Walking on fire the focus of Buddhist festival in Tokyo

MOUNT TAKAO, Japan — Families stationed at U.S. military bases in the Tokyo area were among the thousands of visitors to turn out for an annual fire-walking festival near Yokota Air Base.

The highlight of Hiwatari Matsuri, held the second Sunday of each March, features ascetic monks, called yamabushi, of the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism walking barefoot across hot embers to rid themselves of bad luck and evil spirits.

The annual event takes place near Takaosan Yakuoin, an old Buddhist temple located at the top of Mount Takao.

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