Namahage Museum なまはげ館

Oga City's Namahage Museum highlights all things Namahage through various displays. The "Namahage Seizoroi Corner" features masks and costumes from 60 districts around Oga. The "Shinpi Hall" explores the nature and customs of Oga, and the "Densho Hall" features a large screen which plays a film showcasing the Namahage Festival on New Year's Eve. At the "Namahage Transformation Corner," visitors can try on authentic Namahage costumes for themselves.

It takes about an hour from JR Akita Station to Oga Station, the last stop on the Ou Line. From there, it is about 30 minutes to the Namahage Museum via the Namahage Shuttle bus. Please see the official website for reservations.

Uncover the importance of this dramatic event for the local people and their culture through the exhibits on display. These include the "Namahage Seizoroi," which displays a variety of masks and costumes from across the Oga area.

Try on the costumes and have your photograph taken. There is also a theater that runs “An Evening with the Namahage,” a 15-minute documentary film on the festival and what it means to local people.

Other exhibits in the museum include the Shinpi Hall, which exhibits an Oga boat, mini forest, tools and other items that play a part in the Oga culture.