Are you brave enough to walk barefoot across fiery hot embers? For the participants of the Hiwatari-sai, literally meaning “fire-walking festival,” walking over scorching heat is mind over matter affair. The festival takes place on the top of Mount Takao, in the Tokyo suburb of Hachioji, at the Takaosan Yakuoin Temple each spring.
A Buddhist Tradition
This traditional Buddhist custom has been held by the Yamabushi (mountain ascetic) monks on the second Sunday of March for many years. According of Japanese Buddhism, it’s believed that fire has a purifying effect, and some sects practice a ritual called goma, which involves the burning of a sacred fire. While this fire burns, participants pray for peace, health, and the cleansing of misfortunes. The monks then lead the way into the still smoldering flames, as participants follow behind. As they walk through the fire, they perform a ritual chanting. Once the fire has been put out, spectators are invited to the warm path, without having to worry about their feet being burned.
Mount Takao
In addition to being able to view this unique ritual, visitors get a chance to visit one of the Tokyo area’s best nature spots. Mount Takao, standing 599 meters high, is also a highly popular hiking spot featuring six trails which can be traversed in about an hour. The trails are beginner-friendly, and offer many chances for hikers to encounter various plants, insects, and animals along the way. There is also a cable car and a chairlift that can brings visitors from the base of the mountain to a height of 472 meters.
The observation deck near Takaosan Station on the cable car line offers a spectacular view, and visitors can view skyscrapers from not only the center of Tokyo, but also the Yokohama area. Closer to the summit, there is also a great panorama of Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Southern Alps.
Want to go Hiwatari-sai this March?
If you are not keen on the idea of walking on smoldering embers, it is said that even onlookers also benefit by simply watching. Thousands of locals and tourists come out every year to this event, and everyone is allowed to participate. If you’d like to participate in the fire-walking, it's best to get there early to secure your place in line. Luckily, the line moves rather quickly, so you won't have to wait long for a chance to walk across the path yourself.
Event Location – Tokyo, Hachioji, Takaomachi, 2390 (Square in front of the Kitoden Hall at the foot of Mount Takao) / 高尾山自動車祈祷殿
When: Second Sunday in March
By train, it takes roughly an hour from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station, closest to the festival.
Nearest Train Station: Keio Takaosanguchi / Keio 高尾山口駅
-
-
Address
2177, Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, 193-8686
View Map -
Nearest Station
Takaosanguchi Station (Keio Takao Line)
- Phone Number 042-661-1115
-
Address
2177, Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, 193-8686
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
-
15 Must-Try Restaurants in Ikebukuro: From Aged Yakiniku to All-You-Can-Eat Sushi, Plus Adorable Animal Cafés
-
Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More
-
The Complete Guide to the Kintetsu Rail Pass
-
Step Into the Story: Inside Immersive Fort Tokyo
-
12 Unique & Fun Tokyo Food Tours to Enjoy in 2024
-
Opened in Spring 2024! What to do at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado
-
Tokyo St. Patrick's Day Weekend 2024 (March 16/17) - Asia's Largest Irish Event!
-
Tokyo Cherry Blossom Festival Season in Photos! (2019)
-
10 Best Sakura Viewing Spots in Tokyo
-
Tokyo in Spring: Weather, Clothing for Adults & Kids, and Best Attractions in March, April, May
-
10 Major Cities in Japan: Which One Should Top Your Bucket List?
-
Getting From Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) to Tokyo: Complete Guide
- #best ramen tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best izakaya shinjuku
- #things to do tokyo
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sushi ginza
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best yakiniku shibuya
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best japanese soft drinks