Oga-hanto Peninsula男鹿半島

Home to the renowned Namahage Legend, Oga-hanto Peninsula boasts spectacular views of the coastline.

Oga-hanto Peninsula, in the western part of Akita, juts out into the Sea of Japan in the shape of an ax. Along its coastline are fantastic views of crags and boulders, and it is noted for its beautiful sunsets. It is also famous for a traditional event called "Namahage," at which time young people, dressed up as devils, visit houses to admonish lazy people, expel evil spirits, ward off disasters, and to bless people.

There are so many spots on the Oga-hanto Peninsula that you should not miss. The view at the Kanpuzan Observatory at the base of the peninsula, where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramas of the Sea of Japan and Lagoon Hachiro-gata, is simply stunning. And Godzilla Boulder, so named because of its shape: how can a tour of Japan not include a visit to this famous monster? Add to these the west coast of Oga, with its long line of rude cliffs and rocks; Hachibodai, with the best views of Oga and clear out to the Ou Mountain Range; and of course, Nyudo-zaki Point, on the tip of the peninsula, with its spectacular view of the Sea of Japan. A sightseeing boat leaves from nearby Oga Aquarium, and from it you can view the coastline, sprinkled with strange rocks and bizarre stones, magnificent sculptures that nature has created.

At Shinzan-jinja Shrine, the origin of Namahage, the Namahage Sedo-matsuri Festival is held every winter. The Oga Shinzan Densho-kan (folklore museum) displays Namahage masks and holds Namahage stage shows, so you can get a sense of the Namahage atmosphere at any time of the year.