Must-See Onikoshi (Demon Visitors) in Akita, Japan: Experience Thrilling Drum Performances & Immersive Folklore Shows

▲ The onikoshi (NAMAHAGE) is a unique demon legend specific to Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, Japan, and is considered a god-like symbol of good fortune by the locals. (Photo provided by Nikaho Shinzan Heritage Hall)

Reported by Zhao Yuting / from Akita, Japan

Located in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, Japan, there is a very special"Onikoshi NAMAHAGE"legend. To the residents of Nikaho, these demons are deities that visit during the year-end season, symbolizing good fortune. As a result, the area is steeped in onikoshi culture. Among its highlights are the "Onikoshi Taiko" performances and the "Nikaho Shinzan Heritage Hall." The hall’s realistic onikoshi experience will make you feel as if you’ve traveled back to ancient Japan, showing you why these beings are regarded as divine by the locals.

The "Onikoshi Taiko" is performed by a group of young skilled taiko drummers, and the venue is located at the Nikaho Onsen Koryu Kaikan (Hot Spring Exchange Hall) in the Nikaho Onsen area. The performers wear onikoshi-style masks, straw costumes, and straw sandals, and they play the drums with powerful rhythms while letting out the fearsome cries associated with the demons’ appearance. The combination of drumbeats and roars makes you feel as though you’re truly in the presence of the demons’ spirits.

After the performance, the performers interact with the audience — somewhat similar to Taiwan’s dragon and lion dance culture. However, catching this thrilling show isn’t a daily occurrence. It’s held annually from April to November, with each show lasting about 30–40 minutes. Admission is free on Fridays and Saturdays, but performances may be canceled due to local festivals, so plan your trip carefully to experience the magic of the Onikoshi Taiko.



▲ Onikoshi Taiko performance at the Nikaho Onsen Koryu Kaikan in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. (Video provided by Nikaho Onsen Koryu Kaikan)


▲ After the performance, you can take photos with the professional onikoshi taiko performers. (Photo by reporter Zhao Yuting)


▲ Various onikoshi-themed souvenirs are sold outside the hall after the show. (Photo by reporter Zhao Yuting)

[Onikoshi Taiko Performance]
Location: Nikaho Onsen Koryu Kaikan, 22-1 Kumagahara, Kitaura-Yumoto, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Time: Every year from late April to mid-November, around 8:00 PM. Performances may be canceled during festivals.
Admission: Adults ¥450, elementary school students ¥250, groups of 15 or more ¥500, free on Fridays and Saturdays.
Transportation: Approximately 25 minutes by car from JR Nikaho Station


▲ Legend says that onikoshi visit homes on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck. (Photo provided by Nikaho Shinzan Heritage Hall)

Those curious about the onikoshi shouldn’t miss the Nikaho Shinzan Heritage Hall. This museum documents the age-old legends of the onikoshi and how modern Nikaho citizens continue to preserve this cultural heritage. The onikoshi are revered as messengers of the gods, and legend has it that on snowy New Year’s Eve, their deep “hoho” voices echo through the darkness as they go door-to-door asking whether there are any crying children or lazy adults in the household, and they drive away misfortune to bring blessings.

On that night, every household must prepare food and drinks to welcome the onikoshi. As soon as they enter, the family serves them and answers their questions, explaining how the year’s crops have fared and asking for their blessing for a prosperous new year. This tradition has been passed down through generations. Although real onikoshi no longer exist, people still dress up as them each year to keep the culture alive.


▲ % Even? Leak palace sauce Jiao priestess and performance ancient buildings and masks, also can see those make mask ancient times. (Photo / Reporter Zhao Yuting) (Strong)



▲ % Even? Leak palace provides complete history about rural customs and life in the mountain villages. (Photo / Reporter Zhao Yuting) (Strong)