Zeniarai Benten Shrine Travel Guide

Free Guide: Wash your money and pray for prosperity at Kamakura's unique Zeniarai Benten Shrine, a blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

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Zeniarai Benten Shrine

A brief summary of Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Wash your money and pray for prosperity at Kamakura's unique Zeniarai Benten Shrine, a blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine, nestled in the rocky hills of Kamakura, is famous for its unique tradition of washing money in a sacred spring, believed to multiply wealth. Founded in 1185, the shrine blends Shinto and Buddhist elements, offering a serene escape and a chance to boost your financial luck.

4.3 Very good · 6,621 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every day8 am–4:30 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
2 Chome-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0017
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walking

From Kamakura Station, the shrine is approximately a 25-30 minute walk. Head northwest from the station, following the main road. The route involves some winding roads and a few rugged steps. Look for signs directing you to Zeniarai Benten Shrine. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at Kamakura Station. The taxi ride to Zeniarai Benten Shrine takes about 10 minutes. The fare is approximately ¥1000-¥1500, depending on traffic. Note that the final approach involves a steep slope.

Public Transport

While there are no direct buses to the shrine, you can take a bus from Kamakura Station to 'Homukyoku-mae' bus stop. From there, it's an 11-minute walk to Zeniarai Benten Shrine. Bus fare is around ¥200-¥300. Alternatively, from Tokyo, take the JR Yokosuka Line directly to Kamakura Station.

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Overview

Zeniarai Benten Shrine (銭洗弁財天), also known as Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, is a captivating destination in Kamakura, drawing visitors seeking prosperity and a unique cultural experience. The shrine's name, meaning 'coin washing,' reflects its most popular activity: washing money in the shrine's sacred spring, said to double your wealth.Founded in 1185 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura period, the shrine originated from a divine dream instructing him to seek a hidden spring and pray for peace and prosperity. The enshrined deity is a syncretic kami, Ugafukujin, merged with the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten, associated with wealth, music, and good fortune. This blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions is a surviving example of pre-Meiji Restoration religious practices.To reach the shrine, visitors pass through a tunnel carved into the rock, leading to a serene enclave surrounded by steep cliffs. Within the grounds, you'll find smaller shrines, a pond with koi carps, and the main attraction: the cave housing the sacred spring. Here, you can purchase a set of candles and incense for ¥100, borrow a bamboo basket, and wash your money with the spring water, offering a prayer for good fortune. Spending the cleansed money quickly is said to further enhance your luck.Whether you believe in the money-multiplying magic or not, Zeniarai Benten Shrine offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Kamakura's rich history and spiritual traditions.

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