Admission
Free
Also called Zeniarai Benten
Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
At a Glance
Before becoming independent in 1970, the shrine was an external massha of Ōgigayatsu's Yazaka Daijin.
Zeniarai Benten is said to be the second most popular spot in Kamakura, after Tsurugaoka Hachimangū.
The shrine centers on a cave spring believed to multiply money washed in its water, which gave Zeniarai Benten its fame.
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Free
Be prepared to walk through low tunnels carved into the rock to enter the shrine, as the entire complex is hidden within a natural rock hollow, creating a unique cave-like atmosphere.
The shrine is located about 30 minutes on foot from Kamakura Station in the western part of the city, so plan for either a long walk or consider taking a taxi if you prefer not to walk the distance.
Bring coins and bills to wash in the sacred spring water inside the cave, as the ritual of washing money (zeniarai) is believed to multiply your wealth and is the main attraction of this shrine.
Visit the nearby Genjiyama Park after your shrine visit, as it is located close by and makes for a convenient combination to maximize your time in western Kamakura.
Bring coins or small bills to wash at the cave spring; visitors believe money cleansed here will multiply.
Despite being a small shrine, expect crowds as this is the second most popular spot in Kamakura after Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, so arriving early on weekdays will give you a more peaceful experience.
Fascinating facts about this place
Before becoming independent in 1970, the shrine was an external massha of Ōgigayatsu's Yazaka Daijin.
Zeniarai Benten is said to be the second most popular spot in Kamakura, after Tsurugaoka Hachimangū.
The shrine centers on a cave spring believed to multiply money washed in its water, which gave Zeniarai Benten its fame.
Zeniarai Benten is one of the minority of shrines in Japan that still visibly preserve shinbutsu shūgō, the blending of Shinto and Buddhism.
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