1 / 3   A “fire dragon” appeared on Wednesday at Kamikura Shrine as roughly 2,000 men set their torches ablaze and ran down 538 steps along a stone stairway during the traditional Oto Matsuri Festival in western Japan. /VCG Photo

2 / 3   The annual fire festival dates back to over 1,400 years ago and is part of the local intangible heritage. /VCG Photo

3 / 3   The participants, known as “Noboriko”, pass the sacred flame while praying for a good harvest and family safety. /VCG Photo