Hiwatari-sai festival at Mt. Takao

Walking barefoot over coals. The main event of the “Walking over fire” festival. A simple premise, yet courageous event held every winter solstice in Takao, west of Tokyo. Endure hard trainings for meditation and purification purposes, like standing under a waterfall, are common practice for the “yamabushi” monks. At this festival, visitors can try as well and walk over the coals, and the gods will grant the purification state and luck they ask for, once they endure the trial by fire walking barefooted.

When and how to get there

Celebrated on March 11th in 2018 (check for next year when the date arrives). At foot of Takao mountain. From Tokyo, at Shinjuku station, take the Takao Keio Line. Nearest station is Takaosanguchi.

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Mount Takao
Youtube: Hiwatari-sai festival