Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)

妙立寺（忍者寺）

Myoryuji is a Nichiren Buddhist temple in Kanazawa, popularly called the "Ninja Temple". It was built at a time of tension with the Tokugawa shogunate and also served as a defensive outpost. The building has many hidden devices, such as an offering box that works as a pit trap, a staircase under the floorboards and a well said to lead toward Kanazawa Castle. Visits are by guided tour only.

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Visitor information

Opening hours: Tours run 9:00–16:00: every hour on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays.
Admission: Adults (junior high school age and up) 1,200 yen; elementary school children 800 yen.
Time needed: The guided tour takes about 40 minutes.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

A phone reservation is required before every visit; the temple takes bookings by phone (076-241-0888).
Preschool children cannot join the tour.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Visits require an advance reservation by phone (English-speaking staff available) and take about 40 minutes; preschool children cannot enter.
Announcements inside the temple are in Japanese only.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Ishikawa and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.