Hello, I am Nanami, a JR East staff member from Akita Station(秋田駅). I grew up in Oga(男鹿), a city from Akita Prefecture(秋田県), and I’d like to share more about my hometown!
Have you ever visited the Oga Peninsula? In this article, I’ll introduce the appeal of this coastal peninsula which lies north of Akita City, that extends into the Sea of Japan and feels like a hidden retreat tucked away in northern Tohoku(東北). Through this journey together, I’ll be sharing my experience with three aspects of Oga that make the peninsula unique, so let’s begin the journey to Oga, starting from Akita Station!
Riding the Local Oga Line — also known as the Namahage Line
Our journey begins at Akita Station. It takes about one hour by train to reach Oga Station(男鹿駅). IC cards such as SUICA are accepted, making the journey straightforward. The Oga Line features trains painted in striking red and blue, colours inspired by creatures known as Namahage, an iconic folk tradition that I’ll going into depth about later.
About fourteen of these trains arrive at the platform every day, and you can use the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) to ride them for free.
Once we arrive at Oga Station, a common question comes to mind as it often does: How do I get around after arriving at the station? This is a concern all too familiar when traveling around the more isolated regional areas of Japan.
This is where I decided to use the Namahage Shuttle, a sightseeing taxi service which connects Oga Station to various popular tourist sites such as Oga Onsen, the Namahage Museum, and Oga Aquarium. Reservations for the shuttle can be made online through the official website, which has support available in English and Chinese, and payment options include cash, IC cards, and credit cards.
*Please note that the Namahage Shuttle must be reserved by the day before.
Namahage Shuttle (Oga Peninsula Shared Taxi Service)
Address: Shinhamacho Funagawaminato Funagawa, Oga, Akita 010-0511
Pickup Point: Namahage Shuttle Bus Stop at Oga Station
Phone: +81-185-24-2100
Learning About Oga’s Namahage Traditions at the Namahage Museum
Using the Namahage Shuttle, we make our first stop at the Namahage Museum. Have you heard of the Namahage, the iconic folk tradition of Oga? The Namahage Museum offers a comprehensive introduction to Namahage culture, from its origins to how it is practiced today.
Inside the Namahage Museum, more than 150 Namahage masks line the walls. Their expressions vary by region, from fierce to humorous. Through the exhibits and videos, it becomes clear that Namahage are not meant to scare people or represent an evil demon. Instead, it is a figure believed to protect communities and drive away misfortune.
The exhibits have information in English and Chinese, so international visitors can learn deeply about Namahage. Inside the Namahage Museum, there is a corner where visitors can wear Namahage costumes and take photos. You can put on the straw outfit and mask to see what a Namahage looks like. It is a simple and fun way to experience the tradition!
Next to the Namahage Museum, the Shinzan Folklore Museum offers a live demonstration of the Namahage ritual. The Shinzan Folklore Museum looks like a traditional Japanese house, but when the lights go down and it becomes quiet, the atmosphere changes.
“Nagu ko wa inega?” Namahage often shouts. This means, “Are there any crying children?” in the local dialect. The Namahage appear for only a few minutes, but the tension of the real ritual can be clearly felt. You may find the performance a little frightening at first. However, it helps you understand how Namahage visits homes in Oga and how the tradition is deeply rooted in the local community.
By experiencing both together, the traditions of Oga become easier to understand and more memorable.
*Please note that live performances at the Shinzan Folklore Museum are held at scheduled times.
Namahage Museum
Address: Mizukuisawa Kitaurashinzan, Oga, Akita 010-0685
Access: 25 minutes via the Namahage Shuttle from Oga Station
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum
Address: Mizukuisawa-48, Oga, Akita 010-0685
Access: 25 minutes via the Namahage Shuttle from Oga Station (directly beside the Namahage Museum)
Seafood Lunch at Izakaya Hide
It would just be about time for lunch now, as I’m sure we’re all getting hungry after the museum trip. Izakaya Hide is a popular local restaurant that has been loved by local residents for many years, that is only a three-minute walk from Oga Station.
Seafood rice bowls and sashimi sets made with Oga’s local catch are a must-try. You can really taste the freshness of fish caught nearby! I tried the owner’s recommended sashimi set at Izakaya Hide, and the fish was so fresh and tender. It was truly delicious.
Next time, I’d love to try the Japanese-style simmered fish set or the tempura set as well. In the evening, Izakaya Hide also offers a wide selection of Japanese sake. It’s a great place to enjoy local dishes while having a drink.
Izakaya Hide (居酒屋 秀)
Address: Sakaecho−９５, Funagawaminato Funagawa, Oga, Akita 010-0511
Access: 2-minute walk from Oga Station
Phone: +81-185-23-3830
Escape to Dairyuji Zen Temple for a quiet retreat
Just a five-minute walk from Oga Station, Dairyuji Temple sits atop a quiet hill and offers an easy stop for those curious about Zen. The grounds are arranged for smooth exploration, with a walkway that circles the garden inside the main building.
Stepping into the main hall, the atmosphere feels noticeably still, inviting a natural pause. Along the route, the second floor of Ryuo-den houses a bell tower where visitors can try striking the large temple bell while enjoying views of Oga’s mountains and sea. Many find the deep resonance of the bell calming, and the scenery from the tower is worth capturing in photos.
A visit to Dairyuji should end with Rakusuitei Garden, a quiet space facing in the temple garden grounds known for its tranquil setting. Here, visitors can experience zazen (seated meditation) while looking out over the seasonal landscape. This practice is not about learning something new, but about consciously setting aside time to do nothing—a gentle way to let go.
The garden reveals different expressions throughout the year, offering a scene that feels more serene than any photo can convey. I spent time simply watching the garden and the slow movement of clouds, letting my mind clear and noticing the passage of time. It was a truly memorable experience. For those concerned about posture or etiquette, the temple staff provide clear guidance.
*Please note that Zen experiences such as zazen meditation and sutra copying require advance reservations.
Dairyuji Temple (海蔵山 大龍寺 ー楽水亭庭園ー)
Address: 34 Toriyaba, Funagawaminato Funagawa, Oga, Akita, 010-0511
Access: 5-minute walk from Oga Station
MORICHO – A Heritage Storehouse Turned Hotel/Sauna
Staying in Oga? Moricho is a perfect place to stay. Inside, guests are welcomed by a spacious lounge with views of the courtyard, creating a calm and open atmosphere.
This accomodation offers five types of rooms. For solo travelers, the “Dormitory Single” is a popular option, featuring warm wooden interiors, partitions, and power outlets for a comfortable stay. For families or friends, the “Suite Room Twin HANARE” provides a larger space with a private kitchen and courtyard views, offering a relaxed setting for shared time.
One feature many visitors find memorable is the “NAMOMI SAUNA KURA” where an entire heritage storehouse has been converted into a sauna. The sauna stones use Kana-ishi, a volcanic rock traditionally used in Oga’s stone-grilled cuisine. After enjoying the sauna scented with Aomori cypress, guests can cool down in a wooden barrel bath.
*Please note that sauna sessions are scheduled separately for men and women on specific days, so it’s best to check the official website in advance. Day-use plans are also available for those who wish to enjoy the sauna without an overnight stay.
MORICHO(森長)
Address: 82 Sakaemachi, Funakawa, Oga City, Akita
Access: 2-minute walk from Oga Station
Phone: +81-185-47-7716
Take Home the Best of Oga at Ogare
If you’ve come all the way to Oga, picking up some souvenirs is a must! Located right in front of Oga Station, Ogare is a local market offering a wide variety of products, including fresh seafood, local vegetables and fruits from Oga, sake, craft beer, and sweets.
One of my personal food highlights here is the gelato at Oga Gelato, located inside Ogare. The Oga Salt Milk flavour, made with local sea salt from Oga, has a clean, refreshing taste with gentle sweetness, making it especially memorable.
That’s not all! On weekends and public holidays, Ogare hosts special events where visitors can meet and interact with Akita dogs.
The sessions start at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and each lasts about 20 minutes. It’s a great chance to spend some time with these fluffy and friendly dogs!
OGARE (Local Product Market Oga Namahage no Sato)
Address: 1-19 Shinhama-machi, Funakawa, Oga City, Akita
Access: 2-minute walk from Oga Station
Phone: +81-185-47-7515
Let’s have a wonderful time in Oga!
How did you like this trip? I truly enjoyed exploring Oga.
Through this trip, I was able to experience many sides of Oga, including its culture, food, and local activities. If you feel unsure about getting around by train or bus, I hope this article helps you feel more confident about visiting.
Oga is also home to many other scenic spots, such as Mount Kanpu and the Unosaki Coast. There are still many hidden sides of Oga waiting to be discovered, and I hope to continue to share them with you. I hope this article inspires you to visit Oga someday!
Header Image Credit: JR East Akita Branch
