Located on the western edge of Akita Prefecture, the Oga Peninsula stretches boldly into the Sea of Japan. This rugged coastal region is a land where untamed nature and ancient traditions continue to thrive. At the heart of its identity is the Namahage—a fearsome figure clad in straw and wearing an ogre-like mask. But beneath the fierce exterior lies a sacred role: the Namahage is a visiting deity, believed to protect families and ensure peace in the village. This revered custom has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This 2-day journey offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in both nature and culture. From Akita Station, the peninsula is about 90 minutes away by a combination of train and bus, or more freely explored by car.

Your first stop should be the Namahage Museum and Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum. These facilities offer insight into the Namahage tradition through exhibits of authentic masks, straw garments, and multimedia displays that capture the essence of the ritual. Regardless of season, you can experience the awe-inspiring Namahage encounter. At the folklore museum, you can witness a dramatic live reenactment of the Namahage ritual, where the sound of drums and stomping feet fills the room with a sacred, spine-tingling energy.

Afterward, a drive around the peninsula reveals a landscape both wild and striking. Steep cliffs plunge into the sea, and towering wind turbines spin along the coast, giving the area a mysterious, almost otherworldly atmosphere. One highlight is Nyudozaki, where a black-and-white striped lighthouse stands against open fields. At dusk, the sun melts into the Sea of Japan, painting the horizon in deep crimson—a view that lingers long after the journey ends.

For accommodations, a stay at one of the inns in Oga Onsen Village is highly recommended. These traditional lodgings offer the warmth of Japanese hospitality, and their proximity to the sea ensures meals feature the freshest seafood. Be sure to try ishiyaki ryori—a dramatic hot-stone seafood dish—and grilled hatahata (sandfish), a local delicacy known for its rich flavor. After dinner, a soak in the hot spring followed by a quiet evening accompanied by the sound of waves offers a luxurious sense of calm and renewal.

The next morning, head to the Kampuzan Observatory for a sweeping view of Oga’s natural landscape. From the summit, you can take in the full expanse of the peninsula, the Sea of Japan, and on clear days, even the distant peak of Mount Chokai. The panorama is breathtaking—an unforgettable reminder of the vastness and serenity of Japan’s northern coast. Along the way, you’ll pass through tranquil farmland, where glimpses of daily rural life add a gentle rhythm to your journey.

Oga Peninsula is a place where both culture and nature invite quiet reflection. Like the Namahage that symbolize its spirit, this land holds unique traditions of prayer, connection, and resilience—things that cannot be easily found elsewhere. A two-day stay free from the rush of time leaves a deeper impression than one might expect, making Oga not just a destination, but a memory that quietly endures.