On July 28th, the Town Mouse and I made another trip up Higashi-yama to
attend Tanukidani’s annual fire festival. It was a moving event, with
live coals, though we didn’t stay long enough to walk the road
ourselves.
Tanukidani has very few
festivals throughout the year, but one of its more famous ones happens
in July, its fire festival, which includes fire walking and several
hours of loud chanting with bells and conch shells. The eclectics wear
their traditional costumes for the festival, and spectators are allowed
to join in the ceremony by walking across the live coals to receive a
blessing.
I’ve made a short video of the event,
using short clips I took throughout the night.... I hope you like it! If
you have a chance to go, I heartily recommend the trip. The temple is
beautiful regardless of when you go.