Hishino Triple Water Wheels

Japan Guide

The three waterwheels at Hoshino, along with two further pairs of waterwheels nearby, were completed in 1790 to help irrigate the rice paddies of the area. They are still used today.

Fed by a canal from the nearby Chikugo River, the wheels lift water to allow it to be distributed further away from the river. Originally driven by the waterflow itself, they are now powered by electricity.

It is said to be the only example of such a system anywhere in Japan. These photos were taken in 2014, and in 2017 the wheels were almost completely destroyed by major flooding, but have now been restored.

The wheels have diameters of between 4 and 5 meters. 

an image of the three wheels is the design for the local manhole covers. I imagine if you visit in June when they are operating then they would be more interesting.