The iconic stone lanterns

I think this is the path to the main shrine

This is the shrine of the powerful Fujiwara family, and one of the early emperors would send messengers to the shrine to apprise Japan’s guardian kami of important events. It is known for its many lanterns, said to number approximately one thousand. Three days out of the year the lanterns are lit, which must be a spectacular site. This is one of the rare Shinto shrines that closes at night.

You can see more information in Japanese at the shrine’s web site.

Hanging lamps

More lamps