Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine © 2024 Andrew Daley
Another must-visit spot along the Daibutsu Trail is the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine. Famous for its
unique money-washing ritual, many visitors come in search of a fresh start. Tucked away behind
a dark nature infested cave, this shrine is dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, known for
bringing wealth and good fortune. The money washing ritual involves putting your coins and bills
into a weaved bowl and rinsing them with water from the shrine’s sacred spring water,
symbolizing the purification of your wealth and the promise of more wealth in your future. While
this tradition is tied to financial prosperity, it carries a deeper meaning of renewal and cleansing,
offering a spiritual fresh start and new beginning.
Money Washing Ritual
Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine © 2024 Andrew Daley
The act of washing money at Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine does not just represent the hope for
material gain. It’s a symbolic gesture of letting go of past limitations and embracing the potential
for growth, whether that be your finances, your personal life, or your sense of purpose. The
ritual encourages reflection on the value of renewal, making it a deeply personal experience. As
you cleanse your coins, you also purify your intentions, allowing for personal transformation and
a renewed outlook on life’s possibilities.
My Personal Experience
Weirdly, I was very intrigued by this shrine’s money washing ritual, I thought the act of literally
washing money to flush away the bad and start fresh was an extremely interesting concept. So
before arriving, I was very excited to participate in the ritual. The structure of the shrine played a
big part in my ability to connect with the ritual I was about to perform. The dark tunnel entrance
truly made it feel like I was entering a different part of the world, like some sort of hidden away
treasure land. The ritual itself was held in a dark cave-like structure as well, which helped the
ritual feel more personal, like I was the only one in there and I was actually making some
important changes to myself. All in all, the ritual was an enjoyable and transformative
experience for me, even further intensified by the wonderful enclosed surrounding area.
Practical Visitor Information
Opening Hours and Admission
Daily: 8am – 4:30pm
Location: 2 Chrome-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0017Contact
Phone: 0467-25-1081
Website: https://www.kanagawa-jinja.or.jp/shrine/1205037-000/
Tips for a Great Visit
First and foremost, do your research. The process of doing a ritual is always easier when you
actually know what you’re doing. This is a ritual that involves multiple steps, don’t be like me,
understand the process before going so there is no confusion when you get there. After entering
through the tunnel, make your way up to the shop selling the bowl and candle. Here you will buy
a woven bowl for the money washing ritual, a candle, and a bundle of incense sticks. After
buying you will move into the candle section, where you light both your incense and candle.
Here is where things may get a bit confusing but if you follow the locals, you should be able to
understand the process of things. Lastly you move to the money washing section, where you
can take part in the ritual and pray at one of the two praying spots, one being outside the cave
and one inside.
Nearby Attractions
Similar to my article about the Kuzukaraoka Shrine, many of the nearby attractions are shrines,
trails, and statues. Majority of these attractions are under a 40 minute walk away from the shrine
itself, such as the Great Buddha statue, the Daibutsu trail, and the previously mentioned
Kuzuharaoka Shrine. Do keep in mind the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine sits on a steep downhill, so
hitting the other attractions first may be in your best interest.
Conclusion
Another great experience at a Kamakura shrine. Going to shrines had actually become a bit
boring for me on my first trip to Japan, but now after actually doing research and going to these
shrines with a purpose in mind, I have learned to appreciate these shrines and their rituals even
further. Again, if you are in Kamakura, I would highly advise stopping by this shrine and other
intriguing places in the area.
Additional Resources
Introduction and guide: https://travel.gaijinpot.com/zeniarai-benten-shrine/
Trail and surrounding area information:
https://kamakura-hiking.com/en/kuzuharaoka-・daibutsu/
Daibutsu trail guide:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=C_gBlhUysz4