Monday 28 March 2011

Maishima Waste Disposal Plant

Today we paid a visit to the Maishima Waste Disposal Plant which lies in the eastern port area of Osaka, an hour cycle from our home. Visiting a waste disposal plant may not be at the top of your list of exciting things to do but the plant is well worth a visit, and is quite a sight to see!

The exterior was designed by the late Austrian artist Friedensrich Hundertwasser, known for his organic structures, and was designed to symbolize harmony between technology, harmony and art. The whole building looks like some strange theme park attraction with huge orange stripes representing flames on the outside.

We booked a guided tour around the plant, which took around two hours, and got to see the whole waste disposal process in action. The interior looks like a scene from a seventies sci-fi movie complete with machines with big dials and flashing lights! There are also plenty of buttons to push and the obligatory cute animated characters to keep kids happy.

Overall, a fascinating tour and well worth checking out, even if you only get to see the exterior!



The plant from afar

The Claw!

One of the control rooms

Not sure what he is supposed to be!

A model of the plant.

This reminds me of a scene from 'Aliens'

Another giant claw.

Not why this is here but it looks pretty.

Colour coded dispatch doors.

Osaka has more bicycles than any other city in Japan. Soon to be a few less.

Kirk to bridge.

Wonder what would happen if I press this....

View from one of the green roof tops.

The base of the tower

Looks like a Mondrian nightmare.

The entrance to the plant.

2 comments:

  1. That's so bizarre! Not a place I would have thought of visiting, but looks interesting! :)

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  2. I'm sure its not a place people would automatically think of visiting but it has to be seen to be believed! Apparently, this area was where the 2008 Olympics was going to be held if Japan had one the bid!

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