Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum is located on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture and is a facility where visitors can experience the traditional "Namahage" culture. The Namahage of Oga is known as a frightening figure that scares children, but in fact, it serves as a deity that admonishes idleness, appearing on New Year's Eve to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest.
The museum recreates a traditional house peculiar to the Oga region, called a "magari-ie," and in a room with an irori (a sunken hearth), visitors can experience a Namahage performance. The powerful entrance of the performers is worth seeing, and the straw that falls from their costumes can be taken home as a protective charm.
Adjacent to the museum, the "Namahage Hall" displays various Namahage masks from the Oga Peninsula, allowing visitors to learn deeply about this traditional culture, which has also been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Furthermore, the "Namahage Custom Learning Course" at the museum recreates the New Year's Eve events of the Mayama area, allowing participants to feel the intensity of the actual festivities.
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, along with Mayama Shrine and the Namahage Hall, is one of the highlights of Oga tourism, attracting many visitors. It also has a free parking lot, making it a must-visit spot when you are in Oga.
The museum recreates a traditional house peculiar to the Oga region, called a "magari-ie," and in a room with an irori (a sunken hearth), visitors can experience a Namahage performance. The powerful entrance of the performers is worth seeing, and the straw that falls from their costumes can be taken home as a protective charm.
Adjacent to the museum, the "Namahage Hall" displays various Namahage masks from the Oga Peninsula, allowing visitors to learn deeply about this traditional culture, which has also been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Furthermore, the "Namahage Custom Learning Course" at the museum recreates the New Year's Eve events of the Mayama area, allowing participants to feel the intensity of the actual festivities.
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, along with Mayama Shrine and the Namahage Hall, is one of the highlights of Oga tourism, attracting many visitors. It also has a free parking lot, making it a must-visit spot when you are in Oga.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum
- Location
- 〒010-0685 Mizukuisawa, Mayama, Kitaura, Oga City, Akita Prefecture
- Access
- 50 minutes by bus from Oga Station
40 minutes by car from Akita Road Showa Oga Peninsula IC
15 minutes by taxi from Hadachi Station - Parking
- Parking available
- Business Hours
- From April to November: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30
From December to March (excluding weekdays): 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 - Fees
- Adults: 1,100 yen
Elementary and Middle School Students: 400 yen - Contact Information
- Phone Number： 0185-33-3033
- Official Website
