noun
outer roofed structure for protecting cultural assets and historic sites
Architectural term for a protective outer building that encloses a smaller, more valuable structure, such as a shrine or temple hall. Also referred to as 覆屋 (おおいや).
See also: 覆屋
国宝の本殿は鞘堂の中に保存されている。
The national treasure main hall is preserved inside a protective outer structure.
この鞘堂は江戸時代に建てられた。
This outer protective building was built in the Edo period.
覆屋 is a more general term for a protective covering or shed, while 鞘堂 specifically refers to a roofed outer structure built over a cultural asset or historic site.
From 鞘 (さや, 'sheath') + 堂 (どう, 'hall'), literally 'sheath hall', referring to a building that sheaths or protects another structure.