History of Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-national Park

This mountain is used as the site of mountain worship. In the Middle Ages, the mountain was protected by the master of Hachioji Castle, Hojo Ujiyasu, and his son, Hojo Ujiteru. The forests around Mt. Takao were protected as the forests of nearby temples and shrines, and later as imperial forests in the Meiji period (1868–1912). After World War II, the forests became national forests and subsequently, in 1950, designated part of Takao Jimba Prefectural Natural Park (mostly forests around Mt. Takao and Hachioji Shiroyama). Part of Takao Jimba Prefectural National Park was then designated Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-national Park in 1967 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era. The area of the park is 770 hectares (1,902 acres). The history of the preservation of the natural environment has produced varying forests, including evergreen forests consisting of firs and oaks, deciduous forests consisting of beeches, and manmade forests consisting of cedars and cypresses. Many animal and plant species also inhabit this area. Yakuoin Temple has a historic and cultural atmosphere and landscape, and the road leading to the temple, which is lined with cedar trees, was selected as one of 88 best landscapes of Hachioji.
(C)Hachioji City Local Museum

To mark important days throughout the year, various traditional events are held at Yakuoin Temple on Mt. Takao. On Setsubun-e in February, celebrities who share the year’s Chinese zodiac sign participate in a fire-offering ritual in the main hall and then throw soybeans from the stage at the front of the main hall. Many people join in the soybean-throwing event, as it is said that those who catch the beans will be blessed with sound health for the year. Hiwatari-sai (the fire-walking festival) in March is a festival where sacred fire is used to scare away misfortune. During the festival, participants pray for world peace, health and longevity, and protection from accidents and misfortunes. The public can also participate in the climax of the festival when mountain monks walk on fire while praying. At the Great Spring Festival held in April and the Great Fall Festival held in October, small, beautifully dressed children, as well as mountain monks and Daidoshi monks, walk the road leading up to the main hall. Hundreds of people join the procession, creating a spectacular view.

http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kankobunka/001/index.html（外部サイト）