This blog offers a clear and concise introduction to the Ninja Temple, an unusual and stealthy spot nestled in Kanazawa, Japan, that preserves the atmosphere of the Samurai warriors’ era. Whether you are a foreign visitor, a business guest, or a student exploring Japan, this is for you. If you find the following descriptions intriguing, I invite you to experience it firsthand. Come and witness the allure of the Ninja Temple in person!
1. Does this intrigue you?
For those unfamiliar with the Ninja Temple, I’ve crafted a brief invitation message. If any of this appeals to you, come and experience the Ninja Temple for yourself!
1.1 Why is it called the Ninja Temple?
In fact, the temple has nothing to do with ninja, but there is a money box that can be used as a pitfall, hidden staircases, and hidden rooms throughout the temple that remind one of ninja. Moreover, the temple is dimly lit inside, so if you follow the guide and sneak around quietly, you may feel like a ninja exploring inside.
1.2 Deceptively Intricate?
It appears to be a normal two-story temple, but in preparation for a potential invasion by the government of the time, the lord of Kanazawa Castle built a seven-layer structure inside to incorporate enemy distractions and fortification functions. It’s called the Ninja Temple because of its maze-like structure. Wouldn’t you like to go and see it? It’s worth it and you’ll be fooled in many ways!
- 👉This is a popular temple, but some people tend to have high expectations and end up feeling disappointed, so you might feel fooled in various ways.
1.3 A Ninja Temple, Just Like a Smoke Screen?
The temple is about 400 years old, but it was remodeled around that time into its present structure to serve as a military facility in times of emergency, especially by connecting it to Kanazawa Castle via an underground passageway. The explanation given by the guide in front of the well, which is said to have been used as a pathway, is a smoke screen story, similar to a ninja’s runaway technique. That atmosphere may have enhanced its reputation as the Ninja Temple.
２．Do the following messages convince you?
If the previous section didn’t capture your interest, fear not! I’ve delved deeper into each theme. If any of these messages intrigue you, please drop by!
2.1 Architecture and Craftsmanship
Isn’t this masterful ingenuity a trick as well?
The deceptive structure of the Ninja Temple is popular and is the main focus, but naturally curved lumber was used among the beams to disperse the weight of winter snow. This shows the ingenuity of the craftsmen of the time, serving not only military purposes.
- 👉But sadly, some people seem to think, “Isn’t this big warped beam a trick too?”
2.2 Art
Emergency art that can be enjoyed in times of crisis?
The Ninja Temple also has a tea room for the Kanazawa Castle lords and their families. There is a unique tokonoma (alcove) introducing motifs of a ‘full moon,’ ‘obscure clouds,’ and ‘Mt. Fuji.’ Apart from its artistic merit, it could be called ’emergency art’ to be enjoyed in times of emergency.
- 👉I’ve heard that some people think it looks somewhat staged too—are the master craftsmen crying?
2.3 Fashion
Wearing a kimono is recommended! But be mindful of choosing the right color!
Kanazawa city, where the Ninja Temple is located, has many kimono rental stores, so how about visiting in a kimono? However, it might be difficult to choose an appropriate color for the temple. Needless to say, ninja black is an absolute no-no, but white or bright colors stand out too much, like Kuno-ichi, the attractive female ninja, inviting stealthy jealous stares.
- 👉Ideal for visitors confident in their unique style!
2.4 Food
Recommend the neighboring teahouse district! But visit the Ninja Temple first! Why?
In the neighborhood of the Ninja Temple, there is Nishi Chaya-gai, one of Kanazawa’s three teahouse districts, where you can enjoy famous local tofu and sweets stores. However, make sure to visit the Ninja Temple first. The local treats are so delicious that you might forget to go to the Ninja Temple!
- 👉It sounds real, but is that why the Ninja Temple now operates on a reservation system? There’s no such thing!
2.5 The Japanese
The temple’s inconspicuous existence is like a ninja?
The Ninja Temple is stealthily located in the temple town, which was created by gathering about 70 temples scattered around to enhance the defenses of Kanazawa Castle. Even to many locals in Kanazawa, its location is surprisingly unknown. Therefore, the very existence of this temple sometimes seems as obscure as a ninja. When you enter the temple, you might feel that there is something hidden inside due to its indistinctive, dismal atmosphere. Moreover, this might remind you of the Japanese mentality of not speaking to others about really important matters, even in this age of the Internet and openness.
Thank you & Afterwards
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