Keywords
Architecture
Castles
Lit. main circle. The principal compound in a castle complex which has more than one compound or ward. It is often, but not always, the innermost compound. Typically, there was a second compound *ni-no-maru 二の丸 and a third compound san-no-maru 三の丸. The honmaru was the most protected part of the castle, and was used as the residence of the castle owner in time of war.