Honden

What it is

The honden is the innermost building of a Shinto shrine and its most sacred space, the place where the kami is believed to dwell. The kami is usually represented by a sacred object known as the go-shintai, often a mirror, sword, or stone. Because the kami's presence is meant to be kept apart from everyday life, the honden is normally kept closed and the object inside is almost never shown to the public.

What to look for

You will often find the honden set behind the haiden, the hall of worship where you actually stand to pray. The two are sometimes joined by a connecting structure, so from the front you may only glimpse the honden's roof rising behind. Look for raised floors, wooden pillars, and thatched or copper roofs in classic styles such as shinmei or nagare. At a large shrine the honden can be a modest building tucked out of sight, since its importance comes from what it holds rather than its size.

Etiquette

You pray from the haiden, not inside the honden. Toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, make your wish quietly, then bow once more. Entering the honden itself is reserved for priests and is not open to ordinary visitors.