Washing Money in Kamakura, Japan

Ritual washing of money in sacred spring at Zeniarai Benten Shrine in Kamkura, Japan. The shrine dates back to the 12th century. It was not until 1257, however, that the unique coin-washing practice started. Tokiyori Hojo (1227-1263), then the Fifth Regent, visited the Shrine one day and washed his coins with spring water, saying that coins washed here might be doubled. Hearing this, people began to wash their coins, and since then coin-washing practice has been honored by many people in the hope that they would get rich.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Kamakura
• Japan
• shinto
• Zeniarai
• Benten
• Shrine
• zen
• tokyo
• money
• yen