At the beginning of the Meiji Period, the traditional illumination with paper lanterns started to be replaced by gas lamps. The new lamps were made of glass and metal, but the design was made to suggest the traditional tōrō lanterns found in gardens, temples or shrines.

In the traditional areas in Kyoto, these lanterns were preserved until today, recreating a bit of the old atmosphere. Of course, the lighting is now electric…

Higashiyama, Kyoto

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Defining images of Japan, Shinto shrine