Takasanji Oni Matsuri
Takasanji Oni Matsuri
Just threw this together, not a very good depiction of this great festival. Takasanji Temple is ritualistically cleansed of three demons, portrayed by 3 males of the ages of 12, 25, and 42 from the local population. The demons are chased through the temple by 30 torch wielding men. The sheer amount of fire within a priceless old wooden temple is stunning, and how they have not managed to burn that building down is beyond me. If you are planning to come out and enjoy this festival, I recommend you bring a camera that can handle the contrasts of the dark and fire, as well as the speed of the action. On that note, watch out for anyone bearing a step ladder. In true Japanese style, they will completely ignore everyone behind them and try to get the best possible shots of the festival while completely blocking your view. While totally worth it, this is usually a very cold experience, so dress warmly! Make sure you get on one of the buses that will take you directly back to the station after the festival. While you do not need to run, it is best to follow the crowd down and get on one before they stop running for the night! Takasanji Oni Matsuri (滝山寺鬼祭り) Access: 1) From Nagoya take the Meitetsu Main Line (express - 650 Yen, 30 minutes) to Higashi Okazaki (譚ｱ蟯｡蟠・. 2) From Higashi Okazaki take a Meitetsu bus bound for Onuma (螟ｧ豐ｼ) or Kamiyonagochi (荳顔ｱｳ豐ｳ蜀・ The bus takes 25 minutes and costs 370 Yen. 3) Get off at Takisanji-shita (貊晏ｱｱ蟇ｺ荳・
