Head office

What is the Main Shrine? Understanding the Differences Between Main Shrines, Subsidiary Shrines, and Minor Shrines, and Proper Worship Etiquette for Shrine Visits

Basic Knowledge of the Main Shrine (Gohonsha)

Definition of the Main Shrine (Gohonsha)

The Main Shrine (Gohonsha) is the central shrine building in a Shinto shrine where the principal deity is enshrined. Also called the “Main Hall” or “Main Sanctuary,” it is considered the most prestigious and sacred place within a shrine.

When a shrine has multiple buildings, the building enshrining the principal deity is the Main Shrine (Gohonsha), while buildings enshrining other deities are called Subsidiary Shrines (Sessha) or Minor Shrines (Massha).

Differences between the Main Hall, Worship Hall, and Head Shrine

In shrine architecture, these are distinguished as follows:

• Main Hall (Honden): The innermost building where the sacred object is enshrined (not accessible to general visitors)

• Worship Hall (Haiden): The building where worshippers perform their prayers

• Head Shrine: A general term referring to the entire main shrine complex, including the Main Hall and Worship Hall.

For example, at Ise Grand Shrine, the Head Shrine in the Inner Shrine is the most important group of shrine buildings dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami.

Differences and Relationships with Subsidiary Shrines (Sessha) and Aggregate Shrines

What are Subsidiary Shrines (Sessha)?

Subsidiary shrines are shrine buildings dedicated to deities deeply related to the main deity of the Head Shrine. They often enshrine the consort deity (Kisaki-gami), child deity (Miko-gami), or fierce spirit (Aramitama) of the main deity, and hold a status second only to the Head Shrine.

Specific Examples:

• Ise Grand Shrine, Aramatsuri-no-miya: Dedicates the fierce spirit of Amaterasu Omikami.
• Kasuga Grand Shrine, Wakamiya Shrine: Dedicates the child deity of Kasuga Grand Shrine.

What are Subsidiary Shrines (Massha)?

Subsidiary shrines are small shrine buildings dedicated to deities with little direct connection to the main deity, or deities worshipped in the local area. Their status is even lower than that of auxiliary shrines (Sessha), but each offers its own unique blessings.

Hierarchy of Shrine Buildings

There is a clear hierarchy among the shrine buildings:

1. Main Shrine: Dedicates the principal deity (highest rank)
2. Subsidiary Shrine: A rank equivalent to the main shrine (only found in large shrines)
3. Auxiliary Shrine: Deities closely related to the principal deity
4. Subordinate Shrine: Deities other than the main shrine

Points to Note When Visiting the Main Shrine

Correct Order of Worship

When visiting a shrine, it is proper etiquette to always visit the main shrine first.

Recommended Order of Worship:

1. Bow before passing through the torii gate.
2. Purify your body and mind at the chozuya (water basin).
3. Worship at the main shrine (highest priority).
4. Worship at the auxiliary shrines.
5. Worship at the minor shrines.
6. Bow at the torii gate when leaving the shrine grounds.

It is considered disrespectful to the main deity to postpone visiting the main shrine. If you are short on time, visiting only the main shrine is acceptable.

Proper Worship Etiquette at the Main Shrine

Basic Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow

1. Straighten your posture: Bow lightly in front of the main hall.
2. Offer your donation: Place your donation quietly into the offering box.
3. Ring the bell: Ring the bell rope if present.
4. Two bows: Bow deeply twice (bend at a 90-degree angle).
5. Two claps: Clap your hands twice at chest height.
6. Prayer: State your address and name silently, and express your gratitude and wishes.
7. One bow: Bow deeply once at the end.

Special Worship Etiquette

Some shrines have their own unique etiquette:

• Izumo Taisha: Two bows, four claps, one bow
• Usa Jingu: Two bows, four claps, one bow
• Ise Jingu: Eight bows (during formal worship)

Mindset When Visiting a Shrine

When visiting the main shrine, please keep the following in mind:

• Prioritize Gratitude: Express your daily gratitude before making a request.
• Be Specific: State your wish clearly (e.g., “Pass the entrance exam for XX University”).
• Be Quiet and Respectful: Remember to be considerate of other worshippers.
• Keep Photography to a minimum: Photography is often prohibited in the main hall.

Main Shrines and Benefits of Major Shrines

Ise Grand Shrine (Mie Prefecture)

• Main Shrine: Kōtaijingu (Naiku) Main Sanctuary
• Principal Deity: Amaterasu Ōmikami
• Benefits: National peace and security, good fortune, fulfillment of wishes
• Characteristics: The highest-ranking shrine enshrining the chief guardian deity of Japan.

Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture)

• Main Shrine: Main Hall (National Treasure)
• Main Deity: Okuninushi-no-Okami
• Benefits: Matchmaking, marital harmony, business prosperity
• Features: One of the oldest shrine architectural styles in Japan (Taisha-zukuri)

Meiji Jingu (Tokyo)

• Main Shrine: Main Hall
• Main Deities: Emperor Meiji, Empress Shoken
• Benefits: Family safety, business prosperity, success in examinations
• Features: Has a vast sacred forest despite being in the heart of the city

Atsuta Jingu (Aichi Prefecture)

• Main Shrine: Main Sanctuary
• Main Deity: Atsuta-no-Okami (Contains the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures)
• Benefits: National protection, long-lasting military fortune, good luck and prosperity
• Features: Has a status second only to Ise Jingu

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Fukuoka Prefecture)

• Main Shrine: Main Hall (Important Cultural Property)
• Principal Deity: Sugawara no Michizane
• Benefits: Academic success, passing exams, protection from evil
• Features: Head shrine of approximately 12,000 Tenmangu shrines nationwide

Access to the Main Shrine and Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Annual Events and Visiting the Main Shrine

• Hatsumode (January 1st-3rd): The busiest time, but a good opportunity to make New Year’s resolutions
• Monthly Festivals (1st and 15th of each month): Regular festival days, a solemn atmosphere
• Grand Festival: The most important festival at each shrine (dates vary by shrine)
• Weekday Mornings: Recommended if you want to avoid crowds

Times to Avoid

• Early morning (before opening) and nighttime (after closing)

• During festivals when general worship is restricted
• During severe weather such as typhoons

Points to check regarding access information

Things to check before visiting the main shrine:

1. Opening/closing times: Varies depending on the shrine (usually from sunrise to sunset)
2. Nearest station/bus stop: Use of public transportation is often recommended
3. Parking availability: Traffic restrictions may be in place during crowded times such as New Year’s Day
4. Estimated time required: Expect 1-2 hours if the grounds are large
5. Barrier-free access: Whether wheelchair access is possible

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is it rude to only visit the main shrine and leave?

A. It’s perfectly fine. If you’re short on time, visiting only the main shrine is the norm. In fact, it’s considered more rude to visit the subsidiary shrines first and then the main shrine later.

Q2. Are the main shrine and the main sanctuary the same thing?

A. Strictly speaking, they are different. The term “honden” refers to the building where the deity is enshrined, while “gohonsha” refers to the entire main shrine complex, including the honden. However, in everyday conversation, they are sometimes used interchangeably.

Q3. Is it okay to visit the gohonsha of multiple shrines in one day?

A. No problem. This is called “shrine hopping,” and it is believed that visiting multiple shrines brings many blessings. However, it is important to pray respectfully at each gohonsha.

Q4. What is the going rate for the tamagushi-ryo (offering) at the gohonsha?

A. For regular visits, a small offering (saisen) is sufficient. For prayers, the tamagushi-ryo is generally between 5,000 and 10,000 yen, but this varies by shrine, so it is recommended to check beforehand.

Summary: Important things when visiting the gohonsha

The gohonsha is the center of the shrine and the most important place where the principal deity is enshrined. When visiting a shrine, please keep the following points in mind:

1. Always start your visit with the main shrine (prioritizing over subsidiary shrines and smaller shrines)
2. Properly and respectfully follow the correct etiquette (two bows, two claps, and one bow is the basic form)
3. Don’t forget to be grateful (express gratitude before making your wishes)
4. Check the opening hours and access information in advance
5. Be quiet and considerate of other visitors

Shrine visits are not just about form; what’s most important is doing it with sincerity. Facing the main deity at the main shrine, express your daily gratitude and heartfelt wishes.