総本山
Meanings
1
head temple of a Buddhist sect
Specifically the main temple that oversees a Buddhist sect. Used in religious contexts.
Chion-in in Kyoto is the head temple of the Jodo sect.
2
headquarters; nerve center
Figurative extension: the central base or command center of an organization, often used in business or political contexts.
That building is our company's headquarters.
I contacted the Metropolitan Police Department, the nerve center of the police.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉を総本山とするto have a certain place as one's head temple/headquarters
Shingon Buddhism, which has Mt. Koya as its head temple.
- 〈事〉の総本山the nerve center or headquarters of a certain field or activity
Silicon Valley is the nerve center of the IT industry.