Top Things to do

• Cape Nyudozaki

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Kitauranyudouzaki Kombura

  Cape Nyudozaki is at the end of the Oga Peninsula. At the end of an expanse of green grass stands a lighthouse characterized by its black and white exterior. The panorama of the wide expanse of blue ocean is most impressive. A monument that marks 40° north latitude is made of andesite rock from the Oga Peninsula.

• Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Kitaurashinzan Mizukuisawa 97

  A museum where visitors can experience the folklore of Namahage, ogres which traditionally sit homes in the area on New Year’s to frighten misbehaving children. The museum, housed inside a prototypical magariya-style construction common to the area, stands next to the Namahage Museum, which is dedicated to presenting the history and culture of Namahage. Here visitors can take part in a Namahage folk custom class and experience the custom of Namahage, something otherwise very difficult for visitors to see outside of New Year’s Eve. The museum also displays traditional lifestyle tools and accoutrements used in the area. Be sure the purchase the money-saving joint ticket which grants access both to this museum and the Namahage Museum.

• Oga Aquarium GAO

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Togashiohama

  An aquarium overlooking the Sea of Japan in Togashiohama, Oga City, Akita Prefecture which was remodeled and reopened in 2004. Visited by large numbers of tourists, the aquarium was also used for filming in the movie “Tsuribaka Nisshi.” The impressive Giant Sea of Oga Aquarium exhibit recreates the ocean off Oga and houses some 2,000 living creatures spanning 40 species. Visitors can also come in contact with real sea creatures at the aquarium’s Touch Pool and watch the aquarium’s popular polar bears as they romp and play. The aquarium also has a restaurant where you can eat while gazing out over the sea.

• Namahage Museum

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Kitaurashinzan Mizukuisawa In the ground

  A museum dedicated to presenting materials relating to Namahage, traditional ogres which are part of the folk customs of Oga, located a 20 minute drive by car from JR Hadachi Station. The museum building is built with “Kanpu-seki” stone from Oga outside and Akita cedar inside, and various rare and precious materials relating to the folklore of Namahage are presented in the museum’s atmospheric confines. Highlights include the museum’s display of 110 Namahage costumes and 40 Namahage masks actually used in areas throughout the city. The rows of diverse costumes and masks standing together is truly an impressive sight. Visitors can also put on a real Namahage costume themselves and take a commemorative photo.

• Godzilla Rock

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Funagawaminatokohama

  This giant rock is on the south of the Oga Peninsula, in Shiosezaki. It was so named because it looks just like an open-mouthed Godzilla in profile.

• Monzen Namahage Statues

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Funagawaminatohonzanmonzen

  These Namahage statues are in Honzan Monzen, Funagawa Minato, Oga City. They are each 9.99 meters high, to reflect the 999 steps leading to nearby Akagami-jinja Shrine, said to be the birthplace of the ogre legends. As a powerful local symbol, these are popular spots to take pictures.

• Sky Park Mt. Kanpu Panorama Observation Deck

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Wakimototominaga Kampuzan 62

  An observation deck standing on top of Mt. Kanpu, well known for its beautiful landscape views. On the first floor is a souvenir shop and restaurant, while on the second and third floors visitors can see photographs of the Hachirogata reclamation and displays on the history and nature of the Oga Peninsula in the exhibition rooms. On the fourth floor is the rotating observation deck. From here visitors can see the full 360 degree panorama from Mt. Kanpu, named one of the three best sights in the world.

• Hachibodai

  Akita Prefecture Oga-shi Togah

  One of the best sunset-viewing spots in Oga Peninsula, this site offers a sweeping view of Toga Bay, Ichinome-gata, Ninome-gata, the Ou Mountain range, and even the Aomori Prefecture border. This place is famous for receiving its name from Their Highness Prince Takamatsu.

• Mt. Kanpu

  Akita Pref. Ogashi Wakimototominaga Kampuzan

  This gentle 355 meter tall composite volcano is famed for its scenery. It has a number of sights, like Oni no Kakuresato, a rock hill said to be home to Namahage; a spring water area known for its purity, and waterfall headwaters. The peak has an observation facility and the fourth floor rotating observatory offers a panoramic view taking in the Oga Peninsula’s beaches, Mt. Chokai, the Shirakami-Sanchi, and Ogata village. The mountain is girded with Chinese silver grass from the middle section to the peak, and in in Autumn the grass glitters silver-white in the sun for a mystical spectacle.