What is the Honden? A thorough explanation of the central structure of Shinto shrine architecture and the proper way to worship.
The Honden (main hall) is the most sacred building in a Shinto shrine and the central sanctuary where the deity is enshrined. Ordinary worshippers are usually not allowed to enter and worship from afar from the Haiden (worship hall).
Basic knowledge of the Honden
Role and structure of the Honden
The Honden is located at the innermost part of the shrine architecture and is the building that houses the deity where the god resides. In many shrines, it is located behind the Haiden and surrounded by a fence called a Mizugaki or Tamagaki.
Main Features:
- Contains an inner sanctuary where the sacred object is enshrined.
- Entry prohibited to general worshippers.
- Only Shinto priests are allowed to enter during rituals.
- Often smaller than the worship hall.
Differences between the Main Hall and the Worship Hall
| Building | Role | Entry for Worshippers |
|——|——|——————|
| Main Hall | Enshrinement of the Sacred Object | Not permitted (Shinto priests only) |
| Worship Hall | Place for Worship and Prayer | Permitted |
There is a clear difference: the worship hall is where worshippers pay their respects to the gods, while the main hall is where the gods actually reside.
Architectural Styles of the Main Hall
Representative Styles
Japanese main hall architecture exhibits diverse styles depending on the region and era.
Shinmei-zukuri
- The oldest style, exemplified by Ise Grand Shrine
- Gable roof, entrance on the side
- Simple, elevated structure
- Examples: Ise Grand Shrine, Atsuta Shrine
Taisha-zukuri
- An ancient style, exemplified by Izumo Taisha Shrine
- Gable roof, entrance on the gable end
- Unique structure with the entrance on the side
- Examples: Izumo Taisha Shrine, Kamosu Shrine
Nagare-zukuri
- The most widespread style
- The front roof extends long and flowing
- Has a portico (kohai)
- Examples: Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine), Usa Shrine
Kasuga-zukuri
- A style exemplified by Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Gable roof with a portico at the front
- Characterized by vermilion paint and decoration
- Examples: Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kashima Shrine
Architectural Details
The main shrine building features decorative elements unique to Shinto shrines, such as chigi (ornamental roof finials), katsuogi (decorative roof beams), and hafu (gable). These are not merely decorative; they also signify the shrine’s status and the gender of the enshrined deity.
Points for Worship
Correct Worship Etiquette
Worship at the main shrine is usually performed from the haiden (worship hall). Please follow the steps below.
Basic Worship Procedure:
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
- A courtesy before entering the sacred area
- Remove your hat
- Purify yourself at the water basin
- Left hand → Right hand → Mouth → Left hand
- Cleanse the ladle and return it to its original position
- Walk along the edge of the path
- The center is the path for the gods
- Either the left or right is acceptable
- Two bows, two claps, and one bow in front of the main hall
- Two deep bows at a 90-degree angle
- Two claps at chest height
- One final deep bow
- Bow after leaving the torii gate
- A courtesy when leaving the sacred area
Points to Note During Worship
Things You Should Not Do:
- Do not wander around the main hall without permission
- Do not enter inside the stone fence
- Do not make loud noises
- Taking photos in areas where photography is prohibited
Recommended visiting times:
- Early morning (6:00-8:00): Refreshing and less crowded
- Morning: Considered the best time to meet the gods
- Traditionally, avoiding evenings and later is discouraged.
About Special Visits
Some shrines offer special visits or shrine-entering visits, allowing you to worship inside the worship hall or in areas closer to the main sanctuary, which are usually off-limits.
Examples of Special Visits:
- Ise Grand Shrine: Mikakiuchi Sanpai (worship inside the sacred enclosure)
- Izumo Taisha Shrine: Special visit inside the Hassokumon Gate
- Meiji Jingu Shrine: Shrine-entering visit
The offering fee is generally around 3,000 to 10,000 yen.
Benefits of Visiting the Main Sanctuary
Main Benefits by Shrine
The benefits vary depending on the deity enshrined in the main sanctuary.
Matchmaking/Love Fulfillment:
- Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture): Okuninushi-no-Okami
- Kifune Shrine (Kyoto Prefecture): Takaokami-no-Kami
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Saitama Prefecture): Susanoo-no-Mikoto and others
Business Prosperity/Financial Luck:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto Prefecture): Ukanomitama-no-Okami
- Kotohira-gu (Kagawa Prefecture): Omononushi-no-Kami
- Mitsumine Shrine (Saitama Prefecture): Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto
Academic Success:
- Dazaifu Tenmangu (Fukuoka Prefecture): Sugawara no Michizane
- Kitano Tenmangu (Kyoto Prefecture): Sugawara no Michizane
- Yushima Tenjin (Tokyo): Sugawara no Michizane
Protection from Evil/Good Fortune:
- Meiji Jingu (Tokyo): Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken
- Samukawa Shrine (Kanagawa Prefecture): Samukawa Hiko no Mikoto, Samukawa Hime no Mikoto
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Tochigi Prefecture): Tokugawa Ieyasu
How to Enhance Your Wishes
- Make Your Wishes Specific: A clear goal is better than a vague wish.
- Express Your Gratitude: Express gratitude not only for your wishes but also for everyday blessings.
- Visit Regularly: Continuous visits are more effective than a one-time visit.
- Receive amulets and Goshuin (stamps): Deepen your connection with the gods.
Access to Famous Shrines
Kanto Region
Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station, immediately next to Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station
- Visiting Hours: From sunrise to sunset (varies depending on the season)
- Features: Boasts the highest number of New Year’s visitors in Japan
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
- Access: 10-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station
- Visiting Hours: 6:00-20:30
- Features: Guardian deity of samurai families associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo
Kansai Region
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
- Access: Immediately accessible from JR Inari Station, 5-minute walk from Keihan Fushimi Inari Station
- Visiting Hours: 24 hours (Shrine office: 8:30-16:30)
- Features: Famous for its thousands of torii gates, the head shrine of all Inari shrines nationwide
Kasuga Taisha (Nara City, Nara Prefecture)
- Access: 10-minute bus ride from Kintetsu Nara Station, get off at “Kasuga Taisha Honden” bus stop
- Visiting Hours: 6:30-17:30 (Varies depending on the season)
- Features: Representative Kasuga-style architecture, World Heritage Site
Chugoku/Shikoku Region
Izumo Taisha (Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture)
- Access: 10-minute walk from Ichibata Electric Railway Izumo Taisha-mae Station
- Visiting Hours: 6:00-20:00
- Features: Deity of matchmaking, representative example of Taisha-zukuri architecture
Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
- Access: 10-minute ferry ride from JR Miyajimaguchi Station, 10-minute walk from the pier
- Visiting Hours: 6:30-17:30 (varies depending on the season)
- Features: Shrine built on the sea, World Heritage Site
Kyushu Region
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
- Access: 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station
- Visiting Hours: 6:30-18:30 (varies depending on the season)
- Features: Deity of learning, famous for plum blossoms
Summary
The main hall is the heart of the shrine and the most sacred place where the deity is enshrined. Worshippers bow from the haiden (prayer hall) towards the honden (main sanctuary), showing respect to the gods with proper etiquette. Since the blessings offered vary depending on the architectural style and the enshrined deity, it’s important to choose a shrine that aligns with your wishes.
Visiting a shrine is not merely sightseeing; it’s a valuable opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and spirituality. As you feel the solemn atmosphere of the honden, offer your prayers with sincerity.
