What is a hondo at a Japanese temple?

A hondo is the main hall of a Buddhist temple, the central building where the principal image of worship, called the honzon, is enshrined. It is where prayers and ceremonies take place, and it is usually the main place visitors go to pay their respects.

What is the difference between a hondo and a haiden?

A hondo is the main worship hall of a Buddhist temple, while a haiden is the worship hall of a Shinto shrine. If you see a torii gate at the entrance you are at a shrine with a haiden, and if you see a temple gate you are heading toward a hondo.

Can visitors go inside the hondo?

At many Buddhist temples you can approach the hondo to make an offering and pray, and at some you may step inside after removing your shoes. Access varies by temple, and the innermost area around the honzon is often reserved or only partly visible to the public.

Hondo

Architecture

本堂・ Reading: ほんどう

Definition

The hondo is the main hall of a Buddhist temple, housing the principal object of worship (the honzon). It is the central building where ceremonies and prayers take place.

What it is

The hondo is the main hall of a Buddhist temple, the building around which the whole compound is arranged. Its name simply means "main hall", and inside it sits the honzon, the principal object of worship. This might be a statue of a Buddha such as Shaka or Amida, a bodhisattva like Kannon, or another figure central to that temple's school. Daily services, memorial rites and personal prayers all take place here, which is why the hondo tends to be the largest and most carefully maintained structure on the grounds.

What to look for

You can usually recognise the hondo by its scale and its central position along the main approach, often facing a large incense burner where visitors waft smoke towards themselves. Step inside if you are permitted, and you will see the honzon enshrined in a raised inner sanctuary, frequently framed by altar fittings, hanging lanterns and offerings.

How to visit

Etiquette is gentle. Remove your shoes if a rack or genkan step suggests it, keep your voice low, and put a coin in the offering box before pressing your palms together in quiet prayer. Photography is often restricted inside, so look for posted signs. Note that a hall dedicated to a specific deity may instead be called by that deity's name, such as a Kannon-do.

Common questions

What is a hondo at a Japanese temple?: A hondo is the main hall of a Buddhist temple, the central building where the principal image of worship, called the honzon, is enshrined. It is where prayers and ceremonies take place, and it is usually the main place visitors go to pay their respects.
What is the difference between a hondo and a haiden?: A hondo is the main worship hall of a Buddhist temple, while a haiden is the worship hall of a Shinto shrine. If you see a torii gate at the entrance you are at a shrine with a haiden, and if you see a temple gate you are heading toward a hondo.
Can visitors go inside the hondo?: At many Buddhist temples you can approach the hondo to make an offering and pray, and at some you may step inside after removing your shoes. Access varies by temple, and the innermost area around the honzon is often reserved or only partly visible to the public.