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Zeniarai Benten Ugafuku Shrine is a popular shrine in Kamakura, Japan where people visit to wash their money. This 800-year-old shrine is quite unique, as it is completely surrounded by high rock walls and is totally invisible from the outside—a tunnel must be used to access it.

800 years ago Yoritomo Minamoto ordered the shrine’s construction after a god appeared in his dream. The god recommended that he build the shrine to bring peace to the country. Minamoto’s dream occurred on the day of the snake, in the month of the snake, in the year of the snake. Therefore, the shrine was later dedicated to Benten, a Buddhist goddess associated with snakes.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a rare example of the fusion of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. Many other shrines were stripped of their Buddhist connections when the Meiji government attempted to separate Shintoism from Buddhism at the end of the 19th Century.

Washing Money at the Shrine

The word “zeniarai” translates to “coin washing.” Money is considered evil, so by washing money people are performing part of a Shinto purification ceremony called “misogi.” It’s said that money washed in the shrine’s spring water will multiply, which brings people from far and wide to Zeniarai to increase their prosperity and fortune.

How To Wash Your Money

1. After passing through a line of wooden torii gates upon exiting the entrance tunnel, there are water-filled basins on the right side where you must wash your hands. It is polite to purify yourself before entering the shrine’s main area.

2. Purchase a candle, bundle of incense sticks, and basket.

3. In front of the main shrine outside the cave, send a prayer by throwing a coin into the box (preferably a 5-yen coin), ringing the bell using the rope, and clapping twice.

4. Light the candle and put it on the candle holder. Do the same with the incense and stick them in one of the large bowls.

4. Enter the cave with your bamboo basket for washing money.

5. Place your money into the basket and use a ladle to pour sacred water onto your money. It is recommended to wash one of every coin as well as a 1,000 JPY bill. More can be washed if desired.

6. Return the basket and dry your money.

Accessing Zeniarai Benten Shrine

Zeniarai Benten Shrine is located about a 20-25 minute walk northwest of Kamakura Station through quiet residential areas. Be respectful while walking, as you’ll be very close to people’s homes and private property. Note that there is no bus station and the shrine is located uphill. It’s best to visit on a cooler day—weekdays are more favorable, too—as it gets quite hot and humid during summer months.

For more ideas on cool places to visit and food to eat in Kamakura, take a look at my Kamakura Travel Guide (click here)!

Peace & happy travels,

Tay