This is a drawing of the Kanda waterworks, the first water supply laid down in Japan. This, together with the Tamagawa waterworks, ensured the supply of precious water that would support the lives of the people living in the city of Edo.

It is said that in Edo urban development, the Shogun Ieyasu showed greatest concern for the guaranteeing of drinking water. The period in which the Kanda Aqueduct was built is not certain with some saying it was in the Tenshō period (1573 to 1592) and others saying it took place in the Kanei period (1624 to 1645).
Kanda Aqueduct supplied water from a pond called Inokashira-ike and also collected the water from Zenpukuji-ike and Myōshōji-ike and directed towards to Ōarai weir in Koishikawa. At this point it split to the right and left and on the left the aqueduct water passed Ochanomizu from Edo residences of the Mito clan and passed through Kanda River in pipes to Edo Castle. The water on the right flowed to the townsfolk.
This map includes names of bridges on the way from Inokashira-ike (located in Mitaka City) and the area up to Ōarai weir (Bunkyo Ward) is depicted and there is also a chart with information about the water routes.