Ninjadera (Ninja Temple)

Myoryuji Temple (妙立寺, Myōryūji), also known as Ninja Temple, is one of Kanazawa's most intriguing historical sites. Built during the Edo Period by the Maeda lords, it was designed as a secret military outpost rather than a typical temple. Due to strict building regulations imposed by the shogunate, the architecture was ingeniously crafted to include hidden defenses, creating an air of mystery. The temple is renowned for its deceptive structures, including concealed escape routes, secret rooms, and cleverly disguised traps designed to outsmart potential invaders.

The temple’s design features a labyrinth of corridors, trick staircases, and hidden tunnels, all of which once allowed defenders to quickly respond to threats and warn the nearby Kanazawa Castle. Guided tours, conducted in Japanese, take visitors through these fascinating features, while English guidebooks offer additional context. Myoryuji Temple provides a rare look at the strategic ingenuity of the past, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in history, architecture, and the hidden stories of Japan’s feudal era.