There are two main categories of Japanese lanterns (tōrō): free standing, called dai-dōrō and hung from the ceiling, tsuri-dōrō.
Tsuri-dōrō are usually made of copper, with four or six sides, and can be seen on corridors (kairo), where they’re protected against direct rain. They are decorated with traditional motifs and symbols like kamons and some shrines even have their own lantern designs, like this spectacular collection of Kasuga Taisha, in Nara.

Kasuga Taisha, Nara

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese garden, Sute-ishi