CityBuddy
Myoryu-ji (Ninja Temple)
Best time to visit
Early morning on weekdays avoids large tour-group peaks and gives a quieter experience; spring and autumn add pleasant weather and attractive foliage around the grounds.
Budget tips
Admission is modest, around ¥500 per person and usually includes a guided tour; check the ticket window for current prices. Tours and entrance are not covered by the JR Pass, but use a Kanazawa Loop Bus day pass or IC card for affordable transport to the site.
Recommended for
History buffs, Architecture fans, Families with older children, Travelers who enjoy guided cultural experiences
Plan your visit
30-45 min
About
Quick facts: Stone corridors and cleverly disguised doors create a maze-like interior, where deceptively ordinary rooms hide secret stairways and trapdoors. Guides often point out more than 20 defensive features designed to confuse intruders, from peepholes and false ceilings to hidden escape routes.
Highlights: A sudden, birdlike chirp underfoot reveals the place's cleverness, some 'uguisubari' or nightingale boards were installed so guards could hear footsteps before intruders appeared. Watch a sliding panel fold back to expose a narrow passage barely 60 centimeters wide, enough for one person to squeeze through while staying completely out of sight.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes for the steep, narrow wooden stairs and low ceilings.
- Ask staff about photography rules before taking pictures, many interior spots restrict flash or photos.
- Arrive at opening or late afternoon to avoid mid-day tour-group crowds.
- Request an English information leaflet at the ticket desk if the guided tour is delivered mainly in Japanese.
Book a FREE walking tour in Kanazawa, Japan
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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