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Zeniarai Benten Shrine: Wash Your Way to Wealth

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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.

A brief summary to Zeniarai Benten Shrine

  • Monday 8 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-4:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Zeniarai Benten Shrine.

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Bring a small towel to dry your money after washing it in the spring.
  • Purchase a set of candles and incense (¥100) at the shrine office to enhance your prayer experience.
  • Combine your visit with a hike along the Daibutsu hiking trail, connecting to other attractions like the Great Buddha.
  • Remember to spend your washed money soon after it dries to maximize the good fortune.

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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.

Discover more about Zeniarai Benten Shrine

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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