Often referred to as ‘Ninjadera’ or the ‘Ninja Temple’, Myoryuji is a fascinating example of a historical building with lots of hidden secrets. Ostensibly a temple, Myoryuji was also designed as a look-out for enemies approaching Kanazawa. Located the Teramachi District of Kanazawa, the area is home to many important temples but the Ninja Temple can lay claim to being the most interesting. Hidden tunnels, secret rooms, corridors and staircases reveal that Myoryuji was in reality a military outpost, disguised and designed so that samurai could move to and from it, unseen by the enemy. The entire district was originally built as a way to create a massive fortress of temples in order to possibly block incoming invasions from the south. This temple was the epitome of strategic defensive construction that characterized the ruling Maeda lords during the 1600s.

The temple can only be entered on a guided group tour. Tours are arranged at the temple with reservations required on busy days. Tours are only conducted in Japanese however non-Japanese speakers can make use of good English language guidebooks to join in. These are given to guests as they before starting the tour so it is easier to understand the explanations. Although, the building does speak for itself and as you see the amazing building techniques your reaction will mostly likely be audible. This is a must see if you have time and are able to get a reservation.

Kanazawa is quite friendly for those who are walking around the city and there are many sites that are within a 5-20 minute walk of the center of the city. Myoryuji Temple is right next to the Nishichaya Teahouse District, which houses the Ninja Weapons Museum. This area is in a corner away from the other major attractions but is a 15-20 minute walk away from the Nagamachi Samurai District or Oyama Shrine. From those places it is a short journey to Kanazawa Castle, which then directly adjoins Kenrokuen Park at its entrance. The daimyo villa of Seisonkaku and Ishiura shrine, famous for its pond and tunnel of torii gates, are both excellent places to visit. The Higashichaya Teahouse District, Oyama Shrine, DT Suzuki Museum, 21st Century Museum, Nishichaya Teahouse District and Kazuemachi Geisha District are all also within a nice walk and help you dive even deeper into this fascinating city.

Are you interested in a guided tour around this beautiful city? Do you want to try your hand at using ninja throwing stars, among other experiences? Although the Ninja Temple may not be included, there are so many other interesting attractions to see around the city through a tour with us!

KANAZAWA EXPERIENCES WALKING TOUR / January through November

1 Day Tour

Kanazawa Walking Tour: Experience Gold Leaf, Japanese Sweets and Ninja Stars
Period	All Year Round
Time	08:30 – 17:00
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station
Adult Rate	¥20,800
Child Rate	¥16,700

The wealth of the Kaga domain was the greatest of all the daimyo and that shows in the art and culture that was produced in Kanazawa over the course of the Edo period. These traditions are still alive in the city today and you can try them out for yourself. The art of gold leaf is a special one to Kanazawa, which is 99% of Japan’s production. Here you can experience the craft for yourself and make a plate with gold leaf elements on it. If Japanese sweets are your things, on the tour you will make the sweets that go the best with maccha, wagashi. Finally, you will get to try ninja throwing stars and needles. There is something for everyone to enjoy as you walk around the city and see parts that are not as commonly explored.