Zeniarai Benten, Kamakura
Altar at Zeniarai-Benten Shrine in Kamakura. Photo
adlaw.
Washing money at Zeniarai Benten Shrine. Photo
Amy Nakazawa.
Water basin at Zeniarai-Benten Shrine in Kamakura. Photo
adlaw.
Location map and aerial view of Zeniarai Benten. For a larger interactive view, see our Kamakura Map.
The Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a bit more out of the way than the other Kamakura temples and shrines, but could be worth the trip in more ways than one! According to traditional belief, if you wash your money in spring water in a small cave on the shrine grounds, it will double or triple itself later on. (Zeniarai means "coin washing.")
Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura government, ordered the shrine's construction in the 12th century after a god appeared in a dream and recommended the shrine to bring peace to the country. It was dedicated to the Shinto goddess of good fortune.
Because the dream occurred on the day of the snake in the month of the snake of the year of the snake (in the Asian zodiac), the shrine was later also dedicated to Benten, a Buddhist goddess associated with snakes. The shrine is especially popular (and effective) on the day of the snake.
Zeniarai Benten is a rare surviving example of the fusion between Shinto and Buddhism, which was virtually eradicated under the Meiji government for nationalistic reasons.
Getting There
Zeniarai Benten is a 20-minute walk west of Kamakura Station in Kamakura. The shrine is next to the hiking trail which connects North Kamakura with the Great Buddha.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Zeniarai Benten |
| Dedicated to: | Benten |
| Location: | Kamakura, Kanto, Japan |
| Category: | Shinto Shrines |
| Faith: | Shinto |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 35.325653° N, 139.542224° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Phone: | 0467/25-1081 |
| Hours: | Daily 8am to 5pm |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources for Kamakura
- Kamakura Map - our detailed interactive map of Kamakura, plus hand-picked links to more
- Kamakura Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Kamakura
- Kamakura Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Kamakura Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Kamakura
- Kamakura Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Kamakura Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Kamakura tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Frommer's Tokyo, 8th ed.
- Tsurugoaka Hachimangu - Japan-Guide.com
More Information
- Kamakura Tourism - TripAdvisor
- Kamakura - Japan-Guide.com
Article last updated: 10/04/2009.
