Namahage and the Oga Peninsula

Namahage, a folk tradition passed down in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, is showcased at Namahage Museum, which houses over 150 masks exploring the history and culture of this unique custom.

Visitors can observe the different expressions and sculptural variations of the masks while experiencing the profound depth of this traditional New Year's Eve ritual that visits homes throughout the night.

A facility where you can experience the Namahage ritual of Oga, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, through live performances.

Powerful Namahage performances are held throughout the year.

The Nyūdōzaki Lighthouse, standing at the northernmost tip of Oga Peninsula, is distinguished by its striking horizontal stripes in white and black.

From the rocky reefs surrounding the lighthouse, your gaze expands across the Sea of Japan, and on clear days, you can even see as far as Hokkaido in the distance.

The area around the lighthouse features well-maintained walking paths where you can experience the dramatic power of the towering cliffs up close.

Located at a key point along routes exploring Oga Peninsula, known as the birthplace of Namahage, the views from here are an ideal vantage point for understanding the entire peninsula's geography.

This uniquely shaped rock stands along the coastline of the Oga Peninsula. It was named after the side profile of Godzilla, which its silhouette resembles.

Particularly at dusk, when the setting sun illuminates the rock against the sky, its silhouette becomes striking. It is well-known as a popular photography spot among many photography enthusiasts.