Myōryū-ji, Buddhist temple in Teramachi district, Kanazawa, Japan
Myōryū-ji is a temple in the Teramachi district with 23 rooms connected through 29 staircases across 4 floors and 7 levels. The exterior appears low with only 2 stories, while the interior contains these additional hidden levels and chambers.
Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of Kaga Domain, founded this temple in 1643 as a fortified structure near Kanazawa Castle. Its construction was a strategic decision to defend the region during the early Edo period.
The temple displays defensive features like trap doors and hidden passages that reflect its original role as a fortified structure. Visitors can still discover today the thoughtful arrangement of these security elements throughout the winding rooms.
Visitors must book guided 40-minute tours in advance, and photography is not permitted inside. Plan extra time for registration, and wear comfortable shoes since navigating the many staircases can be physically demanding.
A 25-meter deep well carved from a single Tomuro stone reportedly contains a secret tunnel to Kanazawa Castle. This underground passage remains closed to the public for safety reasons, yet adds to the site's mysterious reputation.
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