Myoruji Temple is often called “the Ninja Temple” because of its many trap doors and secret passageways. Actually, the temple has no connection with the historical ninja who were spies and assassins. However, its unique architecture and history makes it a fascinating location to visit.
The innocent outward appearance of Myoryuji Temple
Myoryuji Temple was founded in 1643 as both a fully functioning temple, and also as a secret armed outpost for the local rulers, the Maeda lords. The building is constructed with a complicated network of stairwells and passageways, hidden corridors and secret rooms. At the time the central government had banned military defensive structures, so the Maeda lords got around this by having a network of temples built around the north and south of the city that could act as a line of defence if the city was attacked. That is why there are so many temples in the Teramachi area to the south of Kanazawa Castle and Utatsuyama area to the north.
Myoryuji in particular was cleverly constructed to get around government regulations, which stated that no building over three stories high was allowed. From the outside Myoryuji appears to be a two story building, but inside there are actually four stories with 23 rooms, 29 staircases and a lookout tower. There is also rumored to be a secret passageway from the temple well which leads to the castle. This could be used to send information to the castle if the temple was attacked.
A trick stairway on the outside of the temple with doors at the top leading to two different rooms
Myoryuji can only be visited on a guided tour, and advance telephone reservations are required. The tour itself is in Japanese, but foreign-language guide sheets are provided. When you call, give your name, nationality, number of visitors, the ages of any children, and how you plan to travel to the temple. English-speaking staff are available on the reservation phone.
Tour Details
Temple tours run from 9.00 to 16.00. On weekdays tours are generally given once an hour, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays they are generally given every thirty minutes. In winter the weekday schedule applies. For safety reasons pre-school aged children are not allowed on the tours. Tour bookings have to be made by telephone (076-241-0888), and the reservation phone is open from 8.30 to 17.00. This can be done in English, but you should be clear about the following information:
- How many people are in your group.
- How many of you are adults or children and how old the children are.
- You may be asked how you will travel to the temple (by taxi, bus etc).
- You will be asked to give your name.
- You will also be asked your nationality, so that tour information in your language can be prepared for you.
In addition you may also be asked to confirm that you understand that the tour is given in Japanese and that translation by other guests is not allowed.
On the day of the tour you should arrive at the temple 10 minutes before your tour starts. Finally you should also be aware that photography is not allowed inside the temple as Myoryuji likes to keep its secrets!
Tour admission fees:
Adults & Junior High School Students and older: 1,200 yen
Elementary School Students: 800 yen
Payment is made in cash at the entrance. Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted.
The temple entrance
Access
Myoryuji Temple is located in the Teramachi district. From Kanazawa Station’s East Gate take the Castle Town Kanazawa Loop Bus Left Loop from bus stop #7 and get off at Hirokoji. The bus takes about 15 minutes and costs 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. From Hirokoji bus stop, the temple is about 3 minutes on foot.
The temple is closed on January 1st and 2nd and on Buddhist memorial service days. Confirm closed days when making your reservation.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 21-May-2026.
