Omote-sandōomote-sandō / 表参道

The main and most prestigious approach path to a shrine or temple.

The omote-sandō is the "front entrance" of a shrine or temple and is considered the most formal approach path. Many shrines have multiple paths, with the main one called omote-sandō and secondary ones called ura-sandō (rear approach) or kita-sandō (north approach). The omote-sandō is typically the widest and most elaborately maintained.

Tokyo's famous Omotesandō avenue was originally built in 1920 as the approach to Meiji Jingu shrine. What began as a quiet zelkova-lined path to a shrine has transformed into one of the world's most fashionable shopping streets — a fascinating example of how sacred and secular spaces can evolve and coexist in Japanese culture.

• Sanpai sanpai / 参拝

  Visiting a shrine or temple to pray and pay respects to the deities.

• Sankei sankei / 参詣

  Making a journey to visit a shrine or temple for worship, with emphasis on the travel itself.

• Sandō sandō / 参道

  The pathway leading to a shrine or temple, designed to transition visitors from the secular to the sacred.

• Omote-sandō omote-sandō / 表参道

  The main and most prestigious approach path to a shrine or temple.

• Seichū seichū / 正中

  The center of the approach path, considered the pathway reserved for the gods.

• Shagōhyō shagōhyō / 社号標

  A stone pillar inscribed with the shrine's name, standing near the entrance of the grounds.

• Keidai keidai / 境内

  The sacred grounds within the boundary of a shrine or temple.

• Gejō / Geba gejō / geba / 下乗・下馬

  A stone marker instructing visitors to dismount from horses or vehicles before proceeding to worship.

• Monzenmachi monzenmachi / 門前町

  A commercial district that developed along the approach to a shrine or temple, serving pilgrims and visitors.