Namahage Museum, Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum [なまはげ館, 男鹿真山伝承館]
Costumes of Namahage
Photo by Akita Prefecture
Video theater in Namahage-kan
Photo by Akita Prefecture
Namahage Museum is a museum about "Namahage".
It is in Shinzan area located about 8 km northwest of Oga city.
In Japanese, it is called "Namahage-kan".
Namahage is a devil.
He wears a mask with fearful expression and a coat made of straws, holds a sickle or a knife in his hand.
In each house, they act wildly to punish bad children and make good children.
This museum introduces the traditional and unique custom of Namahage using articles on display and videos.
And over 100 costumes of Namahage which were actually used are displayed.
Additionally, there is a section where you can transform yourself into Namahage.
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum
Photo by Akita Prefecture
Namahages act wildly to punish bad children
Photo by Akita Prefecture
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum is a museum that you can see the actual custom of Namahage.
It is just next to the Namahage Museum.
It is called "Oga Shinzan Denshôkan" in Japanese.
The building is a reproduced traditional house in Oga area.
The master appease and entertain them
Photo by Akita Prefecture
Namahages preach then leave
Photo by Akita Prefecture
You can see the story that real Namahages rage in the house and the master calms down and entertains them.
You can contact with the unique tradition in Oga area.
This museum opens every day from April to November.
How to get here
There is no public transportation.
You can go to there by using a taxi or a rental car.
But a share taxi visiting some sightseeing spots is operated from JR Oga station.
It is an idea to use it. (You need make a reservation.)