大奥

Etymology
, literally "great interior".

Noun

 * 1)  The inner chamber (inner quarters) of the  where the shōgun's consort, concubines, and ladies in waiting resided. Other than the shōgun, no other men were permitted entrance. Male children were raised in Ooku until the age of 7 at which time they had to move out and reside in other parts of the castle.

Derived terms

 * : lady of the house