kizugawa City" of the Kizu Minami Reservoir, a water tower of Kunimidai in Kizugawa City.

The tower was completed in March, 1999 as the population of the Kizu Minami district was increasing rapidly due to the construction of Kansai Science City. Taking the landscape into consideration, the image for the 47-meter tower represents the local specialty of bamboo shoots. The curvilinear shape is covered with layer upon layer of brick-red tiles that change in appearance depending on the viewing angle.

The tower is equipped with two vertical tanks, capable of storing approximately 8,000 tons of water, in the "interior of the outer wall." The water is spread throughout the district by making use of the tower's height difference.

Upon reaching the observation room after going up the labyrinthine spiral staircase, a new townscape can be seen spread out beneath one's eyes, as well as the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji-temple to the south.

A company with a laboratory located near the building gave it the nickname via its unusual system for naming rights to water supply facilities. During the Water Week in June and Christmas periods, it is illuminated and stands as a popular, local landmark.

Unauthorized drone video-shooting over shrines, temples, public facilities, urban districts and other places is prohibited.

The Kyoto Shimbun uses drones to shoot videos with special permission and with due consideration for safety in the vicinity.