Hakujya Benzaiten

Founded in 1522, this shrine has long been revered as a deity of wealth and financial fortune, attracting worshippers from across Japan who come seeking its blessings.

Beneath the main hall, which enshrines the seated statue of “Happi Benzaiten,” the guardian deity of water, springs forth the “Kinun Zeniarai no Taki” waterfall. The belief that washing money in this sacred water will increase one’s fortune has been passed down to the present day. The sacred water is also known as spiritual water for healing illness, and there is also a tradition that drinking it every morning when sick will help bring recovery.

The shrine grounds also enshrine Sugawara no Michizane, the guardian deity of learning, where visitors pray for academic improvement, success in entrance exams, and even overcoming school refusal.

Lucky items available here include good luck and protection charms with snake motifs, as well as kumade rakes for prosperous business. Among them, the “Wish Lantern,” on which visitors write wishes such as rising financial luck or good health and float it on the “Hakujya Benzaiten Pond” during the Nagoshi Festival on July 31, is one of the shrine’s traditional sacred rituals. Experience these sacred auspicious items and uplift your daily fortune.