⛩️ Myouritsu-ji (Myouritsu Temple)

Myouritsu-ji is a Nichiren Buddhist temple established in the 20th year of the Kan'ei era (1643) by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of the Kaga domain, by relocating a prayer site near Kanazawa Castle. The temple enshrines a statue of the founder, Nitchō Shōnin, who is a disciple of Saint Nichiren. Due to its role during wartime as a place of escape, the overall structure of the temple is quite complex, featuring hidden staircases, secret rooms, and trap caves, all designed with mechanisms to thwart enemy invasions. At the time of its creation, the Kaga domain was a powerful feudal lord with a million koku of rice, and under the watchful eye of the Tokugawa shogunate, it had to be prepared at all times to fend off attacks from shogunate forces. Therefore, the two rivers on either side of Kanazawa Castle were used as natural moats, and the temple complex was relocated to the outside of these rivers, creating a defensive system in anticipation of an attack on Kanazawa Castle. Among these, Myouritsu-ji boasts excellent escape capabilities, and its labyrinthine structure has earned it the nickname "Ninja Temple." Due to its complex internal structure, visits can only be made under the guidance of a tour guide. Visitors can explore hidden trap caves beneath the ground, staircases that appear when the floor is lifted, and lights that project the footprints of intruders. Guided by the tour leader, visitors can inspect the hall while receiving detailed explanations of the many concealed mechanisms that are not easily discovered.

Internal tours are only conducted with a guide and take place every half hour from the top of the hour. The duration is approximately 40 minutes, and prior reservation is required. The internal tour itinerary and in-hall introductions are available only in Japanese. Additionally, on-site interpretation is generally prohibited. Internal tours are only available for elementary school students and above. *According to the Japanese education system.