Situated in Kanagawa prefecture, just 100 minutes out of Tokyo, is Kamakura. To reach Kamakura from Tokyo, take a train from Shinjuku station to Fujisawa station, and then catch the local ’Enoden’ train to Kamakura station. To reach Zeniarai Benten Shrine, you will need to walk approximately 20 minutes.

Zeniarai is a unique and popular shrine famous for the tradition of coin and money washing. Zeniarai means coin washing in Japanese. Many people come here to pray for good fortune and to wash their money, which is said will double if washed in the Shrine’s spring. The Shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Benten or Benzaiten as she is also known. She is the Goddess of wealth, music and good fortune. One if the most unique and stunning features of this shrine is that part of it is nestled within a cave surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the greenery in Kamakura.

Visitors can wash their money by placing their coins and cash into one of the provided bamboo baskets, and then rinsing it in the spring water. Ladles are provided to make it easier. In return, you should offer a prayer for the shrine and Goddess. The shrine was founded back in the 12th Century, and is a perfect example of the combination of both Buddhist and Shinto practice side by side. As you enter the shrine, you will be greeted by a stone tunnel carved into the hillside which you walk through to reach the main shrine complex.

Want to Experience the Beauty of Kamakura for Yourself?

1 Day Tour

1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Period	All Year Round
Time	08:00 – 19:10
Meeting Place	Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins
Adult Rate	¥19,800
Child Rate	¥13,000