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Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja

The shrine known as a power spot for prosperity.

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In 1185, Minamoto no Yoritomo, prior to the appointment to become Shogun, had a dream where a god of water, Ugafuku, with a human head and a snake body told him to enshrine a spring in the land in the northwest and there would be peace, and that was the beginning of this shrine. Later, Hojo Tokiyori rinsed coins in this spring and prayed for his family’s prosperity which became the origin of Zeniarai (rinsing coins) folk religion.

The shrine is located in the mountain northwest of the heart of Kamakura. Walk up a slope, and you will see a handmade tunnel in the cliff where the shrine gate stands. Beyond this entrance, there is a row of gates, then, the shrine office, where you check out a strainer to rinse coins with. You can buy a candle that is meant to pierce the darkness with light, and an incense that is supposed to chase away evil spirits (100 yen) and dedicate them in the main hall right next to the office. The rear hall is in a cave ahead.

In the rear hall inside the cave, you will find one of Kamakura’s five best springs, Zeniarai Water. Put money in the strainer and pour this water with a scooper and rinse them. Then, you can wipe the money and put it back in your wallet. It is said that using the money, instead of keeping it, will bring good luck.

Highlights

  • To do Zeniarai, after visiting the rear hall, put money in the borrowed strainer, pour three scoopfuls of water to cleanse it. It’s not that you scrub it.
  • You can rinse coins or paper bills, but for wiping paper bills, bring your handkerchief.
  • You can also worship by offering raw eggs, since the messenger from Benzaiten is a snake that loves eggs.
  • The day Minamoto no Yoritomo received a revelation was in the year of the snake, the month of snake, and on the day of the snake zodiac.
  • You can buy raw eggs at a shop on the shrine grounds, not at the office.

Photos

  • The entrance to Zeniarai Benten dug into a cliff 
Photo Credit: iStock

    The entrance to Zeniarai Benten dug into a cliff Photo Credit: iStock

  • Rinse your money with the spring water at the rear hall 
Photo Credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association

    Rinse your money with the spring water at the rear hall Photo Credit: Kamakura City Tourism Association

  • Passing a tunnel, you will see a row of gates 
Photo Credit: iStock

    Passing a tunnel, you will see a row of gates Photo Credit: iStock

  • A lantern lighting the path in the mountain 
Photo Credit: iStock

    A lantern lighting the path in the mountain Photo Credit: iStock

  • Make a wish at the rear hall of Zeniarai in the cave 
Photo Credit: iStock

    Make a wish at the rear hall of Zeniarai in the cave Photo Credit: iStock

  • Check out a strainer for rinsing money with water
Photo Credit: iStock

    Check out a strainer for rinsing money with water Photo Credit: iStock

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Details

Name in Japanese
銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社
Postal Code
248-0017
Address
2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura City, Kanagawa
Telephone
0467-25-1081
Holiday
Open every day
Worship hours
8:00am - 4:30pm
Admission
Voluntary donation
Direction
From JR Yokosuka Line or Enoden Kamakura Station, walk 25 min.
Official Website
Kamakura Official Visitor Guide (Japanese)