noun
main building in a Heian palace; shinden (central hall)
Refers to the central hall of a Heian-period aristocratic residence built in the shinden-zukuri style. Often contrasted with the connecting corridors and subsidiary pavilions.
See also: 寝殿造
寝殿造では、寝殿が中心的な建物だった。
In shinden-zukuri architecture, the shinden was the central building.
noun
main residence of an emperor; imperial bedchamber
Historical term for the emperor's private living quarters within the palace complex. Not used for modern imperial residences.
天皇は寝殿に戻られた。
The emperor returned to his private quarters.