Japanese Stone Lantern – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Japanese Stone Lantern

Washington, D.C.

A gift from Japan, 17th-century lantern stands among the cherry trees at D.C.'s Tidal Basin. 

View all photos
Japanese Lantern at West Potomac Park Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress (Public Domain)
Japanese Lantern at West Potomac Park Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress (Public Domain)
2023 Cherry Blossom Festival representatives breaingram (Atlas Obscura User)
149
59
Top Places in Washington, D.C.
Starship Enterprise NCC-1701
Washington, D.C.
Capitol Air Conditioning Towers
Washington, D.C.
The Dupont Underground
Washington, D.C.
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Japanese Stone Lantern with additional information or photos.

According to the National Park Service, the government of Japan presented the lantern to the United States on March 30, 1954, to symbolize the enduring cultural partnership between the two countries.

Carved in 1651, the granite lantern, which stands eight and a half feet tall and weighs two tons (4,000 pounds), stood for over 300 years on the grounds of the Toeizan Kan’eiji Temple in Japan before coming to the United States. The lantern is lit one time each year by the Embassy of Japan’s appointed Cherry Blossom Princess.

light cultures
Community Contributors
c
Added by
cmcarrga
Anna Minster
breaingram
Edited by
Anna Minster, breaingram
Published
April 23, 2024
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
D.C. War Memorial
0.13 miles
Kilroy Was Here
0.19 miles
Fireworks Safety Zone on the National Mall
0.20 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Just before sunrise
Washington, D.C.

D.C. War Memorial

An overlooked memorial honoring the local Washington residents who died in World War I.
Kilroy Was Here.
Washington, D.C.

Kilroy Was Here

There’s a hidden military meme engraved on the World War II Memorial.
Washington, D.C.

Fireworks Safety Zone on the National Mall

On the Fourth of July this area will transform into a Pompeii-like storm of falling embers and ash.
Wall behind soldiers.
Washington, D.C.

The K-9 of the Korean War Veterans Memorial

Those with a sharp eye can find the hidden image of a German Shepherd on the memorial's Mural Wall.
Related Places
Bologna, Italy

Meridian Line of Basilica di San Petronio

A massive line that stretches across the floor of Bologna’s largest church was created by a 17th-century scientist to measure the movements of the Sun.
Kawasaki, Japan

Edison Bamboo

The bamboo that helped Thomas Edison develop a longlasting lightbulb.
Claremont, California

'Dividing the Light'

This public Skyspace created by artist James Turrell for his alma mater puts on a show every day at sunrise and sunset.
Madrid, Spain

Iguazú Digital Waterfall

This 40-meter waterfall of light graces one of the most iconic stations in the Madrid metro network.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web