🗺️ Oga Shinzan Heritage Museum & Namahage Museum男鹿真山伝承館、なまはげ館

"Namahage" is designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset of the country and is also recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. It is a traditional activity passed down in the Oga Peninsula. On New Year's Eve, Namahage enters every household, shouting, "Is there anyone who has been lazy? Are there any children who cry too much?" as a form of admonition. Although the appearance and actions of Namahage are frightening, resembling the embodiment of a demon, they are actually visiting deities that bring good fortune, ward off disasters, ensure abundant harvests, and promote prosperity in all matters. At the Oga Shinzan Heritage Museum, transformed from a typical curved house in the Oga Peninsula, visitors can experience the powerful presence of Namahage in accordance with ancient traditions. After watching a series of processes, one can understand that Namahage is not merely rough in behavior; the interactions with the head of the household are actually quite meticulous. However, even with this understanding, it can still be quite scary, so it's advisable to prepare mentally before participating. In the adjacent "Namahage Museum," masks and costumes from various regions of the Oga Peninsula are displayed, and visitors can also watch videos about Namahage. Image provided by: Oga Tourism Network.

The Oga Shinzan Heritage Museum is a facility where you can experience the Namahage ritual. You can witness the entire process of the Namahage event that takes place on New Year's Eve. The Namahage Museum is an exhibition hall dedicated to Namahage, where you can see various types of Namahage masks. The museum shop sells exclusive Namahage merchandise.