Money laundering isn’t illegal and even gives you a hundredfold return? A golden torii gate stands in front of Japan’s wealth-seeking shrine

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Money laundering isn’t illegal? You read that right—it really isn’t illegal. In Japan, there are two shrines that not only help worshippers attract wealth, but it’s said that “money laundering” will result in your wealth being returned a hundredfold in the future.

▲ Kamakura: The “Sensui Benzaiten” Shrine where it’s said that washing money brings a hundredfold return. (Photo / from Wikimedia Commons, the same below)

There are many shrines and temples in Kamakura, but here is one where you can openly “launder money.” The “Sensui Benzaiten” Shrine, whose official name is “Ugafuku Shrine,” is located near Kamakura Station. Its spring water is one of Kamakura’s Five Famous Waters. Legend has it that Minamoto no Yoritomo, the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate, dreamed of an old man who told him that if he went to what is now the Sensui Benzaiten Shrine, he would find sacred water. Upon waking, Yoritomo went there and indeed discovered the spring, so he established a shrine on the site.

The location of “Ugafuku Shrine” is rather hidden—you need to pass through a tunnel-like cave to reach it. Rent a bamboo basket from the shrine office, light incense, place the incense in the burner, then proceed to worship. After worshipping, you can go to the “Okumiya” (inner shrine) next to the main shrine to wash your money—both bills and coins are allowed. Be aware that the washed money must not be dried using fire or similar methods, as this will nullify the effect of the laundering. Additionally, the washed money should be spent on something meaningful in order to attract a hundredfold increase in fortune.

“Sensui Benzaiten Ugafuku” Shrine

Address:2-25-16 Sasaki, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Transportation:About a 20-minute walk from the west exit of JR Kamakura Station following the signs
Opening Hours:8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

▲ Kyoto: The “Mikane Shrine” with a golden torii gate

Located near Nijo Castle, the “Mikane Shrine” may not be large in area but has a strikingly shiny entrance. Not only does its name sound wealthy, but its golden torii gate is truly one of a kind. Originally, this shrine’s torii gate was made of wood like others, but after being damaged by a typhoon in a certain year, it was replaced with iron and, with sponsorship from a local gold leaf shop, covered in gold leaf—thus, the unique “golden torii gate” now stands in a corner of Kyoto.

In addition to allowing money laundering just like the “Ugafuku Shrine,” the Mikane Shrine is especially unique because it is an unmanned shrine with no clergy on-site. Therefore, to purchase anything, you simply drop money into the box on the table. Also, the ginkgo-leaf-shaped ema (votive plaques) are another distinctive feature of the Mikane Shrine.

“Mikane Shrine”

Location:618 Oshi-Nishidoincho, Nishidoin, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City
Transportation:Get off at “Nijo Station” on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line and walk about 5 minutes
Opening Hours:Open all day

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