noun
main temple gate
The large, often impressive gate at the entrance to a Buddhist temple compound.
その古い寺の山門は、国の重要文化財に指定されている。
The main gate of that old temple is designated an Important Cultural Property.
Metonymic use: the gate stands for the whole temple. Often in literary or formal contexts.
山門をくぐると、そこは静かな別世界だった。
Passing through the temple gate, I found myself in a quiet, different world.