meiji-shrine-lantern-wall

This huge wall of lanterns was displayed at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo when I visited in early November. When I first came to Japan, I always thought that the lanterns around temples were like votive candles in churches. Actually, the explanation is rather more mundane. Each one represents a donation by a company, usually around 10,000 yen.

louisvuiton-lantern

These three lanterns were given by the Louis Vuitton Japan Group.