Yasaka-Jinja Shrine Lanterns, Kyoto, Japan

Rows of white paper lanterns, inscribed with Japanese characters, hang beneath the eaves of Yasaka-Jinja Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. These lanterns, known as 'chochin,' are often donated by businesses and individuals as offerings to the shrine. Yasaka-Jinja, also known as Gion Shrine, is a prominent Shinto shrine located in the Gion district of Kyoto. It was founded in 656 AD and is famous for its annual Gion Matsuri festival, one of Japan's most celebrated festivals.