Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, Kamakura

Shinto Shrine and miracle spring that brings wealth

Adeline Ong Jun 04, 2012 - 1 min read

You enter the shrine through a tunnel under a rock wall and exit under the frames of several wooden torii gates.

This is the view on the other side of the entrance to this shrine. The unpainted torii gates integrate into the simplicity and calm of the mountain and nature around it.

Altar built into a rock wall reached by crossing over a pond filled with koi.

Torii gate and lion dog guardians mark a path

Cool dragon statue hidden behind one of the altars

Cave entrance to the miracle spring, from which water for ceremonies is collected.

Altar at the spring -- look around for little statues, a cool carved wooden snake, and little torii gates

People are washing their bills and coins in the spring water, hoping for wealth and riches in their future.

More wooden torii gates located at the back entrance of the shrine.

Catch your breath, relax a bit, find a tasty snack or drink, or buy some souvenirs at these little shops

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kamakura and is the site of a miraculous spring of the god Ugafukujin. The spring water is used in Shinto memorial services. Legend says that if you spend money that is washed in this spring’s water, the money will be returned to you multiple-fold. To this day, people can enter the cave to access the spring and wash their precious bills and coins in the spring’s water.

More info

Find out more about Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine.

Adeline Ong @adeline.ong

I am an Asian American currently living in Hayama, Japan, which is about a 2.5 hour drive south of Tokyo. I love traveling and seeing and experiencing new places, things, foods, and activities. I love taking pictures of everything.