Ninjadera (Myoritsu-ji)

Commonly called “Ninjadera” or the “Ninja Temple,” Myoritsu-ji actually has no relationship to ninjas. However, this interesting temple has many secret doors and tricks you can enjoy exploring!

(Photo credit ©石川県観光連盟)

So, why all the secrets and tricks to this normal looking temple you might ask? The temple was designed in the Edo period as protection for the lords of Kaga (present-day Ishikawa), the Maeda. All the secret doors and tricks were to hide the lord of Kaga from enemies.

If you visit the temple, you can join a guided tour in which the temple staff will point out and explain the various secrets of Ninjadera. Go see what it was like for the lords of Kaga to be hidden away from their enemies in this secretive temple!

Official Website　

Tips:

• The guided tours are only conducted in Japanese, but you can still join. They provide pamphlets with information in English for you to follow along!