noun
head temple of a Buddhist sect
Specifically the main temple that oversees a Buddhist sect. Used in religious contexts.
京都の知恩院は浄土宗の総本山です。
Chion-in in Kyoto is the head temple of the Jodo sect.
noun
headquarters; nerve center
Figurative extension: the central base or command center of an organization, often used in business or political contexts.
あのビルが我が社の総本山だ。
That building is our company's headquarters.
警察の総本山である警視庁に問い合わせた。
I contacted the Metropolitan Police Department, the nerve center of the police.