# Spring Transition Festival
_春渡祭_

- **When:** Fri, Jan 15, 2027 (JST)
- **Where:** Utsunomiya Futarayama Shrine — 1-1-1 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi
- **Map:** https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=36.561317,139.885818
- **Price:** price on the official site
- **Category:** Cultural & Ethnic Festivals
- **Official site:** https://www.utsunomiya-cvb.org/event/detail_20012.html
- **On Tokyo Events:** https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/spring-transition-festival

![](https://www.utsunomiya-cvb.org/lsc/upfile/spot/0002/0012/20012_1_l.jpg)

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.

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Source: Tokyo Events — https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/spring-transition-festival