If you’re researching a trip to Kanazawa, you might think the title of Kanazawa’s most quirkiest temple, belongs to Myouryuji – aka the Ninja Temple – which is full of secret rooms, hidden passageways and traps designed to catch enemies attacking anyone inside, but no… while Myouryuji is a must- see, in my opinion, Kanazawa’s most unusual temple is actually just around the corner – and here it is.
It’s called Gyokuryuji. And at first glance, it looks pretty standard – but look closer. Up there, on the left, peeking out the window.
Yep – it’s a Gundam.
I first came across it when I was looking at tours in Kanazawa, the second morning of my visit there. I was confronted by the picture below… a normal-looking entry gate for a Japanese temple with the head of a giant robot peering at me. Erm, why…
About an hour of research later, I had managed to work out where the temple was, and so, the next morning, I headed off to explore.
My first stop was the aforementioned Ninja Temple, which is definitely worth a visit. Then, I walked four minutes around the corner to Gyokuryuji to see what the heck was going on – and it did not disappoint.
The giant Gundam Head is only part of it.
You’re greeted outside by statues of Apanman and his friends, then walk inside, and you’ll find Godzilla, Mickey Mouse and more.
Again, erm, why…
Well, it’s likely the clue is in what’s written under Ampanman – this is a sign for a nursery school that’s right next to the shrine, but why this has led to giant cartoon characters being installed in the grounds of the shrine itself isn’t clear. Maybe the priest is just a super nice guy!
The temple itself actually has a storied history – Gyokuryuji was the family temple of the Maeda Nagatane family. Nagatane was the eldest son of Maeda Nagasada, who established this temple.
The Maeda family used to be the most powerful samurai family in Kanazawa. They used their money to invest in the arts, and it’s thanks to them that the city has the beautiful Kenrouken Garden and still boasts thriving pottery and gold leaf industries even today.
Gyokuryuji has been on this site since 1514, and there are a number of important Buddhist treasures inside. The inside of the temple is not open to the public, however.
The tree underneath which this Godzilla sits is also important.
According to someone at the JNTO, who speaks Japanese a lot better than I do, it’s a grand Somei-Yoshino cherry tree that stands as a symbol of the temple. It was planted as a memorial when the original main hall was rebuilt after being destroyed in a great fire. It has supported the temple for approximately 250 years. The sign next to it also says ‘it stands here calmly with exceptional vigour and blooms gracefully in Spring.’
How to Get to Gyokuryuji
Kanazawa is most easily navigated by bus, and Gyokuryuji can be reached from Kanazawa Station by at least six different routes. Use Google Maps to find the best for the time you arrive.
If you’re planning your day, combine visiting Gyokuryuji with a trip to the Ninja Temple, or Nishi Chaya, the smaller old geisha district or Naga Machi, Kanazawa’s old samurai district.
