Religious site
Myōryū-ji
Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Myōryū-ji, popularly called the Ninja Temple, is a fascinating Buddhist temple in Kanazawa that dates back to the Edo period. Despite its name, it has no direct connection to ninjas; rather, it was designed with defensive features to protect its inhabitants during turbulent times. The temple is a labyrinth of hidden rooms, trapdoors, secret staircases, and escape tunnels, all cleverly concealed within its architecture. Guided tours reveal these ingenious features, offering a glimpse into the strategic thinking of the samurai era. The experience is both intriguing and educational, highlighting a unique aspect of Japanese history.
Don't miss
- Guided tour revealing hidden trapdoors and secret passages
- Observation room with a concealed escape tunnel
- Cleverly designed architecture with defensive features
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Myōryū-ji
You can visit Myōryū-ji on your own. A guide is worth it for the history and detail that is easy to walk past, and a tour can combine it with nearby sights.
Cheapest way inKenrokuen Garden & Kanazawa Castle Walking Tour4.9★ · 28 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$23 per personSee dates →
Most bookedWorld Heritage Shirakawa-go Perfect Guided Tour from Kanazawa4.9★ · 725 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$77 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleExplore Kanazawa Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide5★ · 120 travelers4-5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$142 per personSee dates →Getting there
More attractions in Kanazawa