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Located on Enoshima Island in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, this shrine has a distinctive form of worship that blends the three Munakata goddesses with devotion to Benzaiten. Known for blessings in love and relationships and for good fortune with money, it is one of Japan's three great Benzaiten shrines and a power spot visited by worshippers from across the country.
Shrine Info
- Enshrined Deity
- Tagirihime no Mikoto; Ichikishimahime no Mikoto; Tagitsuhime no Mikoto (the three Munakata goddesses)
- Founded
- Said to date from Kinmei 13 (552)
- Annual Festival
- Hatsumi-sai (first Snake day of April)
History & Origins
It is said to have been founded in 552 (the 13th year of Emperor Kinmei's reign). In the Kamakura period, Mongaku invited the deity of Benzaiten here on the orders of Minamoto no Yoritomo, and the shrine drew the devotion of the samurai class as well. In the Edo period, the faith spread widely among ordinary people, and the island flourished as a famous place for Benzaiten pilgrimages.
Highlights
The standard visit is the 'Sansha-mode', worshipping at all three shrines: Hetsunomiya, Nakatsunomiya and Okutsunomiya. Okutsunomiya has a painting of a ceiling dragon in a tortoise-shell pattern. The Enoshima Iwaya caves are natural caverns with a mysterious atmosphere. The view from the Enoshima Sea Candle is also popular.
Visitor Guide
It is about a 15-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line or Enoshima Station on the Enoden. Head to the shrine through the Benten Nakamise shopping street on the approach. Allow about 2-3 hours.
Best Season
In spring, the cherry blossoms and views of the sea are beautiful, and in summer the island is lively with beachgoers. On clear winter days the view of the island with Mt. Fuji behind it is exceptional, and it is also a popular spot for the first sunrise of the year.
Annual Events
- April
Hatsumi Sai (First Snake Day Festival, Reitaisai)
A grand annual festival held on the first Day of the Snake in April. The Day of the Snake is regarded as the festival day of Benzaiten, and many worshippers visit to pray for wealth and good relationships.
- October
Hatsui Sai (First Boar Day Festival)
A festival held on the first Day of the Boar in October.
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