- Address: 921-8031 Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa-shi, Nomachi, 1 Chome-2-12, Japan
- Phone: +81 076 241 0888
- Website: www.myouryuji.or.jp/en.html
- Date of construction: 1585
- Working hours: 9: 00-16: 30 (in the winter time 9: 00-16: 00); closed on 1 January
Ninja-dera, or Moryudzi is a Buddhist temple in Kanazawa , the peculiarity of which is that it is ... not quite a temple. It was erected rather as a secret fortress of the clan.
The name "Ninja-dera" translates as "the temple of the ninja," although in reality the ninja never lived there. Just a large number of hidden rooms, transitions leading either to one place or to another - depending on how exactly the door was opened, traps that could not be avoided by a person not dedicated to the secrets of the temple - all this reminds of " secret houses "of ninjas. So, maybe they took part in the design and construction of the temple.
The second name of the temple - Moryudzi - even better characterizes its internal structure. It is translated as "a strangely built temple."
A bit of history
Built Ninja Dera was in 1585 by order of the head of the clan Maeda (this family is the rule of Kanazawa and the surrounding areas for more than three centuries). The symbol of the clan - the flower of the plum - adorns the gates of the temple.
At that time, the shogun established a number of restrictions on the construction of fortresses, designed to reduce the influence of the heads of the clans - they should have been no more than three floors. And Maeda, in turn, feared that the shogun Tokugawa once decided to encroach on his possessions. Therefore, he built a structure next to his castle, which could become a refuge for him and his people.
Architectural features
Outside, Ninja-dera looks like an ordinary two-story temple. But the inside itself hides the whole four floors - it was built around a well, whose depth is 25 m. The well is connected with a tunnel leading to Kanazawa Castle; it is for him in the event of an attack by the shogun's troops that the inhabitants of the castle could reach the sanctuary temple.
By the way, the temple was a refuge not only in case of an attack: the durability of its construction would help Ninja-dera to withstand during earthquakes, typhoons or other natural cataclysms.
Inside the Ninja-dera there are 23 halls, connected by many transitions. In some of the halls there are false ceilings, the space above which, if necessary, could also be used for escape. Many rooms have hidden exits, secret hatches.
Of the 29 stairs, 6 have traps, which only those who know about them can overcome. For example, in some of them there are hidden hatches, which open, if you step on a certain board. There are transitions that can collapse from touching in a particular place. There is also an observation tower, from which the approaches to the temple and to the castle are clearly visible; on it was the watchman, who could warn of the appearance of the enemy long before he approached.
And in case the defense of the temple was still broken, there is a hall in which the defenders could commit seppuku (ritual suicide).
How and when to visit the temple?
Visit the temple of Ninja Dera independently can not be - it conceals too many dangers for the uninitiated. It can be visited only as part of the excursion group, accompanied by an experienced guide. Excursions begin every half hour, it is better to sign up for them in advance. Video and photography in the temple can not be conducted. But for memory you can buy booklets telling about the temple and its amazing history.
Ninja Dera is open from 9:00 to 16:00 in the winter and until 16:30 at all other times. On January 1, it is closed. Also, the temple is closed during excursions for schoolchildren.
You can get to the place by bus Kanazawa Loop; You need to leave at the Hirokoji stop (or bus stop No.LL5), and then walk for about 5 minutes. The cost of the visit is 1000 yen (about 8.7 USD).