Zeniarai Benten Shrine

From Kamakura Station, take the West Exit and walk for about 25 minutes. Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine was founded in 1185 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate. According to legend, Yoritomo had a dream in which a god told him to find a sacred spring in Kamakura. He discovered the spring and built the shrine to Benzaiten, the goddess of wealth, music, and eloquence.

Zeniarai Benzaiten is famous for its ritual of washing money in the sacred spring. It is believed that money washed here will multiply and bring prosperity. Visitors often come to the shrine to purify their money and pray for financial success.

Money washed at the Zeniarai Benzaiten is believed to increase financial wealth, and it is considered even more auspicious to spend the money rather than save it. By spending the money, it is believed that the wealth will circulate and bring even greater prosperity. In addition, if you are lucky enough to see a white snake, which is the messenger of Benzaiten, within the shrine grounds, it is said that your luck will increase even further.

It is also recommended that you visit the nearby Sasuke Inari Shrine when you go to Zeniarai Benzaiten. The Sasuke Inari Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Zeniarai Benzaiten and is especially popular with those seeking good luck and career success. Known as the "Success Inari," the shrine is said to have been restored by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, after receiving a divine message from the Inari god.

Therefore, by praying for financial luck at the Zeniarai Benzaiten and then for career and success at the Sasuke Inari Shrine, you can improve your overall luck.

If you visit these two shrines, it's possible to walk to the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotokuin Temple. In mild seasons or during the fall foliage season, the surrounding mountains are beautifully colored.