Walking on fire the focus of Buddhist festival in Tokyo

Buddhist monks set the stage for an annual fire-walking ritual at Mount Takao, Japan, Sunday, March 10, 2019. MICHELLE S. PRESTON/SPECIAL TO STARS AND STRIPES
Buddhist monks set the stage for an annual fire-walking ritual at Mount Takao, Japan, Sunday, March 10, 2019. MICHELLE S. PRESTON/SPECIAL TO STARS AND STRIPES

Walking on fire the focus of Buddhist festival in Tokyo

Stars and Stripes

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.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/1.572561

Subscribe to our Stripes Pacific newsletter and receive amazing travel stories, great event info, cultural information, interesting lifestyle articles and more directly in your inbox!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Stars and Stripes Pacific
Flipboard: Stars and Stripes Community Sites

Looking to travel while stationed abroad? Check out our other Pacific community sites!
Stripes Okinawa
Stripes Korea
Stripes Guam

Recommended Content

Around the Web