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The scenic peninsula known for the intangible cultural property, Namahage.
In northwestern Akita, a peninsula rich in nature sticks out into the Japan Sea. It is known nationally for Namahage of Oga which was registered as an UNESCO iIntangible Cultural Heritage in 2018. Namahage of Oga is a traditional event that takes place in over 80 areas of Oga Peninsula on the new year’s eve. In mid February, Namahage Sedo Festival is held, the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum allows you to experience namahage events throughout the year, the Namahage Museum displays more than 150 pieces of Namahage masks. Oga has plenty of events and facilities related to Namahage.
Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Oga Peninsula is known for the scenic beauty from mountains to the ocean. From Minamiiso Village to the west coast and Cape Nyudo, the coastline is grandeur.
Hatahata, one of winter staples in Oga, and seafood such as sea bream, cod, crab and other fresh catch is abundant. Ishiyaki Ryori is a wild cuisine which pours hot water in a wooden tub and tosses burnt red-hot stones in it to boil seafood instantly. Give it a try for yourself.
Oga Onsen’s hot spring contains salt as closely as sea water and is said to be effective for beautiful skin. Stay there and have a leisurely tour around the Oga Peninsula.
Nationally-famous Namahage is Oga’s traditional event
Surrounded by the Japan Sea, the Peninsula is a scenic treasure
Cape Nyudo, Oga’s prominent tourist spot ©oganavi.com
Oga Onsen Resort has a variety of inns ©oganavi.com
Oga’s specialty Ishiyaki Ryori began as a fisherman’s meal
One of the rare lawn-covered mountains, Kanpuzan ©oganavi.com
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have foreign language support? (If it is available, what language is available?)
Most sites in the peninsula do not provide foreign language service. But a translator app service is available at Namahage Museum and Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum in English, Traditional Chinese characters, and Hangul.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter each facility?
Yes. However, only one re-entry is permitted at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum. In addition, "Oga Aquarium GAO" and " Nyudozaki Lighthouse" do not allow re-entry.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available at each facility?
Certain facilities, such as the Namahage Museum, have free Wi-Fi. However, most sites do not have it.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
They are at the Oga Station.
Q
How often do the buses and trains run?
The Oga Line from Akita Station to Oga Station runs about once an hour. Buses and other public transportation are also very limited because they are infrequent, and the routes are designed for local residents.
However, a rent-car shop, Oga Rent-A-Lease, and a bicycle rental shop Oga Jitensha are located 5 minutes walking from the station. A Namahage Shuttle, a shared-ride taxi service available by reservation, is also available.
Q
Are there hot springs?
The Oga hot spring resort is about 20-30 minutes away by car. There are 6 hot spring facilities, and the spring is said to beautify the skin. A free shuttle bus is available with reservation.
Q
What kind of special menu do you have?
We recommend "Ishiyaki Ryori," a local dish in which heated stones are placed into a pan to cook fish and vegetables. Some hot spring inns will show you how to cook this dish at the table, so please ask when you make a reservation.
Q
Where are the good viewpoints?
The Oga Peninsula is surrounded by the sea in north, south and west. From Mt. Kanpu and Hachibodai Observation Deck, you can enjoy uninterrupted views in all directions. The sunset over the ocean is especially breathtaking.
Some reviews are translated by AI.
The Japanese pronunciation of Oga is (O-GA).
Oga Peninsula is in Akita Prefecture, Tohoku, jutting out into the Sea of Japan. It's not very easy to get to, so it still keeps its unique local customs.
I led a tour group to Tohoku and stayed at a hot spring hotel by Lake Tazawa in Akita. During dinner, someone suddenly appeared wearing a fierce mask, straw clothes, holding a knife and a wooden bucket, and scaring everyone with a deep, raspy voice.
That's when I learned about the Namahage legend in Tohoku. It was fascinating, and now I always share this fun story with my tour groups when we visit.
Actually, Namahage is kind of like Santa Claus, but the opposite. One rewards good kids, while the other warns and scolds lazy or naughty children—and even reminds adults to work hard and not slack off!
I'm looking forward to visiting Oga Peninsula again next time I'm in Akita, Tohoku...
The stone-cooked dish here is a local specialty of the Oga Peninsula. They toss piping hot stones into the pot to quickly bring it to a boil, so all the fresh flavors stay in the soup. Definitely worth trying!
