Oga Mayama Tradition Museum

Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property experience site, reachable in about 40 minutes by car from Showa Oga Peninsula IC on the Akita Expressway. It is also a well-known sightseeing spot, selected as Akita Prefecture’s representative attraction in TripAdvisor’s "47 Prefectural Representative Tourist Spots Chosen by Reviews." Here, visitors can learn about and experience the authentic Namahage traditions of the Shinzan area through a structured program that includes a live demonstration of Namahage question-and-answer exchanges. The moment the Namahage burst in with a deep groan, shaking the building and making loud sounds, is so powerful it can startle even adults—many small children reportedly end up crying at this stage. The back-and-forth between Namahage and the homeowners, performed in Akita dialect, is also humorous and creates a surprisingly warm atmosphere. It is helpful that the guide materials provide standard Japanese translations for visitors. The straw from the Namahage costumes is said to bring good luck, and you are allowed to pick some up and take it home; staff recommend keeping it in your wallet. Nearby, you can also visit the Namahage Museum and Shinzan Shrine, making this an excellent base for exploring Oga’s top cultural attractions.