About Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is a shrine located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, known for its association with good fortune and wealth. It is said to have been founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1185 (Bunji 1), and many worshippers visit the shrine because of the legend that washing money in the sacred water gushing from a cave on the grounds will multiply it many times over.
Its official name is “Ugafuku Shrine,” but it is widely known by its nickname “Zeniarai Benzaiten.” With a history of over 800 years dating back to the founding of the Kamakura Shogunate, it remains a popular power spot for financial luck in Kamakura.
The Origin and History of Zeniarai Benzaiten
Legend of its Founding
It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo received a divine message in a dream stating that “if you offer prayers to the gods and Buddhas with the water that springs forth in this place, peace will be achieved throughout the land,” and that he built the shrine in 1185. Later, it is said that the custom of “washing money” spread when Hojo Tokiyori washed money in this sacred water and prayed for the prosperity of his family.
Deities Enshrined
- Ichikishima-hime no Mikoto: A water deity identified with Benzaiten
- Ugajin: A deity of wealth and business prosperity
These two deities are enshrined together as “Uga Benzaiten.”
Points to Note When Visiting the Shrine
How to Wash Money (The Etiquette of Money Washing)
- Borrowing Tools from the Shrine Office: You will receive a basket and a candle (free of charge).
- Proceeding to the Cave of the Inner Shrine: Proceed to the sacred water “Money Washing Water” inside the cave.
- Offering Candles and Incense: First, greet the gods.
- Putting Money in the Basket: Banknotes or coins are acceptable. You don’t need to wash all of it; a few representative items are fine.
- Pouring Sacred Water with a Ladle: It is customary to pour three times. Make sure the water reaches all parts of the money.
- Wipe with a cleansed cloth: Remove excess water with a handkerchief or towel.
- Spend the washed money: It is said that good fortune circulates by circulating the money instead of saving it.
Best time to visit
- Day of the Snake: This is a special day for Benzaiten and is considered particularly auspicious.
- Early morning: You can avoid crowds and visit at your leisure (gates open at 8:00).
- Weekdays: There can be long lines on weekends.
Highlights of the temple grounds
- Money-washing Water Cave: Sacred water gushing from a natural rock cave. Mysterious Atmosphere
- Kami-no-Mizujingu Shrine & Shimo-no-Mizujingu Shrine: Small shrines dedicated to the god of water
- Shichifuku Shrine: Dedicated to the Seven Lucky Gods, including Daikokuten
- Torii Tunnel: A path carved into the rock face lined with vermilion torii gates
Benefits
Increased Financial Fortune
The most famous benefit. It is believed that spending money washed here will bring many times over. Numerous reports of lottery winnings and business prosperity have been received.
Business Prosperity
Many business owners and sole proprietors visit this shrine, and it is known as a place to pray for business development.
Family Safety & Fulfillment of Wishes
In addition to financial fortune, it is also revered as a place to pray for the health of family members and the fulfillment of various wishes.
Access Information
Basic Information
- Address: 2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry 4:15 PM)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
Access by Train
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot from the West Exit of JR Kamakura Station
- Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
Since there is an uphill slope from the station, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Access by Bus
From the West Exit of Kamakura Station, take the Keihin Kyuko Bus “Kama 20/Kama 24” and get off at “Genjiyama Iriguchi” bus stop, then walk for approximately 10 minutes. However, there are few buses, so it is necessary to check the timetable.
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot. It is recommended to use nearby paid parking lots or public transportation. The path is narrow and passes through a residential area, so caution is advised.
Points to Note When Visiting
- Bring Cash: Although we live in a cashless age, you will need cash to wash your money.
- Bring a Towel: Don’t forget a handkerchief or towel to dry your money.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: There are slopes and stairs.
- In Rainy Weather: The cave is slippery, so watch your step.
- During Crowded Times: Waiting times may occur on the Day of the Snake and on weekends.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Genjiyama Park: 5-minute walk. A famous cherry blossom spot with a statue of Minamoto no Yoritomo.
- Sasuke Inari Shrine: 10-minute walk. A shrine with a beautiful thousand torii gates.
- Kamakura Daibutsu (Kotoku-in Temple): 20-minute walk. A symbol of Kamakura.
- Hase-dera Temple: 25-minute walk. Enjoy seasonal flowers and ocean views.
You can also take a hiking course via Genjiyama Park and head towards Kita-Kamakura.
Summary
Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is a sacred site for praying for financial fortune, a practice that has continued since the Kamakura period. The unique experience of washing money in the sacred water of a cave is something you won’t easily find elsewhere. It’s a recommended spot not only for those wishing for increased wealth, but also for those who want to experience the history and culture of Kamakura. Its quiet location, a short distance from the station, is another appealing aspect, allowing for a peaceful visit away from the hustle and bustle of Kamakura.
