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Myouryuji
Attraction
4.2 (3314 reviews)
1-chōme-2-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 921-8031, Japan
+81 76-241-0888
Did You Know?
Hidden Temple
Myouryuji is famously known as the 'Ninja Temple' (Ninja-dera), not because real ninjas lived there, but due to its ingenious hidden defenses and escape routes designed to protect its occupants.
Story Illusion
While appearing to be a two-story building from the outside, Myouryuji is actually a complex four-story structure with seven different levels due to its cleverly concealed floors and mezzanines.
Trap Count
The temple is riddled with 29 different traps, secret passages, and hidden rooms, including pitfall traps, revolving doors, and secret staircases, all designed for defense.
Strategic Design
Built during a politically turbulent era, the temple's elaborate design served as a covert fortress for the Maeda clan, allowing them to detect intruders, defend against attacks, and provide escape routes for their lord.
Highlights from Reviews
• Ingenious architecture
The temple is filled with fascinating hidden passages, trap doors, secret rooms, and clever defensive designs, showcasing remarkable engineering.
• English guidebooks available
Despite Japanese-only tours, comprehensive English guidebooks are provided, allowing visitors to follow along with the explanations.
• Unique experience
It offers a distinct and memorable adventure, revealing historical defensive architecture unlike common temple visits.
• Historical insights
The tour provides a deep dive into the history and ingenuity behind the temple's construction and defensive strategies.
• Walk-ins accepted
While reservations are recommended, many visitors successfully join tours as walk-ins, often with short waiting times.
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