Let's cross the Namahage village! Recommended driving courses on the Oga Peninsula

On the Oga Peninsula, located in the western part of Akita Prefecture overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan, you will be greeted by Namahage. There are many sightseeing spots and hot springs, making it a must-see spot for sightseeing in Akita Prefecture. You will feel exhilarating as you drive along the coast, following the outline of Akita Prefecture.

This time we will introduce recommended driving courses and sightseeing spots on the Oga Peninsula.

Recommended driving routes on the Oga Peninsula

Akita Expressway / Akita Chuo IC
↓ (approx. 33km, required time: approximately 25 minutes)
Oga General Tourist Information Center (Namahage Information Center)
↓ (approx. 25km, required time: approximately 30 minutes)
Namahage statue in front of the gate
↓ (approx. 12km, required time: approximately 20 minutes) )
Oga Aquarium GAO
​​↓ (approximately 12 km, approximately 20 minutes)
Nyuudozaki
↓ (approximately 12 km, approximately 20 minutes)
Oga Shinzan Folk Museum

It takes about 40 minutes from Akita Chuo IC to Oga Tourist Information Center, which is the base for sightseeing on the Oga Peninsula. The two Namahage statues standing in front of the information center are approximately 15 meters tall and are quite impressive to see.

As soon as you pass the Namahage statue, your view will open up and you will be in a location overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan.

As you drive along the southern part of the Oga Peninsula, you will come across the Namahage statue in front of the gate and the Oga Aquarium, which is popular among couples.

Once you reach Nyuudozaki, the northernmost tip of the Oga Peninsula, head south along the Namahage Line. There are various hot spring areas such as Ogayama Onsen and Toga Onsen, so if you are interested, please stop by.

The charm of each tourist spot

Namahage statue in front of the gate

There is a 9.99m tall Namahage statue in the Monzen area. Although it is smaller than the Namahage at the tourist information center, the Namahage with its hands outstretched in front of it is quite impressive.

If you drive a little west from here, you'll find a parking space overlooking the cliff.

Namahage statue in front of the gate <Information>

• Name: Namahage statue in front of the gate
• Address: Funagawa Port Motoyamamonzen Tarumi, Oga City, Akita Prefecture 010-0535
• Phone number: 0185-24-4700
• Official URL: https://oganavi.com/spot/94/

Google Map

Oga Aquarium GAO

The highlight of Oga Aquarium GAO ​​is the Oga Sea Large Aquarium, where you can see around 40 species and 2,000 fish. There are also many other popular sea creatures such as polar bears and sandfish. It is also famous as a date spot for couples.

Oga Aquarium GAO＜Information＞

• Name: Oga Aquarium GAO
• Address: 93 Toga Shiohama Tsubogasawa, Oga City, Akita Prefecture 010-0673
• Phone number: 0185-32-2221
• Official URL: https://www.gao-aqua.jp/

Google Map

Nyudosaki

Nyuudozaki is a scenic spot located at the northernmost tip of the Oga Peninsula. On the gentle hills, there are monuments made of andesite from Oga at a latitude of 40 degrees north, including the Nyuudozaki Lighthouse. The area has a beautiful contrast between the reef and the sea and is known as the best sunset spot on the Oga Peninsula.

Nyudozaki＜Information＞

• Name: Nyudozaki
• Address: 2 Kitaura Nyudosaki Konbuura, Oga City, Akita Prefecture 010-0675
• Phone number: 0185-24-4700
• Official URL: https://oganavi.com/spot/48/

Google Map

Oga Shinzan Tradition Museum

Oga Shinzan Denshokan is a house built over 100 years ago. Here, Namahage is held throughout the year with the aim of passing down the New Year's Eve Namahage event. Mayama Shrine is nearby, so be sure to stop by while you're visiting.

Oga Shinzan Tradition Museum＜Information＞

• Name: Oga Shinzan Tradition Museum
• Address: Kitaura Shinzan Mizukaizawa, Oga City, Akita Prefecture 010-0685
• Phone number: 0185-22-5050
• Official URL: https://namahage.co.jp/namahagekan/

Google Map

summary

Oga Peninsula is an exhilarating seaside drive, but the west coast is full of ups and downs, so drive carefully. Also, the Namahage Line is a straight road, so be careful not to drive too fast.

There are many famous seafood bowl restaurants in Nyudozaki, so it would be a good choice for your lunch spot.