Usokae Festival

Usokae Festival

At Usokae Festival, held in Iizaka Onsen Town, visitors buy lucky, hand-carved, wooden birds called ‘Usokae’. ‘Usokae’ translates as ‘changing lies’. Visitors who buy an Usokae bird must think of a ‘lie’ – i.e. something they don’t want to happen – which will in turn be changed to good luck to make sure that thing doesn’t occur by the birds by the end of the year. For example, you could think “I won’t pass my school exam” when you buy the bird, and by the end of the year, the bird will help you pass it! This is a unique local festival, and the hand-carved Usokae birds make very charming gifts too!

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://fukushima-guide.jp/event/january-events/
Contact

Fukushima City Tourism & Convention Association

(+81) 24-563-5554

Best Season
  • Winter
Access Details
AccessNishine Shrine, Takahata 2, Yuno, Iizaka-machi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Pref. 960-0211
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 10 min from the Fukushima-Iizaka I.C. exit off the Tohoku Expressway

By Train: 7 min on foot from Iizaka Onsen Station (Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line)

Nearby

The World Glassware Hall
Outdoor Activities

Bandai-Azuma Skyline Cycling Route

The Bandai-Azuma Skyline is one of the top cycling routes of Japan!  The route brings cyclists through dense green forests to volcanic terrain and sweeping views of Fukushima city and the volcanic peak of Mt. Kofuji, or “Little Fuji”. In autumn this course is warmed by vibrant autumn leaves, that make for a magical ride! Fukushima has routes for cyclists of all levels! Click here for more information about Cycling Courses and Events in Fukushima!  (Click here to read our blog about cycling the scenic Bandai-Azuma Skyline!)

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