This weekend my husband and I, along with a friend, went to a Fire Walking Festival. The festival took place at Mt. Takao. It was about an hour drive from the base avoiding tolls. We didn't know where to park and ended up parking a good 30 minute walk away. No complaints here.
The Parade
On the second Sunday of March each year a large open-air fire ritual called Saito Goma-ku is held in the open area in front of the Kito-den Hall at the foot of Mount Takao. They have a parade on their way to the temple grounds. The fire-walking festival is one of the traditional events held at Yakuoin Temple.
Believers first pray for the safety of family, traffic and body. When the fire dies down, yamabushi and participants walk barefoot over the hot coals. The flames are considered to purify people by burning all defilements away. If you would like to participate, it is recommended to bring wet towel or something else to clean your feet with after the walking. Don't worry about burning your feet they put out the flames before the public walks through.