Namahage Museum

Namahage Museum

The Namahage Museum is located in Kitaura-Mashiyama area, Oga City, Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan. It is a museum dedicated to introducing the customs and history of Oga through the theme of namahage. The Namahage Festival is a traditional folk event popular on the Oga Peninsula, where every New Year’s Eve, many men wear masks and straw costumes, dressing up as deities called “namahage.” They parade through the streets, visiting homes to punish evil and promote good, as well as ward off disasters. Legend says that namahage are messengers of the gods guarding Mount Shinzan and Mount Hobutsu, bringing bountiful harvests, rich fishing yields, and other blessings to the people, which is why they are worshipped.

The Namahage Museum primarily introduces the scenes, rules, traditions, and spirit of the namahage activities. It displays many real-life namahage masks and costumes used during the festival. Visitors can try on these outfits in the “transformation” corner, take photos, and experience the namahage culture firsthand. Moreover, one section of the museum exhibits namahage statues from 60 different areas in Oga City. Illuminated, they appear extremely lifelike, offering an eye-opening and memorable glimpse into the world of namahage.

Namahage Museum

Must-visit reason: The most important cultural heritage museum on the Oga Peninsula

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Akita Prefecture [Akita Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Oga City [Oga]