Fire walkers pray for peace at ceremony on Japan’s Mount Takao

Atop Mount Takao in west Tokyo on the second Sunday of March each year, witness the impressive spectacle that is fire-walking held at Yakuoin Temple. As yamabushi monks bravely walk barefoot over the hot coals while chanting, praying for safety and cleansing themselves from impurities.

Onlookers can also participate in the ceremony once the main fire itself has been put out, when it is generally safer to visitors to take part.