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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