The name Zeniarai literally translates to 'money-washing'.
The tradition of washing money here is said to have originated in the late 12th century when Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Shogun of the Kamakura period, was instructed by a deity in a dream.
The spring water is one of the Five Famous Waters of Kamakura, known as 'Zeniarai-sui'.
The shrine features a series of torii gates that line the cave entrance.
It is officially a Shinto shrine, despite the inclusion of Benzaiten, who originated in Buddhist mythology.
The shrine is built into a valley because it was traditionally believed to be the residence of Ugafukujin.
Zeniarai Benten Ugafuku Shrine is unique for its sacred spring water, which visitors use to wash their currency in the belief that it will multiply. The shrine is built into a cave complex carved directly into the rock face, accessible through a man-made stone tunnel. It is dedicated to Ugafukujin, a Shinto deity who combines the attributes of a snake and a human, and Benzaiten, the goddess of wealth and arts. Visitors place coins or bills into bamboo baskets provided at the site and dip them into the water of the inner sanctuary. The shrine is situated in a wooded valley hidden from the surrounding urban sprawl of Kamakura. The current shrine layout reflects a fusion of Buddhist and Shinto influences, typical of the Kamakura period. It serves as a popular destination for those seeking financial prosperity.
The entrance tunnel framed by the rows of red torii gates.
Bring a small towel or cloth to dry your money after washing it to prevent it from remaining damp in your wallet.
Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, as the paths and cave floors can be uneven or damp.
Combine your visit with the nearby hiking trails that connect to the Genjiyama Park area.
Do not attempt to wash large quantities of coins at once, as this creates bottlenecks for others; do not discard wet trash in the shrine bins.
The shrine is particularly busy on days marked with the 'Day of the Snake' in the traditional calendar, which are considered the most auspicious for visiting.
Maintain a quiet demeanor; bow respectfully at the torii gates; handle the money-washing baskets with care and return them to the designated area.
