▸ Cultural & Ethnic Festivals

Spring Transition Festival

Name: Spring Transition Festival
Start: 2027-01-14T15:00:00+00:00
End: 2027-01-14T15:00:00+00:00
Location: 宇都宮二荒山神社

◇ When

January 15, 2027

Friday

⌖ Where

Utsunomiya Futarayama Shrine

1-1-1 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi

宇都宮二荒山神社
栃木県宇都宮市宇都宮市馬場通り1丁目1番1号

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Held twice a year at Futarasan Shrine, this traditional ceremony takes place on December 15 (as the Winter Transition Festival) and January 15 (as the Spring Transition Festival), both referred to as 'Otariya.' In January, New Year's pine decorations are burned in a ritual marking the end of the holiday season for local residents. It is believed that exposing your head to the rising smoke brings household safety, good health, and protection from fire. Many people from the city and surrounding areas visit the shrine and participate late into the night.