A group of women in Japan walked miles in the cold today (Wednesday) in only the barest of clothing, to pray for peace and safety.

The so-called “naked festival” at a shrine in northern is a rarity in Japan’s male-dominated Shinto culture.

The women walked eight kilometers in the cold and prayed for a healthy year, avoidance of disasters and peace.

Originally conducted by men, the event began around 200 years ago as a ritual to calm Mt. Iwate, an active volcano.

Contrary to what the name implies, women are not completely in the buff but wear thin garments during the festival.

Women got involved during World War II while Japanese men were occupied on the front lines, and have continued the tradition since then.