What other travelers are saying about Zeniarai Benten Shrine
This is a small off-the-beaten-path shrine that is very old (built in 1185) and unique. The front entrance is accessed via a tunnel carved out of a hill. People come here to wash their money as part of the ritual to multiply their wealth.
For those who want to discover lesser known shrines in Kamakura, we would recommend making a visit to this small shrine as it is very old, unique and interesting to see.
I don't have a religion, but many people told me to come here to "wash my money" (or "clean my wallet") to bring in more money. Overall, it hasn't been very effective yet, but the vibe is great. I recommend coming.
P.S. Maybe i should clean my phone and than open app for stock profit more 🤗
Very old shrine amazingly carved into the rock 800 years ago. The well is for money washing so your wealth may grow. The surrounding shrine is also serene and with a pond and small waterfall. We were here off season so we were the only tourists amongst japanese. There is a bit of steep walk to this and some bending not to hit your head required.
A fascinating and peaceful shrine in Kamakura with very few tourists around 9 AM.
It’s a must-see spot - you enter through a tunnel, which makes the visit feel magical and unique. Inside, there are small shrines tucked into caves, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.
A great place to experience something truly special in Kamakura
Amazing Shinto Shrine with smaller shrines surrounding main one. Place for washing money too. There is a tunnel leading to the Shrine. Very well kept. Popular with tourists. Bit of a hike uphill to get here but well worth it.
Visitors place coins or bills in wicker baskets, pour sacred spring water over them using ladles, and let them dry. The ritual takes place inside a cave where natural spring water flows. The shrine provides baskets and ladles for a small donation of 100 to 200 yen. According to tradition, the washed money will multiply and bring financial prosperity.
The shrine receives the most visitors on snake days according to the Japanese zodiac calendar, occurring approximately every 12 days. The busiest periods are New Year and 己巳 (Tsuchinoto-mi) days, when snake days fall in snake months. These dates are considered most auspicious for the money-washing ritual. The shrine is open year-round.
Bring the money you wish to wash—coins or bills. The shrine provides baskets and ladles for a suggested offering of 100 to 200 yen. Candles and incense are available for purchase at the shrine. A towel to dry your money is optional but useful.
From Kamakura Station, walk west following signs for "Zeniarai Benten" for approximately 20 minutes. The entrance is marked by a torii gate followed by a tunnel carved through rock. The tunnel leads directly into the shrine grounds.
Yes. Tradition holds that circulating the washed money activates its prosperity blessing rather than saving it. There are no restrictions on when or how to spend it.
