Samukawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the city of Samukawa in southern Kanagawa. Located by the Sagami River, the walk to the shrine is full of bridges over the river and nearby streams. The exact origins of the shrine are unknown, the earliest written records talk about it being rebuilt in 727. Safe to say that it is in the group of some of the oldest shrines in Kanagawa and all of Japan. Open 24 hours, you can go any time of night or day to explore and/or pray.
- 1 min read
Samukawa Shrine
Shinto Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture

Community writer

Main square of the shrine. The decorations are put up only around New Years.

Another view of the main square

River and fields close to the shrine

The side areas close by are full of street food vendors

Main entrance to Samukawa Shrine

Lantern by the main entrance

Main entrance gate

River close to the shrine
Join the discussion
Peter Sidell
9 years ago
Nice! I live just down the road, but I've never made it up there - I should go sometime.
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
Good to know it's open 24 hours. Thanks, Andrea!
Peter Sidell
9 years ago
I think a lot of shrines are always open :) Last time I went to Kyoto I wandered round Yaska-jinja late at night, and it was very cool and atmospheric.
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
2
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
3
The History of Japan: Era by Era
Culture -
4
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5
Mt. Fuji Hike 2025: New Safety Rules & Registration Guide
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
6
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
7
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
8
FamilyMart's Choc Mint Fair is Back for 2025
Food -
9
Kurume’s Shrines By the River
Fukuoka -
10
Luxury Glamping at Bettei Shiki
Tochigi
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
5
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Adachi Fireworks
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Tokyo Pride
Tokyo -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa