Stone Lanterns: Sacred Light Offered to the Gods and Buddhas
Stone lanterns are among Japan's most distinctive religious and garden elements. Originally imported from the continent as Buddhist offering lamps, they spread to shrines and aristocratic gardens. Kasuga Taisha's 3,000-plus stone lanterns, Itsukushima's hanging bronze lanterns, and Nikko Toshogu's massive bronze examples are among the most impressive. This guide explains their history, types, symbolism, and the best sites to see them.