Mount Takao Fire-Walking Festival (Hiwatari-sai).

On March 8, 2026, one of Tokyo’s most visceral and fun (if you're brave) traditional festivals takes place at the foot of Mount Takao. Shugenja monks chant and pray before walking barefoot across a bed of smoldering hot coals to pray for world peace and personal safety. Once the monks finish and the coals have cooled slightly (but are still steaming), the public is invited to follow. Hundreds of people line up to walk across the blackened path in their bare feet. It’s a major community event featuring local street food stalls selling Tengu themed snacks and herbal charms to protect against bad luck for the rest of the year.

©YovaniBernard