Tokyo, In the Garden of the Imperial Palace, Tōrō - Traditional Japanese Lantern

In Japan a tōrō is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal. Tōrō were originally used only in Buddhist temples, where they lined and illuminated paths. Lit lanterns were then considered an offering to Buddha. During the Heian period (794–1185), however, they started being used also in Shinto shrines and private homes.