閼伽井嶽薬師, Buddhist temple on Mount Akai in Iwaki, Japan
閼伽井嶽薬師, also known as Akagi Yakushi, is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon school set on Mount Akai in Iwaki, Japan. The grounds are surrounded by old cedar and cypress trees, and the elevated position gives a broad view over the city below.
The temple has a history of about 1200 years, making it one of the oldest religious sites in the region. Over the centuries it gained a special standing as a mountain temple within the Shingon tradition, which shaped how it was used and visited.
The fire ritual held at the end of August and beginning of September is the main event of the year for the surrounding communities. Mountain priests walk barefoot over hot ashes in a ceremony that local people have kept alive for generations.
The temple can be reached by car and has parking for both regular and larger vehicles. The site is on a mountain with uneven ground, so solid footwear is a good idea before setting off.
On the grounds stands a tree known as the Dragon Lantern Cedar, which has been designated as a natural monument. This old tree has long been a symbol of the site and draws visitors who come specifically to see it up close.
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