本殿 · ほんでん · shrine_architecture

honden

The main sanctuary of a Shinto shrine.

Definition

The honden is the most sacred building within a Shinto shrine, housing the shrine's kami (deity). It is typically the most elaborately constructed part of the shrine complex, with various architectural styles such as nagare-zukuri, shinmei-zukuri, and taisha-zukuri being used. The honden is often raised on stilts and features a thatched roof. Only priests may enter this sacred space, where rituals and offerings are performed to communicate with the divine.

Etymology

The term 'honden' combines 'hon' (main) and 'den' (hall/cellar), highlighting its central role in shrine architecture.