Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine is Kamakura's best loved good luck stop. Hidden in a narrow valley west of the station, it is reached by a short tunnel cut into the rock, which opens into a small, shaded cave courtyard of torii gates and lanterns. Tradition says the shrine was founded after the first shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, dreamed of a spring that would bring peace, and today the spring is the draw. Visitors buy a small basket at the shrine office, place coins or notes in it and wash them in the spring water at the rear of the cave, then keep the money to bring prosperity. Incense is sold with the baskets, and a number of smaller shrines and torii gates line the path. Entry to the shrine itself is free, and the basket and incense cost only a small amount.
The atmosphere is unusual. Even on crowded days the tunnel and the cave have a hush, and the water has a cool, mossy smell. Dry your money afterwards with a cloth, or let it air at home. Many visitors wash coins, but notes are common too. Some visitors time their trip for snake days, which come around every twelve days, though people come every day. There are rest benches and a small shop.
The shrine is about a twenty-five minute walk from the west exit of Kamakura Station, mostly uphill through residential streets, or a short bus and walk. The path continues on to the Genjiyama hiking trail and the Great Buddha, which makes a satisfying route to Hase if you are willing to climb. The shrine is small, so allow forty-five minutes. Opening hours are during the day, so go in the morning and avoid the end of the afternoon.
Respect the shrine's customs by greeting the guardian figures and keeping quiet. Wear sensible shoes, because the path is steep and slippery after rain. Children usually enjoy the novelty of washing money. It is a good counterpoint to the large temples, because it is a small, folk-religion site rather than a monastery. Combine it with the Great Buddha hiking route for a morning of woods, shrine and sea views.
What to expect
The experience
A short walk through a rock tunnel into a cave shrine, where you wash coins in the spring.
Best time
Mornings, when the path is quiet and the light is gentle.
How long
About forty-five minutes.
Tips
Buy a basket and incense at the shrine office, bring a small cloth for drying money and wear shoes with grip.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious visitors and families who like a small ritual.
- Families
- Children love washing money, though the path is steep.
- Couples
- Make a wish together and then walk the ridge trail to the Great Buddha.
- Pair with
- The Genjiyama hiking trail, the Great Buddha and Hase-dera.
- Time needed
- About an hour including the walk.
Good questions
Is Zeniarai Benten free?+
Entering the shrine is free. You pay a small amount for the basket and incense used in the money-washing ritual.
How do I wash the money?+
Place coins or notes in the basket, dip them in the spring water at the back of the cave, then dry them and keep them.
How far is it from Kamakura Station?+
About twenty-five minutes on foot from the west exit, mostly uphill, or a short bus ride and walk.
Is it a good place for children?+
Yes, children usually enjoy the tunnel and the ritual, but the path is steep and slippery when wet.
Can I walk on to the Great Buddha?+
Yes. A hiking path leads over the ridge towards the Great Buddha, which takes roughly an hour.
