Why is Myoryuji Temple referred to as the "Ninja Temple"?

Despite not being an actual ninja training ground, Myoryuji Temple is nicknamed the "Ninja Temple" due to its complex design with hidden rooms, secret passages, and defensive features that resemble ninja tricks and traps.

What are some of the unique architectural features of Myoryuji Temple?

The temple includes hidden staircases, secret rooms, escape routes, and concealed observation posts, all designed to protect the inhabitants during times of unrest.

Are reservations required to visit Myoryuji Temple?

Reservations are highly recommended due to the limited size of tour groups and the popularity of the temple.

Can visitors take photographs inside Myoryuji Temple?

Photography is typically restricted inside the temple to preserve the privacy and integrity of its unique features.

What is the best time of year to visit Myoryuji Temple?

The temple is fascinating year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding area.

Kanazawa

Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple)

4.2 (4613)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 2, 2026

Myoryuji Temple, commonly known as the Ninja Temple, is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Teramachi district of Kanazawa, Japan. Built in 1643 by the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period, this temple served a dual purpose as both a place of worship and a strategic military defense post. Despite its popular nickname, the temple has no actual connection to ninjas, but earned this moniker due to its elaborate defensive features and hidden architecture designed to protect the ruling family from potential attacks.

The temple's significance lies in its extraordinary architectural ingenuity, featuring an astonishing array of hidden passages, trap doors, concealed tunnels, and secret rooms spread across 23 rooms and 29 staircases. The structure appears to be only two stories from the outside but actually contains seven levels within its complex interior. The building was designed with numerous defensive mechanisms including hidden escape routes, watchtowers disguised as tea rooms, and an underground tunnel that allegedly connected to Kanazawa Castle. These features reflect the paranoid political climate of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate restricted castle construction, forcing lords to incorporate defensive elements into religious buildings instead.

Visitors to Myoryuji can only explore the temple through mandatory guided tours that last approximately 40 minutes and are conducted in Japanese, though English audio guides and pamphlets are available. The tour reveals the temple's ingenious construction, including a well room with a hidden escape ladder, rotating walls, maze-like corridors designed to confuse intruders, and lookout points offering views of approaching threats. Reservations are essential and must be made in advance, either online or by phone, as walk-in visitors are rarely accommodated due to limited tour capacity.

The temple is located in central Kanazawa, approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kanazawa Station or a short bus ride to nearby stops. Admission costs ¥1,000 per person, and photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. Children under six years old are not permitted on tours due to safety concerns regarding the temple's steep staircases and narrow passages.

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Phone

+81 76-241-0888

Website

www.myouryuji.or.jp

Overview

Address

1-chōme-2-12 Nomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 921-8031, Japan

Places & attractions near Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple)

A modern white building with a large flat roof sits surrounded by a reflective pool of water, with green trees and blue sky with scattered clouds in the background.

D.T. Suzuki Museum

A white sphere stands in front of curved panels in yellow, orange, and pink, creating colorful reflections in an outdoor park with trees, grass, and modern buildings under a blue sky with clouds.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Two women in traditional Japanese kimonos walk side by side down a stone path, bordered by yellow walls and wooden buildings, with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Nagamachi Samurai District

A traditional Japanese wooden house with a tiled roof is surrounded by lush greenery and a blooming pink tree. A stone pathway curves in front of the house, and a signpost stands near the entrance.

Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum

Places & attractions near Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple)

D.T. Suzuki Museum

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Nagamachi Samurai District

Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

What a fantastic experience. Was out off by the Japanese only tour guides & the no phones for translating policy. However this was so much better than expected. There was a detailed English language guidebook. The tour guide directed us to the correct pages so we could follow along. Totally worth it. Excellent experience.

Tim Ferguson

Jul 9, 2026

Exceeded my expectations. If youre into history, engineering, mystery, and trickery this spot is for you. You have to read the booklet as you go bc tour only in Japanese but that adds to the novelty. Was so fun to imagine all of the ingenious defenses used in action. P.s. we walked out the backside and to the left. (Opposite the pathway with the messages written on the wood hanging on the wall) and strolled into a cemetery which was such a surprising find. So much wonder to experience in this magical country.

This was a great tour, very interesting and sensitively led, with an English-language folder to follow the Japanese-speaking guide. Our ryokan host helped book over the phone for the same day. The temple is full of clever design features and interesting quirks. I thought maybe a so-called 'ninja' temple tour might be a bit naff, but it was actually fascinating! No photos are permitted inside

A small and out of the way temple that is worth the trip. It is a beautiful temple, well preserved.. but being a temple is not open all the time. It feels peaceful and personal. Not a lots of tourists therefore quiet. Honestly a great temple to visit.

Temple allows walk-ins, you can pay by card and tours start every hour (or it seems like it). You cannot take any pictures inside, tour guide talks in japanese but you can get english bider to read from. For as much as we understood - binder info and tiur guides info match :) Tour is interesting, worth visiting. Cute souvenirs in the shop next to it.