Initially, many toro were called 'kento' (referring to a votive lantern at a temple or shrine) and were placed at a Buddhist temple (Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple); however, the development of the culture associated with a Japanese-style garden resulted in toro coming to be placed in a garden, in order to be appreciated.
初期はその多くが｢献灯｣と呼ばれ、仏閣（社寺）に設置されていたが庭園文化の発達と共に園内に鑑賞目的で設置されるようになった。