noun
small memorial Zen temple for a high priest
A small temple built within the grounds of a larger Zen monastery to commemorate a deceased high priest. Specific to Zen Buddhism.
大徳寺には多くの塔頭が点在している。
Many small memorial temples are scattered within the grounds of Daitoku-ji.
noun
minor temple within a head temple complex
A subordinate temple located inside the precincts of a main Zen temple. May serve various functions, not necessarily memorial.
この塔中は一般公開されていない。
This minor temple is not open to the public.
From 塔 (tō, 'pagoda' or 'stupa') and 頭 (chū, 'head' or 'top'), referring to a small temple built near the pagoda of a high priest. The alternate form 塔中 uses 中 (chū, 'inside'), indicating a temple within the grounds.