#oga peninsula

[rainie-is-seasonchange]

Milky way over the Oga peninsula.

Akita, Japan.

[damekestre]

Why does this remind of the ‘Got milk?’ ads?

[nippon-com]

Namahage run amok at the Sedo Festival. The raucous event takes place each February at the Shinzan Shrine in Oga in Akita Prefecture, the traditional birthplace of the masked dieties.

(Oga Tourism and Commerce Division)

[findfabulousjapan]

Namahage at Oga Peninsula, Akita Pref.

** Namahage are considered to be a kind of deity or a divine messenger, played by young men in traditional straw garments with scary masks.  They visit houses of the area on New Year’s Eve, shouting “Are there any crying babies here?  Any kids who don’t listen to their parents?” 

[steeplewack]

Day 2- Oga Peninsula, Akita Prefecture

We caught an absolutely jaw-dropping view of the Peninsula and its ~✨freshwater maars✨~ before heading to Kankane Cave, which was graciously at a relatively low tide. A Ural owl gave us a jumpscare by flying directly in front of our car as we descended.

[redsamuraiii]

Namahage: Fearsome Guardians of Oga Peninsula

Oga Peninsula in northern Japan is home to mythical, ogre-like deities called Namahage. Legend has it that they came from the sea and resides in the mountains. On New Year's Eve, human personifications of Namahage descend upon villages wearing frightening masks and costumes. 

The head of each household welcomes them with sake and food, and in return, they stomp and roar at the entrance to exorcise evil spirits and bring good luck. The explorer visits the village of Anzenji to gain insight into how the imagination of the ancients inspired this fearsome protector.

[akitaexperience]

Oga trip 3/3

[akitaexperience]

Oga peninsula light house and aquarium. Oga trip 2/?