Namahage Museum

The “Namahage” events held on New Year’s Eve in almost all areas of the Oga Peninsula are all terrifying in appearance, but in fact, the masks and costumes vary widely.

The museum exhibits many valuable materials on why the legend of Namahage lives on in this area of Oga.

The masonry exterior walls made of Oga’s cold wind stone and the interior decorated with plenty of Akita cedar give the place an atmospheric feel.

Namahage masks are performed in approximately 88 districts in Oga City, each with its own subtle individuality, and more than 150 Namahage masks, costumes, and masks rich in originality from various regions are on display in one place.

There is even a corner where visitors can actually transform into a Namahage. Movies are also shown on a large screen.

The Namahage of Oga is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

The word “Namahage” is said to derive from a pun on the phrase “to peel a fire-spot (namomi).

There is also a mysterious hall that introduces “Oga,” which takes 30 to 40 minutes and is guided by a professional interpreter.

This is a recommended spot for tourists to learn about the legend of Namahage and the unique nature and customs of Oga.