# Namahage Museum

> The Namahage Museum in Oga, Akita showcases the UNESCO-listed Namahage tradition, in which fearsome masked figures visit homes on New Year's Eve to ward off evil and encourage hard work. The museum displays over 150 Namahage masks from across the Oga Peninsula, each with distinct regional character. Adjacent Shinzan Shrine hosts live Namahage reenactments year-round. A good place to understand one of Japan's most dramatic folk customs.

- Prefecture: Akita
- Type: Museum
- Address: Oga, Akita, Japan
- Admission: 550 yen
- Official site: https://www.namahage.co.jp/namahagekan/

The Namahage Museum sits on the Oga Peninsula in Akita, the heartland of one of Japan's most striking folk customs. On New Year's Eve, young men don fearsome ogre masks and straw capes to become Namahage, visiting deities who burst into homes growling 'Are there any lazy people here?', startling children and idlers before being welcomed with food and sake to bless the household for the year ahead. Recognised by UNESCO in 2018 as part of the 'Raiho-shin' ritual visiting-deity traditions, the custom is brought to life here through a hall of more than 150 Namahage masks gathered from villages across the peninsula, each with its own colours, horns, and expression that reveal surprising local variety. The museum stands beside the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, an old thatched farmhouse where live Namahage reenactments are staged year-round so visitors can experience the encounter for themselves. Together with the adjacent Shinzan Shrine, it is a good single place to understand a tradition normally seen only on one night a year, and the Namahage Sedo Festival held here in February is the most dramatic time to come.

## FAQ

### What is Namahage?

Namahage are fearsome masked demon-like figures from Oga Peninsula folklore. On New Year's Eve, costumed villagers visit homes asking 'Are there any lazy people here?' to ward off evil and encourage hard work. The tradition is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The museum displays over 150 regional mask variations.

### Can I see a live Namahage performance?

Yes! Shinzan Shrine next to the museum hosts live Namahage reenactments year-round (combined ticket available). Shows run multiple times daily and demonstrate how Namahage visit homes. The adjacent Namahage-kan (Sedo Festival Museum) also shows video presentations.

### When is the real Namahage festival?

The authentic Namahage visits happen on New Year's Eve (December 31) in villages across the Oga Peninsula, but these are local rituals, not tourist events. The Namahage Sedo Festival at Shinzan Shrine (second weekend of February) is the major public event with bonfires and multiple Namahage performances.

### How do I get to the Namahage Museum?

From JR Oga Station (1.5 hours from Akita on the JR Oga Line, ¥770), take a taxi for 25 minutes (¥4,500–5,000) or limited Oga Marine Bus (40 minutes, ¥520, runs only 4–5 times daily). The complete Oga Peninsula is much easier with a rental car from Akita (Hertz/Times branches at JR Akita Station, ~¥7,000/day). Allow 90 minutes at the museum + Shinzan Shrine; combined entry ¥1,100 adult.

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Source: Namahage Museum — Japan Voyage