Namahage Museum

The "Namahage Museum" is a facility that provides exhibits and information about the traditional demon "Namahage" that has been passed down in the Oga Peninsula. Namahage originated from young men in the neighborhood who visited homes as "Namahage" to drive away evil spirits to pray for a good harvest and safety of their families before farmers welcomed the new year. The museum displays 110 of the 150 Namahage figures and 40 masks that were actually used in various parts of the Oga Peninsula, allowing visitors to see them up close. In addition, there is a screen that shows the scene of Namahage festival on New Year's Eve, allowing visitors to feel the festival atmosphere. Oga City has a tradition of Namahage parading through the town during the festival, which has been popular with tourists for a long time. The Namahage Museum is open year-round, and when visiting Akita Prefecture, it is recommended to learn about the history and culture of Namahage in Oga City and experience the power of the festival!

At the Namahage Museum, over 150 different types of Namahage masks that were actually used in various parts of Oga City are on display. These Namahage masks are the masks used in the traditional New Year's Eve and New Year's Day event in Oga City called "Namahage." The masks on display showcase the various shapes and designs that have been passed down in approximately 80 villages in Oga City. The museum is also adjacent to the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of Oga City. The Namahage masks on display are related to the fact that Oga's Namahage has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, allowing visitors to understand their value and significance. When visiting Oga City, why not visit the Namahage Museum and experience the diversity of Namahage masks and the culture of Oga City?

The Namahage Museum features a Mystical Hall and Namahage Folklore Hall. First, let's talk about the Mystical Hall. Among the Akita cedar pillars, there are various materials that unravel the mystery of the origin of Namahage and provide information on Namahage events. In the Namahage Folklore Hall, the movie "One Night of Namahage" is shown every 30 minutes. The Namahage Museum, which has a wealth of information on Namahage in Oga City, is a must-see spot for travelers interested in Namahage. In addition, by watching original movies, you can deepen your knowledge of the culture and customs of Oga City!

At the Namahage Museum, there is an exhibition featuring the Namahage folklore. There are many corners and various exhibitions, such as displays of masks used in similar folk events in Akita Prefecture and overseas. There are also limited-time exhibitions that change according to the season or theme. The exhibition is highly rated by travelers due to its high-quality and attractive content. For those interested in Namahage, the Namahage Museum with its extensive exhibition content is a must-see!

The souvenir shop at the Namahage Museum has a wide variety of Namahage goods. There are many limited and original items, making for an attractive selection unique to Oga. Among the original goods, the Namahage puzzle and Namahage can badges are particularly popular and have received high praise from locals and tourists alike. When visiting Oga City, why not visit the Namahage Museum or the surrounding souvenir shops and pick up some unique Namahage goods that are exclusive to Oga?