Demons appear from the flames in one of Japan's strangest festivals

Takisanji Temple was constructed by order of Emperor Temmu to worship Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, or Yakushinyorai in Japanese, and was originally named Kichijoji Temple. The main hall and main gate of Kamakura-style construction; a statue of Boddhisatva Avalokiteśvara, or Kannon in Japanese, made to scale of Lord Minamoto Yoritomo's body size; and numerous other national important cultural properties can be seen throughout the temple's premises.

The Demon Festival is an event to pray for peace on Earth and a bountiful harvest. It is held on the evening of January 7 on the lunar calendar (the Saturday closest to January 7 on the lunar calendar). Its origins are said to have begun from a prayer by Lord Minamoto Yoritomo and it became an event of the shogunate from the third Tokugawa shogun's reign.
The festival begins with a parade of torches and half a day's worth of various rites. The climax comes during the Fire Festival, where more than 30 giant torches are brought to the main hall, lit on fire, and costumed demons dance wildly to the striking of bells and sounding of conch shells.