Top 10 Japanese Lanterns to Buy in 2020

Let me put the bottom line up front!

If Japanese Lanterns aren’t part of your home and garden décor theme, you’re doing it wrong.

Lanterns have a long and fascinating history in Japanese culture that dates back to 300 AD. This culture transcended to modern times and has spread throughout the world. Today, the Japanese lanterns have taken a special place in adorning the homes and lighting the ceremonies, weddings, festivals, and social/religious gatherings.

And why not?

After all, who doesn’t like the calm, elegance, and ambiance of these vintage décor Japanese lanterns that come in different shapes and styles?   

This raises a fundamental question, though!

What are the Types of Japanese Lanterns?

There are two major types of Japanese Lanterns:

Japanese Stone Lanterns (Ishidourou) – Ishidourou or the Japanese Garden Lanterns are the lamps that were anciently used in temples, gardens, and cemeteries. They were usually tall and stylized and made from granite. Nowadays, the Japanese garden lanterns are extensively used for outdoor and garden décor.

A Fun Fact

Some Ishidourous can be spotted in the first scene of the film ‘Spirited Away’ and also in the movie ‘Kill Bill.’

      Japanese Hanging Lanterns (Tsuridourou) – Though evolved from ishidourou, these Japanese lanterns are hanged from the ceiling instead of being affixed on granite columns. The most popular types of Japanese Hanging Lanterns are mentioned below.

  Chouchin Lanterns – Chouchin lanterns are commonly seen at the Buddhist Temples’ entrance. They are also used at traditional festivals and at the entryways of bars and restaurants.

Andon Lanterns – Andon lantern is the most modern form of Japanese lanterns. Usually, tetrahedron, cylindrical or cubic in shape, andon lanterns can be seen indoors at hotels, restaurants, and sometimes in small gardens.

Soji (or Shoji) Lanterns – The word Soji itself means – wooden frame covered with rice paper. Soji lanterns use a special Japanese rice paper that doesn’t discolor over time. The Soji lanterns are typically made using hand-polished cherry or walnut wood or bamboo.

So, Which Japanese Lantern Should You Buy?

We get it — selecting a Japnese Lantern can be a little confusing as countless choices are available on the market. So, we referred to the décor experts and designers for opinion. And below are their top ten picks.

1. Traditional Japanese-Style Chouchin Hanging Lantern/Oden Lantern

The Chouchin Lantern will add a dash of Japanese flair to your home, restaurant, or bar with its vibrant red color. Featuring a ribbed design, this lantern appears to be made of thin paper, while its actually plastic, which makes it durable for extended use. Traditional Japanese characters that translate to ‘Oden’ are inscribed over this lantern for an added Japanese touch.

Easily hung from any hook, this lantern features a metal holder and reinforced plastic top to help keep it secure.

These lanterns are a perfect decoration for restaurants, parties, or everyday use (both indoors and outdoors).

2. Japanese Soji Paper Lanterns

Japanese Soji paper lanterns are great for home, gatherings, parties, baby showers, weddings, and much more. Wherever they’re used, they enhance the feel and decor of the event giving your place a unique lighting effect to flaunt.

Adorned with beautiful designs, you can string these printed paper lamps together to give an oriental style to the atmosphere that will grab the attention of everyone.

These lanterns are made of quality tissue paper and iron wire supports. Being collapsible, they can be stored easily and applied multiple times.

3. Japanese Garden Lanterns – Pagoda Outdoor Lantern Statue

Imagine the classic lines of Japnese influenced sculptures set amidst your flowerbed or near your pool/pond.

Since Marco Polo’s time, the tranquil energy and graceful shape of the Japanese pagoda have been transported to European gardens.

These Japanese lantern pagoda statues will lend their serenity and style to your outdoor spaces and will create a magic Zen oasis in your outdoor Oriental garden

Hand-casted using real crushed stone and bonded with durable designer resin, this vintage style Japanese garden lantern is topped with UV resistant two-tone white and grey stone finish.

A perfect ornament for home patio, farmhouse lawn, or Japanese herb or vegetable garden outside.

4. Japanese Solar Lantern with Flameless Candle  

You can now sit in the garden on those cold winter nights enjoying the chirping crickets and beautiful light of these pretty solar lanterns.

These flameless Japanese solar lanterns are best suited for decorative purposes and or for creating a relaxing backyard ambiance.

It is delightful to see the flickering light like a candle at night, creating an elegant and romantic atmosphere.

 These Japanese Lanterns are best for outdoor use, great to decorate your garden, patio, walkway, fence, and backyard, etc.

5. Japanese Metal Lantern for Outdoor Décor – Solar and Waterproof

 Flaunting a unique Olive Shape Pattern Design, this decorative solar lantern looks amazingly beautiful while it’s lit in the dark. The lanterns cast a beautiful pattern on the floor and enrich the peaceful atmosphere of the surroundings.

Being solar-powered, these lanterns can be placed in your outdoor area without a power connection.

The battery takes 6 hours of sunlight to get fully charged and lasts for 8 to 10 hours. The sturdy metal case makes this lantern more durable and waterproof at the same time.

6. Biodegradable Japanese Wish Lanterns



Make more pleasant and lasting memories alongside your friends and family as you spruce up the night sky with 100% eco-friendly and biodegradable Japanese Wish Lanterns.

These Japanese lanterns are made of fireproof material. They can transform your next big event into a truly unforgettable experience by adding a touch of sophistication and style that will enchant your guest with a lasting impression.

These Japanese wish lanterns are easily assembled and ideal for sunset or night time release. Customizable with a wish or a warm message, these lanterns are best to celebrate a special occasion such as weddings, graduations, engagements, festivals, birthdays, new year’s parties, or even memorial services.

7.  Japanese Sacred Pagoda Garden Lantern



Enlighten your nights with the peaceful spirit of the Japanese statue, featuring low-voltage LED lights that accentuate the graceful shape of this beloved Japanese Lantern.

Hand-cast using real crushed stone bonded with durable designer resin, each Oriental statue has a faux stone finish and different tiers representing the five elements of life; earth, water, fire, wind, and sky.

This lantern is fitted with a single cluster, low-voltage LED light with 4 yellow bulbs that add tranquillity to a Zen garden or other sacred spaces.

8.  Japanese Solar Charge Stella Drum Lanterns for Patio and Garden



The Japanese Stella Solar Drum Lanterns are Handmade with high-quality weather-resistant, and UV treated Tyvek fabric for year-round outdoor use.

Punched with an intricate diamond pattern, Japanese drum lanterns look classy and beautiful. Being solar light operated, the lanterns charges themselves during the day and are automatically switched on at dusk casting captivating patterns of light each night.

The Japanese Drum Lanterns are sure to enhance the look of your deck or yard. The lanterns feature a stainless steel hanging handle, a solar panel, an integrated light sensor, a dual white LED lamp, and a AAA rechargeable battery.

9.  Japanese Metallic Garden Lanterns  

 These lovely solar-charged Japanese lanterns are made from quality rust-proof metal. With an elegant blue finish, these lanterns emit a cozy yellow glow that casts a pretty vivid pattern on the table or ground (wherever the lantern is placed).

The antique cut patterns make these lanterns look more unique and aesthetic. These metallic Japanese lanterns are sure to add a warm and pleasant ambiance to the atmosphere.

Fitted with a durable handle, these lanterns can be placed on a surface or hanged with a hook.

These vintage metallic Japanese garden lanterns are perfect ornaments for your deck, porch, garden, birthday party, and Christmas decorations. They could also be a good surprise garden gift.

10.  Japanese Ceramic Miniature Pagoda Lanterns

Surrounded by Asian Buddha statues, butterfly-attracting hanging flower baskets, or standing alone as decorations in a winter’s landscape, these Japanese lantern pagoda statues will create a magic Zen oasis in your outdoor Oriental garden.

These Japanese Pagoda garden lanterns are crafted  with historically accurate details, making them a unique addition to your garden or back yard. These peerless Japanese Pagoda Lanterns are cast with quality ceramic and then hand-painted to withstand years of outdoor use without fading.

The hand painting gives the lanterns two tones of grey that resemble the ancient stone’s color and texture.

The above are the top picks of Japanese Lanterns that are sure to add an elegantly vintage feel to your house, deck, lawn, parties, and celebrations. Choose the ones that go with your décor theme and best fit your style.  In the end, it is a matter of personal preference. So make sure to own a few that are your personal favorites and resonate with your style.