inner palace of Edo Castle; shogun's harem
Historical term for the women's quarters in Edo Castle where the shogun's wife, concubines, and female servants lived. Often appears in period dramas and historical contexts.
See also: 江戸城
She entered the Ōoku at the age of fifteen.
The Ōoku was the living quarters for the women of Edo Castle.
Power struggles within the Ōoku are often depicted in period dramas.
Many women served in the Ōoku.
The shogun's concubines lived in the Ōoku.
lady of the house; mistress of a grand residence
Compound of 大 (ō, 'great') and 奥 (oku, 'inner part'). The term historically designated the secluded women's quarters in Edo Castle.