TokyoWaltz

TokyoWaltz

Namahage Museum

Namahage Museum — archival location photograph, 2014
2014 photograph by Kumpei Shiraishi. Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0. Image unchanged; displayed to fit.

Tohoku · Akita / Oga

Understand the visiting figures behind the masks.

The museum introduces Oga’s Namahage tradition through masks, costumes and interpretation. Compare the differences between communities, then consider a separate timed presentation at the neighbouring Shinzan Folklore Museum.

Museum hours
08:30–17:00
Museum admission
Adult ¥660
Combined ticket
Adult ¥1,100 with Shinzan Folklore Museum
Closed
Normally open year-round
Suggested time
1–1½ hours with a presentation
December–March
Fewer presentation times

Look for differences between communities

The masks are an entry point into a living local tradition, not simply a collection of frightening characters. Give the interpretation time before moving on. The photograph shows the museum entrance; the displays inside provide the cultural context.

Book the journey around the programme

The neighbouring presentation recreates a tradition for visitors on a timetable; it is separate from attending a community’s actual seasonal observance. Winter sessions are less frequent. Oga is not next door to Kakunodate, so make it a dedicated outing and check current access notices.

Location & access

Namahage Museum

Mizukuisawa, Kitaura Shinzan, Oga, Akita

Neighbourhood

Tohoku · Akita / Oga

Plan onward transport from Oga Station. The operator lists an advance-reservation Namahage Shuttle; ordinary buses require connections. Confirm both directions before travel.

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Keep exploring

Sources & planning links

Visitor information checked on 2 November 2026. Suggested visit lengths are TokyoWaltz planning estimates. Check official notices for changes to hours, admission and access.