Here are pictures from the Hiwatari matsuri (Fire Walking festival) that I went to on Sunday. The matusri was held at the bottom of Takao Mountain. Basically, the monks build a huge bon fire then when it dies down they walk over the ashes for some reason. After the monks walk, then it is opened up for anyone to walk through. There were lots of people there, and the line to walk across was huge. I and some friends walked through the fire for the sheer novelty of it. The ground was in no way actually hot, and in fact the path you walk was cold. Yet I got to step in a pile of salt and have monks shake their noise making things at me and chant nonstop. Afterwards, we all went out for some sweets.

Many people and the long line

Old ladies showing how it’s done

The fire walking members.
Two others didn’t want to participate, or should I say get their feet dirty for no good reason.

Me walking

Even these girls joined in.

The monks concluding the ceremony at their temple at the base of Mt. Takao.

Sweets!