Kanagawa Waterworks Memorial Hall

Kanagawa Waterworks Memorial Hall is a museum in Samukawa that displays models, diagrams, and objects showing the engineering principles behind water distribution systems across Kanagawa Prefecture. The exhibits explain how water moves from natural sources to homes and communities throughout the region.

The museum was founded in March 1984 to document the technological development of water management systems in the Kanagawa region. It preserves knowledge about the infrastructure development that made it possible to supply a heavily populated area with reliable water service.

The name reflects water's central importance in Japanese infrastructure and daily life. A traditional garden with flowing water connects visitors to how local communities have always related to water as both a practical resource and something to be appreciated.

The museum is easy to reach near the center of Samukawa and open most weekdays. Visitors should plan time in the morning or early afternoon to explore the exhibits at a comfortable pace, as the museum is fairly small and can be seen in a few hours.

The museum has interactive water exhibits where visitors can work directly with demonstrations showing how water behaves in different situations. These hands-on activities let visitors experience water properties and movement in an engaging way rather than just reading about them.