zenpai　前拝

KEY WORD :　architecture / buildings & structures

Old name kizahashi 階 means steps (see *hashi 階). The front steps leading up to a shrine or temple veranda. They have an alternative for *kouhai 向拝 roof over them so that people can worship in inclement weather. In English they are often called step canopies and one covered the steps at both the front and back. The one at the back was called gohai 後拝. Today, worships rarely use the back steps as a place of worship.

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