Myōryū-ji, Buddhist temple in Komachi, Japan
Myōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple in the Komachi district of Kanazawa, Japan, with a facade that looks like a two-story building but hides four floors inside. The interior is made up of hidden passageways, trap doors, and secret rooms arranged in a maze-like layout.
The temple was built in 1643 by the ruling clan of the Kaga domain during the Edo period, intended both for worship and as a strategic outpost near the castle. Over time, the structure was enlarged and its hidden features were added as a response to the political tensions of the era.
The temple is locally known as the Ninja Temple, even though it was never actually home to any ninja. The nickname comes from the hidden passages and trap doors built into the structure, which visitors can still walk through today.
A reservation by phone is required before visiting, as entry is only possible through a guided tour. Wear sturdy footwear, since the route passes through tight stairways and low passages throughout the building.
A deep well inside the building is said to connect through underground passages to points around the surrounding area, functioning as a hidden escape route. These passages were built to be completely invisible from the outside, which is why they went undetected for so long.
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