A Memorable Visit to Mt. Takao: Experiencing the Goma Fire Ritual at Yakuoin Temple

 

On October 12, Japan’s Sports Day, we enjoyed perfect autumn hiking weather and were delighted to welcome a lovely couple from the UK to Mt. Takao.

 The highlight of the day was undoubtedly participating in the Goma fire ritual at 2:00 PM in the main hall of Yakuoin Temple. With this special experience as the centerpiece of our tour, we met our guests in front of Takaosanguchi Station at noon.

 After exchanging greetings and giving a brief introduction to the tour in front of the statue of the sweeper boy, we headed straight to the cable car station to make the most of our time.

(in the cable car)

 

After getting off the cable car, we stopped at the Kasumidai Observation Deck and Tako-sugi, the famous octopus-shaped cedar tree. Along the way, we introduced the rich forest ecosystem of Mt. Takao before continuing through Joshinmon Gate and taking the gentle Onnazaka Trail.

(in front of Joshinmon Gate)

 

At a bench in front of Gongen Chaya, we enjoyed some delicious Japanese dango (sweet rice dumplings), along with sandwiches and other food, during a relaxing lunch break.

(enjoying Japanese dango)

 

After lunch, we passed the cedar sapling dedication boards and Shitenno-mon Gate before arriving at the Goma Ritual Reception Desk to register for the ceremony. We then paid our respects at the main hall before taking part in the Goma fire ritual.

 

(praying at Yakuoin Temple)

 

Photography was not permitted during the ceremony, so we were unable to take any pictures. Nevertheless, our guests thoroughly enjoyed this rare and memorable opportunity to experience the solemn and majestic atmosphere of a traditional Buddhist fire ritual.

 Following the ceremony, we took the gentle Fuji-michi Trail to the summit of Mt. Takao. Although Mount Fuji was partially obscured by haze, we were still fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this iconic mountain from the summit.

(at the summit of Mt. Takao)

 

After a short rest at the summit, we followed Trail 1 to Izuna Gongen-do Hall. There, we explained the significance of the torii gate and the guardian komainu statues before heading to Yuki-en Garden.

(in front of the steps for Izuna Gongen-do Hall)

 

We then visited the Buddhist stupa in Yuki-en Garden and passed through Kunuke-mon Gate, known as the Gate for Leaving Suffering Behind. From there, we descended the 108 steps of Otokozaka, the steep men’s slope, and made our way to the chairlift station.

(descending Otokozaka)

 

Although we had to wait approximately 30 minutes for the chairlift, we arrived at Kiyotaki Station at almost exactly 5:00 PM. After taking a group photo to commemorate the day, we said goodbye to our guests.

 

(at the cable car station)

 

It was a long but rewarding day, combining the natural beauty of Mt. Takao with the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of Yakuoin Temple. We hope this special experience will remain a cherished memory of their visit to Japan !

 

Written by Shin

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🌿 TENGU – Takao-san Volunteer English Guide Club
Instagram/FB: tengu_guide_club
🌲 Free English Guided Tours of Mt. Takao
Discover Mt. Takao with local volunteers who love the mountain | Nature, history & sacred traditions
🗓 Choose your preferred date or join a scheduled group tour
🔗 Book your tour: https://www.takaotengu.com

Report on TENGU Tour held on 3 October 2026

 

Our guests were a group of ten (10) JICA trainees from overseas. TENGU guides included Sally, Rie, Akao, Yuan and myself as a tour leader. 

This time, we divided our gusts into two (2) groups with Group A led by myself and Group B led by Sally.

After the briefing on the dos and don’ts at Mt. Takao, the tour plan on that day, etc. in front of Takaosanguchi Station, we started the tour around 9:40 am.

In front of Takaosanguchi Station

At the foot of the mountain, we showed our guests the statue of Osoji-kozo (young Buddhist trainee monk cleaning the temple) as a symbol of our Mt. Takao clean-up campaign that has proven highly effective and successful, and then statues of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel, another symbol of Mt. Takao.

In front of the statue of Osoji-kozo

In front of the statue of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel

 

Group A took a cable car leaving Kiyotaki Station at 10:00 am while Group B took the next one.

In the cable car

 

It appears that the persistent autumn rains have come to an end.　So, the weather was reasonably good that we managed to see Tokyo Skytree and high-rise buildings in Shinjuku from Sumika-mae Observation Deck, though hazy.

At Sumika-mae Observation Deck

At Kasumidai Observation Deck

 

After getting off the cable car, we showed our guests various landmarks such as some 500-year-old Octopus Cedar Tree, six-sense purification stone, wheels, Joshin-mon tori-i gate symbolizing the fusion of Shinto and Shingon sect of Buddhism, etc. along Trail 1.

At the statue of lucky octopus

At the Joshin-mon tori-i gate

 

At the information board about “Asagimadara” with its English name of Chestnut Tiger Butterfly, we, Group A guides, explained that the butterflies are famous for their incredible long-distance migration across Asia and that they are toxic in both their caterpillar and adult stages because their caterpillars feed on milkweed plants called “Kijoran” which contains harmful alkaloids making them unpalatable to their predators.

Interestingly, one of our guests, who is from Keniya, explained that they have a similar butterfly in their country.

At a folk on Trail 1, the front approach to Yakuo-in Temple, the majority of our guests bravely chose the more challenging route called “Otoko Zaka”, literally, the Slope for Men.

At Otoko Zaka

 

We spent some time at Yuki-en (Joyful Garden) featuring an outdoor fire altar and a photogenic Thai style white stupa we explained to our guests.

In front of Thai style white stupa

 

Before we got to the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple, we showed our guests a wooden plate mentioning TENGU as a donor to Yakuo-in Temple to demonstrate our loyalty to Mt. Takao. 

Pointing to the wooden plate showing the name of TENGU as donor to Yakuo-in Temple

 

When Group A went into the grounds of Yakuo-in Temple going through Shitenno-mon (the Gate of Four Heavenly Kings), it was around 11:30 am, which indicates that we moved relatively slowly.

In front of Shitenno-mon (the Gate of Four Heavenly Kings)

At the purification basin

She was trying to multiply her coins by washing then at the mysterious spring

At the Main Hall of Yakuo-in Temple

At the Izuna Gongen-do Hall

 

Group A got to the peak of the mountain around 12:30 pm some 20 minutes earlier than Group B. 

Unfortunately, as it was a little too cloudy, we were not able to see a graceful figure of Mt. Fuji from the peak of the mountain. 

At the peak of the mountain

At the lunch table

 

After having lunch together, we took a group photo around the peak of the mountain with the elusive Mt. Fuji in the background, and left there around 13:40 pm.  

With the elusive Mt. Fuji in the background

 

On the way back, after stopping by the restroom, we took a little different route by following Trail 1 briefly and then switching to Iroha no Mori Trail, then further switching to Trail 4 going through a suspension bridge.

At Ihoha no Mori Trail

At suspension bridge (Miyamabashi bridge)

 

On the return journey, we took a chairlift for a change.

Taking a chairlift

 

After coming back to the mountain base taking a chairlift, we took the final group photo in front of cable car Kiyotaki Station around 3:30 pm, which was the end of the tour.

 

In front of Kiyotaki Station

 

Some of our guests appeared to have a plan to visit Yokohama together after the tour.  To that end, they asked us for an advice to check on the most efficient transit route and otherwise. 

What energetic guests!  My muscle pain hasn’t gone away yet!

 

Written by Shiro

Dated: 5 October 2026

🌿 TENGU – Takao-san Volunteer English Guide Club
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🌲 Free English Guided Tours of Mt. Takao
Discover Mt. Takao with local volunteers who love the mountain | Nature, history & sacred traditions
🗓 Choose your preferred date or join a scheduled group tour
🔗 Book your tour: https://www.takaotengu.com

JICA Tour on Sep 5, 2026

 JICA Tour on Sep 5, 2026: Mystical Fog, Sacred Horagai (Conch Shell Horns), and a Surprise View of Tokyo Skytree!

Date & Time: September 5, 2026 | 9:40 AM – 3:40 PM

Guests: 3 JICA Participants (from Indonesia, The Gambia, and Sri Lanka)

Volunteer Guides: Maki, Guchi, Ken, Rico, Satomi, Nancy

Route: Takaosanguchi Station → Fudodo Temple → Cable Car → Trail 1 → Joshinmon Gate → Sanmitsu Gate → Stupa (Bussharito) → Yakuoin Temple → Izuna Gongendo → Fuji Sengen Shrine → Summit → Fuji Path → Ana-Benten Cave Shrine → Nests of Japanese Giant Flying Squirrels → Chairlift → Takaosanguchi Station

Tour Highlights & Seasonal Wonders

🟢 A Mystical Misty Hike

The mountain greeted us with a dramatic blanket of fog. Hiking through the misty trails felt just like stepping into a traditional Japanese ink wash painting (Sumi-e). The cool, refreshing air brought a lovely hint of early autumn, making it a rare and unforgettable experience for both our guests and guides.

Caption: Misty Kasumi Observatory (Kasumi means "haze"!)

Caption: Misty Joshinmon Gate

Caption: Misty statues of Kobo Daishi

🟢 Sacred Processions and Yamabushi Horns

We were blessed with a rare encounter: two separate sacred processions of monks and Yamabushi (mountain ascetics)! The echoing sound of their Horagai (conch shell horns) felt like a warm, powerful welcome to our group.

• Fudodo Temple: Shortly after starting, we witnessed the once-a-year traffic safety prayer ceremony held every first Saturday of September, complete with a fire ritual (Goma).

Caption: Fudodo Temple

• Yakuoin Temple: At 12:30 PM, we came across monks entering for their regular afternoon prayer. Soon after, the powerful sounds of chanting and taiko drums resonated through the temple grounds.

Caption: Procession of monks and Yamabushi at Yakuoin Temple

Caption: Guests purifying themselves at Temizuya, a ritual purification water basin

Caption: Guests with a giant Tengu mask at Yakuoin Temple

Caption: Tengu guide explaining Izuna-Gongendo in Yakuoin Temple

🟢 Kuniuke-mon Gate – The Gate to Release Suffering

The path leading from this gate represents a moving meditation in Esoteric Buddhism called the "Three Mysteries" (Sanmitsu), which purifies your body, speech, and mind:

• 身密 (Karma / Action): Purifying ourselves through physical practice and actions

• 口密 (Mantra / Speech): Focusing our mind through sacred prayer and chants

• 意密 (Samadhi / Mind): Training our thoughts through meditation

Walking this path is more than just a physical hike—it is a spiritual journey following centuries of Yamabushi traditions.

Caption: Guests at The Gate to Release Suffering

🟢 Stupa at Yukien

As we explained that the sacred relics housed here were donated by the King of Thailand in the early 20th century, Vitha from Sri Lanka shared a fascinating insight. In Sri Lanka, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is the ultimate national treasure, preserved by monarchs throughout history and housed at the world-famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Caption: Misty Yukien

🟢 Post-Lunch Fun: "Japanese English" Quiz

After lunch near the summit, we hosted a 10-question quiz called "Can You Speak 'Japanese English'?" (Wasei-eigo). Explaining terms like "Paper Driver," "Baby Car," "Taipa" (time performance), and "Kosupa" (cost performance) sparked endless laughter. Throughout the rest of the hike, the conversation never stopped, and our guests loved using their newly learned phrases!

Caption: Lunch near the summit

Caption: Guests and guides at the summit

🟢 Vibrant Biodiversity After the Rain

The rain-soaked trees and plants burst with rich green colors as we fully immersed ourselves in Mt. Takao’s early autumn biodiversity.

• Tricyrtis macropoda (Yamapototogisu): Along the steep banks of Fuji Path, these delicate wild mountain flowers were in bloom. Native to Japan, their petals curve downwards—a unique feature not seen in cultivated varieties. The purple spots on their white petals resemble the breast feathers of the Hototogisu (Lesser Cuckoo). Since the bird visits Mt. Takao in summer, August to September is a magical time when you can encounter both the bird and the flower on the same mountain!

Caption: Tricyrtis macropoda (Yamapototogisu)

• A Tiny Red Mushroom: Friend or Foe?
  We spotted a bright red mushroom smaller than a baby's pinky finger. Depending on its shape as it grows, it could be a harmless cup fungus (Cup O' Oysters) or the infamous Kaentake (Poison Fire Coral). Kaentake is one of Japan's most deadly mushrooms—not only is it fatal if ingested, but touching it can cause severe skin irritation! Autumn is a wonderful season for mushroom spotting on Mt. Takao, but remember: look, don't touch!

Caption: A Tiny Red Mushroom: Friend or Foe?

🟢 The Ana-Benten Cave (Fukutoku Benzaiten): The Secret Tunnel to the Sea and Mt. Fuji

This hidden shrine dedicated to Benzaiten (the goddess of wealth and fortune) is one of Mt. Takao’s best-kept secrets and spiritual power spots.

• The Low Ceiling: The cave ceiling is only about 1.2 meters high, requiring visitors to duck as they enter.

• The Enoshima Legend: Local legend says this tiny cave tunnel runs deep underground for 50 kilometers all the way to Enoshima Island on the coast! Furthermore, another ancient legend claims the sea caves at Enoshima connect directly to the frozen ice caves of Mt. Fuji, another 100 kilometers away.

While these are mythic tales, on a clear day, you can view Mt. Fuji both from the summit of Mt. Takao and from the shores of Enoshima, reflecting the deep ancient spiritual connection between Japan's sacred mountains and the sea.

Caption: Guests exploring Ana-Benten Shrine cave

🟢 The Ultimate Surprise Ending: Tokyo Skytree!

Just as we reached the Kasumidai and Cablecar Station observation decks on our way down around 3:00 PM, the thick fog magically cleared away! The panoramic view opened up all the way to the Shinjuku skyscraper district and Tokyo Skytree.

Everyone—guests and guides alike—erupted in cheers at this incredible surprise!

Caption: Erupted in cheers at Takao Cablecar Station observation deck

Caption: Guests and guides finishing the tour together

Mt. Takao brought another magical and unforgettable day to our guests and volunteer guides.

Thank you, Mt. Takao!

A huge thank you to our amazing JICA guests for making this tour so vibrant and fun. We wish you a meaningful, happy, and successful stay in Japan!

TENGU – Takao-san Volunteer English Guide Club

Instagram/FB: @tengu_guide_club

🌲 Free English Guided Tours of Mt. Takao

Discover Mt. Takao with local volunteers who love the mountain | Nature, history & sacred traditions

🗓 Choose your preferred date + every third Sunday

🔗 Book your tour: https://www.takaotengu.com