Fire Walking Festival (Photo courtesy of Takaosan Yakuo-in)
Head to Takao Mountains in western Tokyo for a yearly rite of passage you’ve got to see to believe.
On the second Sunday of March every year, the temple hosts Hiwatarisai, a fire-walking festival, to wish for peace and the safe and happy life of all people. This year, the event will take place on March 8 and will be limited to 1,000 ticketed participants. Tickets are available on a first come-first serve basis.
During Hiwatarisai, cypress branches piled in a long brazier are ignited and the mountaineering ascetics in white traditional wear and small skullcaps walk barefoot while chanting and blowing on conch horns.
After the fire has subsided, visitors are invited to walk barefoot on the warm ground. The ritual and those who walk along the embers are thought to be totally purified and will have their wishes granted.
After participating in the unique event, take the opportunity to hike up to the top of Takaosan or, if you want a break, take the cable car or chairlift.
Takaosan is a three-star Michelin star-rated tourist destination and about a short 45-minute drive from Yokota Air Base. Here not only will you find a great hike with a great view at the top, but multiple shrines, temples and even hot springs close by.
The mountain itself is considered as strong power spot and is home to a 1300-year-old Yakuo-in Buddhist temple on the mountain where hermits or mountaineering ascetics live.
Takaosan offers great views of Tokyo and the surrounding nature, so a visit there is great any time. But, don’t miss the Hiwatarisai Festival, as this one is only once a year and definitely one-of-a-kind.
(Photo courtesy of Takaosan Yakuo-in)
(Photo courtesy of Takaosan Yakuo-in)
Mt. Takao Hiwatarisai (fire-walking festival)
Hours: March 8, event starts at 1 p.m.
Location: at Kitoden Square of Takaozan Temple, 2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Tel: 042-661-1115
