Tokyo Mt. Takao Yakuo-in Temple Ogoma Fire Ritual Experience - Shojin Ryori Set Available

Take part in the Ogoma fire ritual
on the sacred mountain of Mt. Takao

Since ancient times, Mt. Takao has been a sacred mountain and a center of Shugendo (ascetic mountain worship) where people come to pray. At Yakuo-in Temple, halfway up the mountain, the tradition of burning away worldly desires with fire and sending wishes to the heavens lives on.

The Goma is a secret Shingon Esoteric Buddhist ritual that uses fire. A monk sits before the flames and offers Goma-fuda (wooden prayer plaques) inscribed with your name and wish to the fire, delivering your prayers to the Buddha, while you take part surrounded by sutra chanting, drums and conch shells.

From check-in to the Inner Sanctuary

Check in at the Ogoma Reception Desk at least 30 minutes before the ritual and write your wish on the application form. Fifteen minutes before the ritual, enter the Great Main Hall and take your seat.

During the ceremony, you will be guided into the Inner Sanctuary (Naijin) to pray. Walk around clockwise and return to your original seat. The Ogoma ritual lasts about 30 minutes.

Receive your Goma prayer plaque and Otofuda

At the end of the ritual, you receive your consecrated Goma prayer plaque. Take it home and display it in a respectful place. Your souvenir Otofuda (sound charm) has a QR code that lets you listen to the sounds of Mt. Takao, including the Ogoma chants, anytime.

An audio guide explaining the Ogoma ritual at Yakuo-in is also available, and listening in advance will help you understand the ritual more deeply.

The set plan adds a Shojin Ryori meal

With the set plan, after the Ogoma ritual you move to the Kyakuden (Reception Hall), where Shojin Ryori is served. Staff will guide you to your seat.

Shojin Ryori is Buddhist temple cuisine made without animal products, using seasonal ingredients from the mountains. The meal lasts about 60 minutes.

※ Audio guides cannot be used during the ritual.
※ The Shojin Ryori set plan can be booked for groups of two or more.