CityBuddy
Zeniarai Benten Shrine
Best time to visit
Early morning visits avoid crowds and catch the soft natural light filtering into the cave, enhancing the mystical feel. Spring and autumn provide comfortable weather to explore the shrine grounds.
Budget tips
Free entry makes this shrine an easy stop for any budget traveler. Combine the visit with nearby temples to save on transport with a day pass.
Recommended for
Spiritual seekers, Culture enthusiasts, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
30-45 min
About
Quick facts: A unique charm lies in its ritual where visitors wash their money in a sacred spring, believed to multiply wealth. Nestled in a cool cave, the shrine offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat of Kamakura.
Highlights: The spring water flows through a stone basin within a moss-covered cave, creating a mystical atmosphere. Locals treasure the ritual of cleansing coins here, which supposedly brings financial fortune, making it a lively blend of spirituality and superstition.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes; the path includes stone steps and natural terrains.
- Bring a small towel to dry your money after rinsing.
- Visit early on weekdays to enjoy peaceful surroundings and better photo opportunities.
- Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter experience without school groups and tourists.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Kamakura, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
