Myoryuji Temple (妙立寺, Myōryūji) is a small temple popular with tourists since becoming known as the “Ninja Temple”, a name that came about as a result of the temple’s many hidden doors and secret escape routes that were built so that the temple could also act as a secondary defence castle in times of emergency.

All visitors need to apply for an official tour conducted by staff members of Myoryuji Temple. Unfortunately, these tours are only in Japanese, but English guide books are available. Reservations can only be made by phone and (despite the website being in English, the staff only speak Japanese so it’s advisable to have a friend or hotel staff member call for you). Reservations can be made up to one month in advance and times for the tours are given below.

Information
Details
Weekdays 9:00-16:00 with tours running every hour. Weekends and holidays 9:00-16:30 with tours running every 30 minutes.
Adults ¥1,000, children ¥700
You May Also Like

Oyama Shrine

Oyama Shrine (尾山神社, oyama-jinja) is a shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie of the Maeda clan that would go…

Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine was established in 1478 by the regional lord, Ota Dokan—best known as the architect of Edo…

Hanazono Shrine

Tucked in behind the buildings of Yasukuni Dori, Hanazono Shrine is an Edo period shrine that acts as protector of the area. The Tori no Ichi Festival is held at the shrine every year in November.

Kiyomizu Temple

Temple in the Higashiyama District dating back to the late 8th century and famous for its views of the city (especially at night). It is one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1944.