drive

Cape Nyudo

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

Located in the western part of Akita Prefecture overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan, the Oga Peninsula is a place where you will be greeted by the Namahage. With many tourist attractions and hot springs, it is a must-see spot for any visitor to Akita Prefecture. A drive along the coast that traces the outline of Akita Prefecture will leave you feeling refreshed

This time, we will introduce recommended driving courses and tourist spots on the Oga Peninsula

Recommended driving routes on the Oga Peninsula

Akita Expressway, Akita Chuo IC
↓ (approx. 33km, approximately 25 minutes)
Oga General Tourist Information Center (Namahage Information Center)
↓ (approx. 25km, approximately 30 minutes)
Namahage statue in front of the gate
↓ (approx. 12km, approximately 20 minutes)
Oga Aquarium GAO
​​↓ (approx. 12km, approximately 20 minutes)
Cape Nyudozaki
↓ (approx. 12km, approximately 20 minutes)
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum

It takes about 40 minutes from Akita Chuo IC to the Oga General Tourist Information Center, the base for sightseeing on the Oga Peninsula. The two Namahage statues standing in front of the information center are about 15 meters tall and are well worth seeing

As soon as you pass the Namahage statue, the view opens up and you'll be in a location overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan

As you drive around 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 with couples

Once you reach Nyudozaki, the northernmost point of the Oga Peninsula, head south along the Namahage Line. There are also various hot springs, such as Ogayama Onsen and Toga Onsen, so be sure to stop by if you're interested

The charm of each tourist spot

Namahage statue in front of the gate

In the temple area, there is a 9.99m tall Namahage statue. It is smaller than the one at the tourist information center, but the Namahage with its arms outstretched is still very impressive

If you drive a little west from here, you will find a parking space overlooking the cliffs

Namahage statue in front of the gate ＜Information＞

  • Name: Namahage statue in front of the gate
  • Address: Tarumi, in front of the main temple gate, Funakawa Port, 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 Tank," where you can see about 40 different 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

Nyudozaki

Nyudozaki is a scenic spot at the northernmost tip of the Oga Peninsula. The gently sloping hills are home to the Nyudozaki Lighthouse and a monument made of Oga andesite marking the 40th parallel north. The area, with its beautiful contrast between the reef and the sea, is known as the peninsula's best spot for watching the sunset

Nyudozaki <Information>

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

Google Map

Oga Shinzan Tradition Museum

The Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum is a Magari-ya house that was built over 100 years ago. Here, Namahage are performed throughout the year with the aim of passing on the traditions of the Namahage event held on New Year's Eve. Shinzan Shrine is nearby, so be sure to stop by while you're there

Oga Shinzan Tradition Museum＜Information＞

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

Google Map

summary

The Oga Peninsula offers an exhilarating seaside drive, but the west coast is full of winding, undulating roads, so drive carefully. Also, the Namahage Line is a straight stretch of road, so be careful not to drive too fast

There are many famous seafood bowl restaurants in Nyudozaki, so it's a good place to choose for lunch

Other articles