As a Benzaiten shrine built on an island, it follows the tradition that this goddess of water and prosperity must be worshipped near water, she's one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods and grants wishes for success and eloquence.

The shrine's name 'Hataage' means 'raising a flag', legend says Benzaiten appeared to Minamoto no Yoritomo when he raised his army in battle, leading him to build this shrine in her honor on an island in Genji Pond.

Behind the shrine lies Masako Iwa, a sacred rock where Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for his wife Masako's safe childbirth, today it's revered as a prayer stone for harmonious marriages and safe deliveries.

White Genji clan flags with two black lines surround the shrine, recreating the banners Yoritomo's warriors carried into battle in 1180, worshippers now pray here for career success and 'launching business' using this military symbolism.