The Mount Takao Fire Walking Festival, or Hiwatari-matsuri, is a major Buddhist ritual held annually on the second Sunday of March. Conducted by the Yamabushi (ascetic monks) of Takaosan Yakuoin Temple, the event attracts approximately 3,000 to 4,000 visitors to a dedicated plaza near Takaosanguchi Station. The central ritual involves monks walking barefoot across smoldering embers to achieve spiritual purification and to offer prayers for world peace, longevity, and protection from misfortune.
The ceremony commences at 1:00 PM with a formal procession of chanting monks into the arena. This is followed by a series of rigorous purification rituals, including the yutate, where monks splash themselves with boiling water using bamboo branches, and symbolic displays of weaponry to ward off malevolent spirits. The names of individuals who have requested specific prayers are read aloud as part of the invocation for health and safety.
The focal point of the event is the ignition of a large stack of wood and green fern leaves, creating a massive bonfire. Once the intense flames subside after several minutes, the monks extinguish the remaining fire with water and rake the glowing coals into two distinct paths. The Yamabushi then traverse these paths barefoot while chanting. Following the monks, members of the public are invited to walk across the embers for a small fee to receive their own purification. By this stage, the temperature of the ash has cooled significantly, making it safe for general participation.
For the best viewing experience, visitors should aim to arrive at the Hiwatari-matsuri Hiroba at least one hour before the 1:00 PM start, as the perimeter fills quickly. Food stalls selling traditional festival snacks such as takoyaki and yakisoba are located nearby. Those intending to participate in the fire walking should wear shoes that are easy to remove and consider bringing a small towel to wipe their feet afterward. The entire sequence, including the pre-ceremony and public participation, typically concludes by 3:30 PM.
The festival is held at the Fire Walking Plaza, a short walk from Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line, rather than at the main temple buildings on the mountain. Direct express trains from Shinjuku Station reach the site in approximately 50 minutes. While the event is free to observe, those wishing to participate in the fire walking or purchase protective amulets should bring cash for the small administrative fees.
