Japanese festivals seem to put a priority on spectacle, whether they be magical lantern festivals that seem like they came right out of Spirited Away, or penis festivals with giant marching phalluses, guests always walk away with a sight to remember. Japan's most northern prefecture of Hokkaido is home to a many regional festivals, but it's dramatic fire-walking festival held in the town of Furubira may be one of its most spectacular.

While not the only fire-walking (hi no watari) event in Japan, Furubira's festival adds a theatrical flair by having a Tengu cross a barrier of towering wall of flames. Tengu ("Heavenly Dog") are somewhat disruptive spirits or goblins from Japanese folklore, and this fire-walking event features the shinto deity Sarutahiko, who is said to be the great ancestor of Tengu mountain goblins. He wears an ornate vermilion robe and a mask featuring the unnaturally long nose of a Tengu. Recently at the September version of the festival (it's also held in July), photographer and musician Katsu (@katuka2) captured wild scene in a series of stunning photographs.

Katsu writes that "more than a fire-walk, it's like a crazy and amazing festival where a Tengu throws himself into a swelling fire." Katsu took the pictures to express the charm (along with the music) of Hokkaido, and the powerful imagery certainly does sell the appeal of the festival.

With Japanese drums roaring in the background, the Tengu fearlessly barrels through three meters of rising flame, followed by four local teenagers who also cross the fire performing a ritual lion dance (shishi-mai).

The gorgeous and imposing imagery of the Tengu carving his way through pillars of flame and young men courageously guiding the lion doll through the fire has garnered a lot of praise online, with many expressing a newfound interest in visiting Hokkaido to see the sensational ritual and take in local music and atmosphere along with it. This fire-walking festival serves as a spectacular reminder that some of Japan's most charming and breathtaking sights can be seen by observing regional traditions and festivals held since ancient times.