Japan is renowned for its beautiful must-visit shrines. Spiritual places that have attracted both locals and tourists for centuries. Shrines in Japan, or jinja (神社), are not just places of worship; they serve as portals to connect with the divine and invite blessings, particularly in areas such as health, family, love, and even financial success.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a shrine visit entails, introduce you to some of the most powerful shrines for financial prosperity, and provide a step-by-step guide to Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine in Kamakura—one of Japan’s most famous spots for attracting good fortune and wealth.
What are Shrines?
Shrines serve as sacred places where kami (deities) reside and play a central role in Shintoism, Japan’s native spirituality. Check out our article on Shintoism here. Often nestled in nature, shrines sit amid serene pathways and lush greenery, inviting visitors to step into a peaceful, spiritual world.
For the Japanese, visiting a shrine isn’t only about praying; it’s about aligning oneself with nature, reflecting on life, and showing respect for the kami. Shrines dedicated to financial prosperity are particularly popular among those seeking success in business and personal wealth.
Why Visit Shrines for Prosperity?
In Japanese culture, visiting shrines is deeply tied to important life events—New Year’s celebrations, business launches, and other auspicious occasions. Many shrines enshrine specific deities associated with fortune and success, making them perfect places to visit if you’re hoping to enhance your own prosperity. This practice is more than just tourism; it’s a culturally meaningful way to invite blessings and align with spiritual forces believed to bring good fortune.
Key Elements of a Shrine Visit
Torii Gate
At the entrance to most shrines, you’ll find a torii gate, a traditional Japanese structure symbolizing the transition from the ordinary world to the sacred space. When passing through, walk on either side of the pathway to show respect, as the center is considered the path for the kami.
Purification Fountain (Temizuya)
Next, approach the temizuya (purification fountain) to cleanse your hands and mouth. This practice, known as temizu, is a way of purifying yourself before meeting the kami.
- Take the ladle in your right hand and pour water over your left hand.
- Switch hands and pour water over your right hand.
- Pour water into your left hand, rinse your mouth, and spit beside the fountain (never back into it).
- Finally, rinse the ladle and place it back.
Main Hall (Honden) and Offering Box
The main hall is where visitors pray and make offerings. Toss a coin—5-yen coins are considered lucky—into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, and bow once more. As you clap, make a sincere wish or pray for your desired blessings.
Must-Visit Shrines in Japan for Financial Prosperity
Many shrines across Japan are famous for bestowing blessings related to wealth and success. Here are some must-visit shrines in Japan may want to add to your list:
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto)
With its striking red torii gates, this shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, business, and prosperity. It’s a popular destination for business owners seeking success.
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (Osaka)
Dedicated to Ebisu, the deity of good fortune, this shrine is a favorite among entrepreneurs and merchants.
Kanda Myojin Shrine (Tokyo)
In the heart of Tokyo, this shrine is popular among tech professionals and business people for financial protection and growth.
Nishinomiya Shrine (Hyogo)
Another shrine dedicated to Ebisu, it’s famous for its annual Ebisu Festival and blessings for commercial success.
Discover the Secrets of Wealth at Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine in Kamakura
One of the most visited shrines for financial blessings in Japan is Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine in Kamakura. Here, visitors come from far and wide to wash their money in the sacred spring water, hoping to amplify their fortune, bring success to their family, and achieve business growth.
A Historical Shrine for Good Fortune
Zeniarai Benzaiten was established in 1185 after Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Shogun of Japan, received a divine message from Uga-no-Kami, a deity of prosperity. In his dream, Yoritomo was told that by offering prayers using the sacred water of this land, he would bring peace to the nation. Guided by the dream, Yoritomo enshrined Uga-no-Kami at this sacred spring.
In 1257, Hojo Tokiyori, a powerful figure in Japan at the time, visited the spring and began the ritual of washing coins, marking the beginning of Zeniarai Benzaiten’s tradition of money-washing. This ritual remains popular to this day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Money-Washing for Good Fortune
To fully experience the blessings at Zeniarai Benzaiten, follow these steps:
Firstly Purchase Incense and Candles at the Shrine Office. After passing through the stone tunnel and torii gate, cleanse your hands at the purification fountain. Head to the shrine office to purchase a set of incense and candles for 100 yen. You’ll also receive a basket for washing your money in the spring.
Then Pray at the Main Shrine. Light your candle from the communal flame and place it at the offering stand. Light the incense, allowing the smoke to cleanse you spiritually, and offer it at the incense stand. Then, pray at the main shrine.
Then Visit the Inner Shrine (Okumiya). Enter the cave that houses the Inner Shrine. Proceed to the sacred spring located deeper inside the cave.
Then Cleanse Money in the Sacred Spring. Place your money in the basket and use a ladle to pour three scoops of water over it. Just a light sprinkle over the money’s edges is sufficient—there’s no need to drench it entirely.
Lastly Dry and Return the Basket. Gently dry the washed money with a handkerchief, return the basket to its designated spot, and place the money back in your wallet. Some people keep the washed money as a good luck charm, while others believe that spending it helps circulate the blessings and return prosperity to them.
Additional Power Spots Around Zeniarai Benzaiten
If you’re visiting Zeniarai Benzaiten, consider exploring nearby power spots to further enhance your experience:
- Shichifukujin Shrine: Dedicated to the Seven Lucky Gods, this shrine is ideal for those seeking business success. We have an article on the Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage.
- Shimo-no-Mizu Jingu: Across a red bridge, this shrine honors Mizuhame-no-Kami, a guardian deity of Zeniarai’s sacred spring.
- Kami-no-Mizu Jingu: Further up, this shrine has a unique charm nestled against the rock face and is also dedicated to Mizuhame-no-Kami.
Unique Trivia and Travel Tips
Zeniarai Benzaiten has a few unique historical quirks to know before you go:
- The Original Pathway: The shrine was once accessed through a route from Sasuke Inari Shrine. Today, the stone tunnel allows for easier access.
- Getting There: To reach Zeniarai Benzaiten from Kamakura Station, take the west exit and follow signposts that lead you up a short path to the shrine’s entrance marked by a stone torii gate.
Special Prayers for Financial Prosperity
At Zeniarai Benzaiten and other shrines, you can find omamori (amulets) and ema (wooden plaques) for business and wealth blessings. Feel free to write your wishes on an ema and leave it at the shrine to entrust your aspirations to the kami.
Final Tips for a Meaningful Shrine Visit
- Timing: Early mornings are quieter, allowing for a more reflective experience.
- Respect and Courtesy: Follow the pathway etiquette and remain respectful and quiet.
- Gratitude: End your visit with a moment of thanks, appreciating the shrine’s blessings and its peaceful environment.
A visit to some of the must-visit shrines in Japan offers a chance to connect with the spirit of Japan’s rich culture. Embrace the peaceful atmosphere, understand the customs, and let these sacred places bring prosperity and positivity into your life.
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