The annual Kurama Fire Festival was held in the mountains north of Kyoto. Dating from 940 AD, it was until recently a rite of passage for the villagers of remote Kurama.
The pushing begins once getting off the crowded train
I was greeted by this mask after getting off the train. I now own a smaller version that hangs on my wall in my room
The main shrine, viewed from the main road.
The festival begins with this 
The bonfires, known as kagaribi are lit in front of most of the houses in the village.
Villagers parade up and down the main street holding taimatsu (pine torches).
The villages wear traditional clothing
Later, massive pine torches are carried along the same street.
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