Ninja Temple Tour
The Ninja Temple Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the creativity of Edo-period architecture. Built by the first Lord Maeda near Kanazawa Castle in the late 1500s and moved to its current location over 50 years later, the temple earned its nickname not because of actual ninjas, but because of the extraordinary skills of the monks and the clever tricks and traps hidden within its walls.
Visitors can explore the temple’s many surprises, including 29 staircases, reversible trapdoors, secret tunnels (one rumored to link to Kanazawa Castle), and stealth attack areas. There are many surprising architectural features to discover: A room with four tatami mats, which is usually considered a taboo in traditional Japanese design, holds a special story. And the building’s two-story exterior actually contains seven internal layers, designed to confuse and intrigue even frequent visitors.
Highlights include the intricate interior, hidden passages, and ingenious design elements intended to confuse intruders and protect the temple’s secrets. Every corner tells a story of strategy, creativity, and careful planning.
Discover the clever secrets and hidden wonders of Kanazawa’s most intriguing temple.
