Purify your money in the spring water deep within a cave and pray for prosperity
About this spot
One of Kamakura's most powerful spiritual spots, where legend has it that washing money in the clear water that springs from a rock cave deep within the grounds will multiply it many times over when it returns. Passing through a small tunnel at the shrine entrance and continuing onward, you'll encounter a unique landscape where a cave-like inner shrine has spring water bubbling up, with the sight of visitors placing small coins in baskets and washing them being particularly striking. The mountain-side air surrounded by greenery is refreshingly cool, perfect for taking a break from the scorching heat of mid-summer. It's an experiential spot where you and your child can enjoy making wishes together while washing money.
Season & hours
Name: ぼんぼり祭
Date & time: 8/6 (Thu)–8/9 (Sun) 18:00–21:00
Venue: 鎌倉市・鶴岡八幡宮
鎌倉幕府ゆかりの古社・鶴岡八幡宮で、毎年8月6日から9日までの4日間行われる「ぼんぼり祭」。境内から参道の段葛にかけて、著名な文化人や芸術家が思い思いに絵付けした雪洞(ぼんぼり)が数多く立ち並び、日没とともにひとつずつ灯がともされます。柔らかな灯りに照らされた社殿や大石段は昼間とはまったく違う幻想的な表情を見せ、9月中旬の例大祭に向けた夏の締めくくりにふさわしい風情です。浴衣姿で夜の境内を歩けば、鎌倉の夏の思い出にぴったりの1枚が撮れるはずです。
Tips
夜間は境内や参道が大変混雑するため、ベビーカーは人の少ない時間帯や端の通路を選ぶと安心です。舞殿や本殿周辺は特に人が集まるので、はぐれないよう待ち合わせ場所を決めておきましょう。閉門時間や雪洞の点灯時間は年により変わることがあるため、当日の掲示で確認を。帰りは鎌倉駅方面が混み合うため、時間に余裕を持って移動しましょう。
Tips
About a 20-minute walk from the Great Buddha over a mountain trail (wear comfortable walking shoes as there are slopes and stairs). It's said that you should keep the money you wash without spending it. Baskets and incense can be purchased within the shrine grounds.
Best time to visit
About 45 minutes. The mountain-side shade provides relief from the summer sun.
Access & map
2-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0017
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Bonbori Festival Full-Day Enjoy Course
Kanagawa
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