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Myoryu-ji Temple: Kamakura's Hidden Fortress

Explore Kamakura's 'Ninja Temple': A historic Buddhist site with hidden defenses, secret passages, and fascinating feudal history.

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Myoryu-ji, also known as the Ninja Temple, is a unique Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Japan, famed for its hidden defenses and intricate architecture. Built in 1643, it served as a secret military outpost, designed with concealed passages, traps, and rooms to protect against potential attacks.

A brief summary to Myoryu-ji

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations are essential for the guided tours, and it's best to book in advance by phone.
  • Tours are conducted in Japanese, but English guidebooks are available to help you understand the temple's features.
  • Photography is prohibited inside the temple to preserve its secrets.
  • Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering, and carry large bags in front of you.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Komachi Street, head west towards the mountains. Myoryu-ji Temple is located approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The temple is located in a residential area, so please be respectful of local residents.

  • Public Transport

    From Kamakura Station, take a local bus to the 'Komachi' bus stop. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk to Myoryu-ji Temple. Bus fare is approximately ¥200-300. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Kamakura Station. A taxi ride to Myoryu-ji Temple typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is ¥2,285. Taxi services can be found outside the east exit of Kamakura Station.

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Discover more about Myoryu-ji

Myoryu-ji, often called the Ninja Temple, is a fascinating historical site in Kamakura, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Despite its nickname, the temple has no actual association with ninjas; instead, its name comes from its elaborate defensive design. Constructed in 1643 by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of the Kaga Domain, the temple served as a covert military base to protect Kanazawa Castle from the Tokugawa shogunate. From the outside, Myoryu-ji appears to be a modest two-story building, but it cleverly conceals a four-story structure with seven layers. Inside, a complex labyrinth of 23 rooms is connected by 29 staircases, complete with hidden tunnels, secret chambers, and deceptive traps. One notable feature is the deep well, rumored to connect to Kanazawa Castle via a secret passage. The temple also includes a lookout tower, which could send light signals to the castle to warn of approaching enemies. Myoryu-ji stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness employed to circumvent strict building regulations imposed by the shogunate. Today, it functions as a Nichiren Buddhist temple and welcomes visitors to explore its intriguing secrets through guided tours.

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