1.
main hall of a Shinto shrine
The innermost and most sacred building of a Shinto shrine, which houses the enshrined deity (御神体). Visitors typically worship at the worship hall (拝殿) in front, as the main hall is usually not open to the public.
本殿は国宝に指定されている。
The main hall is designated as a national treasure.
本殿の裏には古い杉の木がある。
Behind the main hall stands an old cedar tree.
この神社の本殿は室町時代に建てられたもので、歴史的価値が非常に高い。
The main hall of this shrine was built during the Muromachi period and has extremely high historical value.
USAGE:
本殿 refers specifically to the main building of a Shinto shrine (神社), where the 御神体 (sacred object representing the deity) is housed. It is distinct from the 拝殿 (worship hall), where visitors pray.
The 本殿 is typically located behind the 拝殿 and is often not accessible to the general public.
For Buddhist temples, the equivalent term is 本堂 (main hall).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 本殿を参拝する: to worship at the main hall
- 本殿の建築様式: architectural style of the main hall
- 国宝の本殿: a main hall designated as a national treasure