Translation guide
Refers to land or a place considered holy, consecrated, or spiritually significant. In Japanese, the expression varies depending on whether it's a general sacred area, a specific shrine/temple precinct, or a metaphorical 'hallowed ground'.
A place that is spiritually pure, consecrated, or protected by divine power, often in religious or mythological contexts.
The most common and versatile term for 'sacred ground' or 'holy land'. Used for religious sites, pilgrimage destinations, and even metaphorical 'meccas' (e.g., for fans).
This place has been revered as sacred ground since ancient times.
Jerusalem is a sacred ground for three religions.
A place believed to be imbued with spiritual power, often associated with ascetic practices, pilgrimages, or miraculous events. Slightly more mystical than 聖地.
The 88 temples of Shikoku are famous sacred grounds for pilgrimage.
Specifically the sacred precincts of a Shinto shrine, considered the domain of the kami (gods). Often marked by a torii gate.
Beyond the torii is sacred ground, so please remove your hat.
The physical area within a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple compound, often considered sacred.
The standard term for the grounds of a shrine or temple. It implies the area is consecrated but is used in everyday language.
Please be quiet on the shrine's sacred grounds.
A place that is highly respected or revered for historical, cultural, or personal reasons, not necessarily religious.
Also used metaphorically, just like 'sacred ground' in English. Common for places important to a subculture (e.g., anime locations) or historic events.
For anime fans, this town is sacred ground.
For him, the park where he first met his girlfriend is like sacred ground.
Land specifically blessed or set aside for burials, often in a Christian context.
General term for cemetery or graveyard. While not inherently 'sacred', it is the most common word for burial ground. To emphasize consecration, add 聖なる (sacred).
He was buried in sacred ground.
Can be used for a burial ground considered holy, but 墓地 is more specific for cemeteries.
聖地 (seichi) is a broad term for any sacred place, including metaphorical ones. 境内 (keidai) specifically refers to the physical grounds of a shrine or temple. Use 境内 when talking about the actual compound, and 聖地 for the concept of a holy site.
The grounds of Ise Shrine are very spacious.
Ise Shrine is an important sacred ground for Japanese people.
Japanese often uses 聖地 metaphorically, just like English 'sacred ground' or 'mecca'. It's perfectly natural to say アニメの聖地 (anime sacred ground) or 野球の聖地 (sacred ground of baseball, e.g., Koshien Stadium).
There is an old cherry tree on the temple's sacred grounds.
The area behind the church is used as sacred ground.