Hydrangeas at Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine (銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社)

Discovering Hydrangeas at Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine (銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社)

Just a 20-minute walk northwest of Kamakura Station through quiet neighborhoods and uphill paths lies Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine (銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社), a sacred site famed for bringing financial luck. Lesser known, however, is that this peaceful shrine also hosts a quiet display of hydrangeas during early summer. Though the number of blossoms is modest, the harmonious combination of torii gates, guardian lion-dogs, and a small waterfall offers a deeply moving, tranquil scene.

Unlike the bustling hydrangea temples like Meigetsuin (明月院) or Hasedera (長谷寺), this shrine offers a uniquely Kamakura moment—where stillness, atmosphere, and nature coalesce.

Best Time to Visit: When Do the Hydrangeas Bloom?

In line with the rest of Kamakura, hydrangeas at the shrine typically bloom from mid to late June. The moist air of the rainy season and the coolness of early mornings enhance the deep blues and purples of the petals. The shrine opens at 8:00 AM, and right after opening is the best time to visit. With very few visitors around, you can fully immerse yourself in the shrine’s serene, contemplative atmosphere.

For those looking to savor the beauty of each flower in peace, weekday mornings are particularly recommended.

Scenic Highlights and Photogenic Corners

For photography lovers, the shrine is full of understated charm. Hydrangeas blooming beside stone torii gates, quietly placed near komainu (狛犬)—stone guardian dogs—and a single blossom before the shrine’s modest waterfall, create poetic, almost meditative compositions.

A particularly beautiful spot is around the Shimo-no-Mizu Shrine (下之水神宮), where the sound of flowing spring water, mossy stone steps, and delicately blooming hydrangeas weave together like a scene from a painted scroll.

Embracing Tranquility with Morning Air

Step into the wooded grounds just after the shrine opens at 8:00 AM, and you’ll be welcomed by the scent of damp moss and trees in the crisp morning air. The gentle sounds of water and birdsong dominate, creating a silence that makes time feel suspended. In this quiet, the hydrangeas reveal a deeper beauty—one that resonates with the soul.

If you’re staying at Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス), we recommend getting up a little early to enjoy this moment. After a light breakfast made in your private kitchen, you can head out before the crowds arrive and savor the calm of the shrine in its purest form. With plenty of time left before check-out, there’s no rush—just the pleasure of a slow morning.

How to Get There from Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス)

Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine (銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社) is within walking distance from any of the Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス) properties. While there are some gentle slopes along the way, the peaceful residential areas and greenery make the stroll truly pleasant.

You can even turn it into a hydrangea-themed walking course by including Genjiyama Park (源氏山公園) and Kuzuharaoka Shrine (葛原岡神社), both of which are nearby and also known for seasonal flowers. Avoid the crowds and enjoy a private slice of Kamakura’s morning charm.

Conclusion: Seasonal Flowers and a Kamakura Stay that Feels Like Home

The hydrangeas at Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku Shrine (銭洗弁財天宇賀福神社) may be few, but each one carries an impressive presence. Their appeal lies not in extravagance but in their quiet harmony with the natural surroundings.

By staying at Tosh’s Place (トシズプレイス), you can fully embrace these tranquil moments. It’s an experience that goes beyond sightseeing—offering you the feeling of truly living in Kamakura, if only for a short time.

Toshi’s Evaluation(May 2025)

Evaluation Criteria	Score	Reason
Scenery	6	The combination of torii gates, caves, and hydrangeas gives off a uniquely Kamakura-like atmosphere, but the number and scale of the hydrangeas are modest. Compared to other famous hydrangea spots, it’s less impressive in photos and lacks impact.
Accessibility	6	It’s about a 20-minute walk from Kamakura Station, with slopes and tunnels along the way, making access somewhat inconvenient. Buses are available but infrequent, and signage is average.
Historical Value	10	With legends tying it to Minamoto no Yoritomo and the unique tradition of “money washing,” this shrine is historically significant and widely known. Its cultural value is extremely high.
Comfort	6	The grounds are narrow and easily crowded. There are few rest areas or benches, and limited accessibility features. Comfort drops significantly during peak times.
Reviews	7	Google Maps ratings are around 4.4, and TripAdvisor around 4.5, indicating generally high satisfaction. However, reviews from hydrangea-focused visitors often mention the small scale and prefer other spots.

Overall Score: 35

The hydrangeas at Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine (銭洗弁天) stand out due to the historical shrine atmosphere and its spiritual appeal. While the scale and vibrancy of the flowers are modest, making it less ideal for those seeking to enjoy hydrangeas alone, the site is recommended for visitors looking for a deeply “Kamakura-like experience” blending history, culture, and mystique.