忍者寺と言われる妙立寺。最初に音声ガイドが、金沢の歴史を教えてくれます。江戸時代初期、外様大名である前田家は、他の外様大名が謀反の疑いで取り潰されていく中で危機感を感じ、家の存続のために様々な策を取ったそうです。徳川家から警戒されないように従順さを強調する一方で、攻められれば反撃できるよう町の作り方を工夫しました。忍者寺のある寺町は、表向きは寺の多い街ですが、攻められた時に兵士を隠せる場所としても想定されていたそうです。その中心である忍者寺は、祈りの場所であるだけでなく、有事の際に金沢城を守る拠点として利用することも想定されていました。
Myoryuji Temple, better known as the Ninja Temple, is one of Kanazawa’s most fascinating attractions. Before the tour begins, an audio guide explains the history of Kanazawa and the Maeda clan.
In the early Edo period, the Maeda family ruled Kaga Domain as the most powerful tozama (outside) daimyo. As they watched other tozama lords lose their domains after being accused of plotting against the shogunate, they became increasingly concerned about their own survival. While demonstrating their loyalty to the Tokugawa shogunate, they also carefully designed the castle town so that it could be defended if attacked.
The Temple District, where Myoryuji is located, appears at first glance to be simply an area filled with temples. However, it is said to have also been planned as a place where soldiers could be concealed in times of war. At the center of this district stands Myoryuji, which served not only as a place of worship but was also intended to function as a defensive outpost for Kanazawa Castle in the event of an emergency.
忍者寺には落とし穴や隠し階段、寺の内部から外部に出られる隠し通路もあり、敵から身を守るための様々な仕掛けがしてあります。そのような要塞のような機能を持つ一方で、茶室には富士山がかたどられた床の間があるなど、風流な一面もあります。
The temple is famous for its ingenious defensive features, including trapdoors, hidden staircases, and secret passageways leading outside the building. These devices were designed to help protect the temple and its occupants during an attack. Despite its fortress-like features, the temple also has an elegant side. For example, the tea room contains a tokonoma (alcove) designed to resemble Mount Fuji.
この寺を建てたのは前田利常で、加賀藩の政治経済、治水、農業、文化に関して大きな功績のあった人物です。優れた内政のため幕府から何度も危険視されましたが、鼻毛を伸ばして馬鹿を装うなどして疑いをかわしたとも言われています。
The temple was built by Maeda Toshitsune, the third lord of Kaga Domain. He made significant contributions to the domain’s politics, economy, flood control, agriculture, and culture. Because of his capable administration, the Tokugawa shogunate is said to have viewed him with suspicion on several occasions. According to tradition, he even grew out his nose hair and pretended to be foolish in order to avoid arousing suspicion.
庭には、手を合わせて寺を拝んでいるような犬の置物もあり、とても可愛らしいです。
In the garden, there is also an adorable statue of a dog with its paws together, as if praying toward the temple.
忍者寺は電話予約が必要で、料金は1200円、電子マネーも使えました。
忍者寺の次は、武家屋敷跡に行きました。
A reservation by telephone is required to visit Myoryuji Temple. Admission is ¥1,200, and electronic payment methods are accepted.Next, I headed to the Nagamachi Samurai District.
コメント