1.
shrine office
The administrative office of a Shinto shrine, where visitors can purchase amulets, charms, and other items, and where shrine administrative work is conducted.
A compound of 社 (shrine) + 務 (duties, affairs) + 所 (place). The 社務所 is typically a building near the main shrine building where priests and staff handle administrative tasks and interact with visitors. It is the place to go for purchasing お守り (charms), 御朱印 (seal stamps), and arranging prayer ceremonies.
Common collocations
- 社務所でお守りを買う: to buy a charm at the shrine office
- 社務所の受付: reception at the shrine office
- 社務所の営業時間: shrine office hours