Off the beaten path in Kamakura: Trail running to Zeniarai Benten Shrine

When I lived in Kita-Kamakura, one of my favorite weekend escapes was hitting the trails that wind through the hills and temples of Kamakura. There’s something special about trail running here, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the sudden hush as you enter a cedar grove, and the occasional glimpse of a temple roof peeking through the trees.

One route I loved led to Zeniarai Benten Shrine (銭洗弁天), a hidden gem tucked inside a cave-like opening. The legend says washing your coins in the shrine’s spring will multiply your wealth, a little superstition that adds charm to the run.

After a steady climb through forest paths, ducking into that tunnel felt like stepping into another world: incense curling in the air, water trickling over smooth stones, and the quiet hum of prayers.

A bit of history: Zeniarai Benten was founded in 1185 by Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate. According to legend, he had a divine vision instructing him to build the shrine and wash coins in its sacred spring to bring prosperity. Over 800 years later, people still come to rinse their yen and wish for good fortune.

What made this run special was going off the beaten track, away from the crowds at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine or the Great Buddha, into quiet trails where moss-covered stones and whispering bamboo lead you to a shrine hidden in the hills.

As you know, sometimes the best discoveries happen when you take the less-traveled path.

If you ever visit Kamakura, bring your running shoes (or hiking boots) and explore beyond the main streets. The trails will lead you to places like Zeniarai Benten, where history and nature meet in the most unexpected ways.

And who knows, doing something a little superstitious might just leave you with some extra cash in your wallet. 😉