Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, Kamakura

Name: Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
Address: 2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, 248-0017, Japan
Telephone: +81 467-25-1081

#6 among attractions in Kamakura

Temple, Sacred and religious sites

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Gallery

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine, Kamakura

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Davide Mauro / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Thesupermat2 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Mindmatrix / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ethan Doyle White / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ethan Doyle White / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Codas / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ethan Doyle White / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the verdant hills of Kamakura, Japan, the Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine offers a unique blend of spirituality and tradition. This Shinto shrine, known for its divine power to multiply money, has been a place of worship since its establishment in the 12th century. Visitors come from far and wide to wash their money in the shrine's sacred spring water, believing it will increase their wealth.

The shrine was founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, following a divine message in a dream. The deity Benzaiten, associated with good fortune, music, and the arts, is enshrined here. Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is hidden in a picturesque cave, creating an atmosphere of mystery and reverence. The cave entrance, framed by a traditional torii gate, invites the faithful into a world where nature and spirituality intertwine.

The ritual of washing money, known as Zeniarai, is the main attraction. Worshippers use provided baskets to gently rinse their coins and bills in the spring's cool, clear water. It is a ritual that promotes prosperity and good luck, echoing the belief that purity in Shintoism brings about blessings.

Apart from its money-washing ritual, the shrine is a serene spot for contemplation. The lush surroundings and the tranquil sound of the spring water provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Seasonal festivals add to the shrine's allure, with traditional music and dance performances that honor Benzaiten.

Local name: 銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社 Established: 1185 (839 years ago)Coordinates: 35°19'33"N, 139°32'31"E

Address

2-25-16 Sasuke鎌倉 (lian cang)Kamakura 248-0017 Japan

Contact

+81 467-25-1081

Website

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Kamakura

Day trips

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Kōtoku-in, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kenchō-ji, Hase-dera.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine open?

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is open:

Monday 24h
Tuesday 24h
Wednesday 24h
Thursday 24h
Friday 24h
Saturday 24h
Sunday 24h

Which popular attractions are close to Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine?

Nearby attractions include Sasuke Inari Shrine, Kamakura (5 min walk), Eishō-ji, Kamakura (12 min walk), Jufuku-ji, Kamakura (12 min walk), Jokomyoji Temple, Kamakura (13 min walk).

How to get to Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine by public transport?

The nearest stations to Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine:

Bus

上町 • Lines: A21 (17 min walk)
明月院 • Lines: A21 (18 min walk)

Train

Kamakura (18 min walk)
Kita-Kamakura (22 min walk)

Light rail

Hase • Lines: En (27 min walk)
Gokurakuji • Lines: En (35 min walk)