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Oga Peninsula

The scenic peninsula known for the intangible cultural property, Namahage.

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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.

Highlights

  • Famous for the Namahage of Oga event which is registered as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
  • The scenic place with plenty of tour spots.
  • Fresh seafood, the special local cuisine, Ishiyaki Ryori, and lots of other gourmet food.
  • Oga Onsen Resort has many inns.

Photos

  • Nationally-famous Namahage is Oga’s traditional event

    Nationally-famous Namahage is Oga’s traditional event

  • Surrounded by the Japan Sea, the Peninsula is a scenic treasure

    Surrounded by the Japan Sea, the Peninsula is a scenic treasure

  • Cape Nyudo, Oga’s prominent tourist spot
©oganavi.com

    Cape Nyudo, Oga’s prominent tourist spot ©oganavi.com

  • Oga Onsen Resort has a variety of inns
©oganavi.com

    Oga Onsen Resort has a variety of inns ©oganavi.com

  • Oga’s specialty Ishiyaki Ryori began as a fisherman’s meal

    Oga’s specialty Ishiyaki Ryori began as a fisherman’s meal

  • One of the rare lawn-covered mountains, Kanpuzan
©oganavi.com

    One of the rare lawn-covered mountains, Kanpuzan ©oganavi.com

Official FAQs

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?)

A

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?

A

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?

A

Certain facilities, such as the Namahage Museum, have free Wi-Fi. However, most sites do not have it.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

They are at the Oga Station.

Q

How often do the buses and trains run?

A

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?

A

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?

A

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?

A

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.

Reviews

2
  • Top Reviewer

    男鹿的日文唸法:(O-GA)
    男鹿半島位於東北秋田縣,突出於日本海的半島,交通不太便利,也保有有著獨特的生活習俗。

    我帶團到東北,住在秋田縣田澤湖的溫泉飯店,晚上吃自助餐時,突然出現一個帶著表情猙獰的面具,身穿稻草衣服,手持菜刀與木桶,低沈沙啞嗓音嚇唬著人們。
    我才知道原來有這樣東北有著這樣的傳說なまはげ(生剝鬼) ,覺得驚奇,後來來到東北都會分享這個有趣的故事給團員們

    其實生剝鬼其實與聖誕老公公雷同,只是兩人的方式是相反的,
    一是會鼓勵獎勵孩子
    另一則是懲罰壞孩子,使其不要偷懶,進而也會警示大人要認真工作,勿偷懶!

    期待下一次去到東北秋田,也要來安排男鹿半島之旅⋯⋯

  • Shirley Lo

    石燒料理是用滾燙的石頭丟入鍋中快速沸騰,食材的鮮美滋味都留在鍋湯內,是男鹿半島的鄉土料理。

Details

Name in Japanese
男鹿半島
Address
Oga City, Akita
Telephone
0185-24-4700 (Oga City Tourism Association)
Directions
From JR Oga Station, ride a taxi to get to spots within Oga City
Website
Official Website (English)