The Naked Man Stampede festival is a very rare chance for you to not only watch but also participate in an ancient tradition. Get into the rather immodest white garbs, don your straw sandals, and run with locals in the freezing cold to honour the Buddhist god of war and wealth! Once a year, the hinged doors of Bishamondo are opened for the Urasa Bishamondo Naked Jostling Festival. Held at the Bukoji-Temple, the festival grounds are lined with traditional food and gift stalls and are host to an array of parades and events. After immersing yourself in some of Japan’s religious and cultural traditions, witness the main allure of the festival as groups of drunk half-naked men (some carrying huge candles weighing up to 50kg) jostle one another to be the first to pay worship to Bishamon.