Zeniarai Benten

Zeniarai Benten Shrine (銭洗弁天) is a distinctive and historic shrine located in the western part of Kamakura, known for its unique tradition where visitors wash their money in a sacred spring, believing it will double. The shrine was established by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate, after he experienced a dream in which a god urged him to build a shrine for peace. The shrine is dedicated to Benten, a Buddhist goddess associated with snakes, as the dream occurred on a snake day, in a snake month, and during a snake year, linking the goddess to the symbolism of the serpent.

Zeniarai Benten Shrine is a rare and remarkable example of the fusion of Buddhism and Shinto, having survived the separation policies of the Meiji Restoration when many other shrines lost their Buddhist elements. The shrine’s preservation of this unique blend makes it a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Kamakura. Visitors can explore its serene surroundings, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take part in the centuries-old ritual of money washing, which continues to attract people seeking both good fortune and a deeper connection to Kamakura's rich religious heritage.