Translation guide
In Japanese shrine architecture, the 'main shrine' refers to the central, most sacred building where the deity is enshrined. The most common term is 本殿 (honden), but other terms exist depending on context and shrine layout.
The primary structure of a Shinto shrine where the kami is enshrined, typically off-limits to the public.
The standard term for the main hall of a shrine, directly enshrining the deity. Used in most contexts.
この神社の本殿は江戸時代に建てられました。
The main shrine of this shrine was built in the Edo period.
A more formal or literary term for the main shrine building, often used in official shrine names or descriptions.
正殿は一般の参拝者は入れません。
The main shrine is not accessible to ordinary worshippers.
A general term for a shrine building or sanctuary, but can specifically mean the main hall in certain contexts. Less precise than 本殿.
神殿の奥には神体が祀られています。
The sacred object is enshrined deep within the main shrine.
The innermost part of the main shrine building where the deity resides, often hidden from view.
Refers to the inner sanctuary of the main shrine, where the deity is enshrined. Distinct from the outer area for worship.
内陣は神職以外は立ち入り禁止です。
The inner sanctuary is off-limits except to Shinto priests.
Literally 'inner hall', used in some shrine complexes to denote the rearmost or most sacred building, often synonymous with the main shrine.
奥殿には秘仏が安置されている。
A hidden Buddhist statue is enshrined in the inner sanctuary.
When a shrine has several halls, the principal one dedicated to the main deity.
Used when referring to the main shrine of a shrine complex that includes branch shrines (末社). Emphasizes the hierarchical relationship.
本社の他に、境内にはいくつかの末社があります。
In addition to the main shrine, there are several branch shrines within the precincts.
Literally 'upper shrine', used in some shrine complexes (e.g., Suwa Taisha) to denote the main shrine as opposed to the lower shrine (下社).
諏訪大社は上社と下社から成ります。
Suwa Taisha consists of the Upper Shrine and the Lower Shrine.
本殿 (honden) is the main hall where the deity resides, usually closed to the public. 拝殿 (haiden) is the worship hall in front of it, where visitors pray. In many shrines, you only see the 拝殿 from the outside.
参拝者は拝殿でお参りし、本殿には近づけません。
Worshippers pray at the worship hall and cannot approach the main shrine.
When asking for directions or describing a shrine to visit, simply using the shrine's name is often enough. If you need to specify the main building, 本殿 is widely understood.