妙立寺 (忍者寺) – Myoryu-ji (Ninjadera)

Myoryu-ji, commonly known as Ninjadera, “Ninja Temple”, was built by the Maeda lords, rulers over the region during the Edo Period.  The temple has no actual or historical connection to ninja, but it earned its nickname because of its many deceptive, “ninja-like” features.

Because the shogun enforced strict restrictions on building construction to help weaken his allies and keep them from growing too powerful, Myoryu-ji was designed as a disguised military outpost.  It was built with a considerable number of clever defenses and escape routes, allowing for its defenders to alert the castle quickly in the event of an attack.

Although you need to book a tour in advance, everything is in Japanese, and photography inside the building is prohibited, a visit to Myoryu-ji is definitely worth it.  A very well-detailed English guide book is available to those who request them upon reserving a tour.

The building looks largely unassuming from the outside, save for a strange-looking entrance-way.  Once you get inside, however, you start to notice things.  Some are hard to see without the guide pointing them out, like secret passages, trap doors, trick doors, hidden floors, hidden rooms, a maze-like network of corridors (we would have definitely gotten lost on our own), and so much more.

At the same time it still seems like a home, and quite an attractive one at that.  If I were extremely wealthy, I would consider building a trick house in the in the fashion of this temple.

Vital Information:

• Open: 9:00 to 16:30 (until 16:00 in winter)

• Closed: January 1; Infrequent and irregular closures

• 800 yen Admission (Reservations Required)

• Reservations by phone only (076-241-0888; Open 8:00 to 17:00); Accepts reservations up to 3 months in advance; Same-day reservations are possible.

• English Friendly

• 5 minute walk from Hirokoji bus stop.