An assembly of Stones, the Stone lanterns of Ueno Toshogu Shrine

#tokyospots Lined along the Ueno Toshogu Shrine approach are over 200 stone toro lanterns donated by feudal lords in the mid‑Edo period, including the Obake Doro, “Monster Lantern,” one of Japan’s largest . The ornate copper lanterns—48 in total—flank the Karamon gate, gifted in 1651 by the Tokugawa Gosanke to honor Ieyasu; their octagonal bases bear inscriptions of donors and rank . Though never lit, they symbolize loyalty and spiritual guidance.