Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社
Widely beloved as the "money-washing Benten," this shrine is famous for the belief that washing money in the spring water flowing from a cave at the back of the grounds will multiply your wealth, drawing visitors year-round. Its mystical setting — suddenly appearing in the mountains after passing through a tunnel from Kamakura Station — has also earned it the nickname "the hidden-village Benzaiten."
How to wash your money
Upon entering the grounds, take (or bring) a basket and wash your money in the spring water at the inner cave, the "Oku-no-Miya." People wash coins and bills, and afterward, spending that money is believed to bring good fortune. You can keep the basket as a souvenir. The act of washing money itself carries a sense of purification, rooted in the belief that Benzaiten's blessing increases one's wealth.
Highlights of the grounds
Passing through a cave-like tunnel reveals grounds surrounded by rock walls. The shrine office, worship hall, and inner shrine line the rock face, creating a distinctive space. Incense smoke fills the air, and visitors holding baskets are almost always queued up. From beside the torii gate at the exit, you can also enjoy a view overlooking central Kamakura.
History
Said to have been founded in 1185 after Minamoto no Yoritomo received a divine revelation in a dream. Hojo Tokiyori later developed the site, improving the water-bearing cave. Ever since, the "Day of the Snake" (a lucky day dedicated to Benzaiten, occurring once every 60 days) has been considered especially auspicious, drawing large numbers of visitors.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
The grounds, wrapped in fresh greenery, feel especially refreshing. During cherry-blossom season, the trees along the approach are also beautiful.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The spring water flowing from the cave feels especially cool in this season. The deep greenery on the grounds also draws visitors seeking relief from the heat.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The surrounding trees change color, creating a beautiful contrast between the cave's mystical atmosphere and the autumn leaves.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Fewer visitors bring a calmer mood. New Year's visitors and those coming on the "Day of the Snake" remain numerous.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes
- Crowd levels
- The "Day of the Snake" (once every 60 days) is extremely crowded. Weekend mornings also tend to form lines. Weekday mornings are relatively quiet.
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings. Don't forget to pick up a basket for washing money (available at the shrine office). Pairing the visit with nearby Sasuke Inari Shrine is recommended.
| Address | 2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00-16:30 |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 20 min walk from Kamakura Station (West Exit) (On foot (mountain path to the Sasuke area))