表参道(おもてさんどう)

おもてさんどう
noun (proper)
Omotesando (Tokyo avenue); main approach to a shrine
proper-nounplace-nameplacereligion
1. Omotesando (fashionable avenue in Tokyo)
A broad, tree-lined avenue running from Harajuku toward Aoyama in Tokyo, and the station and district around it. Built as the main approach to Meiji Shrine, it is now known for designer boutiques, cafés and modern architecture.
表参道(おもてさんどう)で買(か)い物(もの)をする。
To go shopping in Omotesando.
表参道(おもてさんどう)にはブランドの店(みせ)が並(なら)んでいる。
Omotesando is lined with designer brand shops.
冬(ふゆ)になると、表参道(おもてさんどう)のケヤキ並木(なみき)がイルミネーションで飾(かざ)られる。
In winter, the zelkova trees along Omotesando are decorated with lights.
2. main approach to a shrine or temple
The front or principal path leading to a shrine or temple, as opposed to a side or back approach (裏参道(うらさんどう)).
神社(じんじゃ)の表参道(おもてさんどう)を歩(ある)く。
To walk along the main approach to a shrine.
表参道(おもてさんどう)には土産物屋(みやげものや)が多(おお)い。
There are many souvenir shops along the main approach.
表参道(おもてさんどう)の鳥居(とりい)をくぐって、本殿(ほんでん)まで石段(いしだん)を上(のぼ)った。
We passed under the torii on the main approach and climbed the stone steps to the main hall.

Usage

  • The Tokyo avenue took its name from sense 2: it is the 表参道(おもてさんどう) of 明治神宮(めいじじんぐう).
  • In Tokyo conversation the place name is by far the commoner meaning.

Related words

Related Words

Related: 原宿(はらじゅく) (the neighbouring districts at either end)
general
Added 2026.10.13 9:20 · Revised 2026.10.13 9:27
31500/31974_omotesandou