Come Visit Namahage World!!
Oga peninsula, Akita, Tohoku region, Japan
Oga peninsula is home to
a unique mask event "Namahage"
representative Japan.
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Located on the coast of Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region, Oga City is one of Akita’s premier tourist destinations. It is world-renowned for "Namahage," a traditional masked ritual and folk cultural asset designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
At Oga's signature tourist facilities, the Namahage Museum and the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, visitors can experience and immerse themselves in Namahage culture throughout the year. Furthermore, the "Namahage Sedo Festival," held every February, attracts many visitors from around the globe who come to witness the powerful spectacle despite the severe winter cold.
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The entire Oga Peninsula is designated as the "Oga Peninsula-Ogata Geopark," offering dynamic and scenic beauty that transitions seamlessly from the coastline to the mountains. The area is home to many picturesque spots such as Nyudozaki and Mt. Kanpu, and has long been a popular driving destination for both tourists and locals in Akita.
In recent years, the peninsula has gained significant international attention thanks to the hydrangeas at Unsho-ji Temple, which was ranked No. 1 in Japan in the 2017 edition of "Great Views of the World: Places to See Before You Die!" The breathtaking sight of endless blue hydrangeas, meticulously cultivated over more than 15 years, is truly a spectacular view.
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Oga Onsen, the representative hot spring resort of the Oga area, is highly popular for its therapeutic and mineral-rich waters.
A must-try local specialty is the "Ishiyaki" (Stone Grill) cuisine. This dynamic cooking method involves placing red-hot stones directly into a wooden tub filled with seafood broth, causing it to boil instantly. It is exceptionally popular not only for its delicious flavor but also for its thrilling and theatrical presentation.