The World’s Most Dangerous Cultural Traditions

Onbashira Festival

Photo Credit: Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images

The Onbashira Festival takes place in Tokyo, Japan once every six years. The cultural tradition claims its origins date back to 12,000 years ago. Translated, the name Onbashira mean “honored pillars.” During the first part of the festival known as Yamadashi, men go into the mountains and chop down 16 specifically-chosen fir trees.

Men bring the trees down from the mountain by pulling them with ripes. This makes the large trunks slide down the mountain like a freight train over all kinds of terrain. Young men show their bravery by riding the logs, which sometimes can weigh up to 12 tons. It is not uncommon for some men to be seriously hurt or even killed.