What other travelers are saying about Shinzan Shrine, Oga
The Namahage Festival is truly something to be experienced. After one year in Japan, I had the good luck to witness this bustling, impressive, and stimulating tradition, set amidst the lovely setting of Shinzan Shrine, on the Oga Peninsula. The Shrine itself is quite spiritual and surrounded by old trees, butake sure you visit in early February, so you can take part in the Taiko drums of the Sedo Matsuri, and the frightening arrival of the masked Namahage gods/demons!
Frequently Asked Questions
The climb takes approximately 30-40 minutes and requires moderate physical fitness. Steps are uneven and steep in sections. Proper footwear is essential. The ascent passes through Japanese cedar forest to 567 meters elevation.
No facilities exist along the stone steps. Limited parking is available at the base. Visitors should bring water and appropriate clothing for the climb and changing weather at 567 meters elevation.
Panoramic views of the Oga Peninsula coastline, surrounding mountains, and the Sea of Japan from 567 meters elevation. The shrine buildings display traditional architecture in a forested setting.
Spring and autumn offer comfortable climbing temperatures and clear views. New Year period features Namahage festival performances. Summer can be hot and humid. Winter climbing requires caution due to snow and ice on steps.
The Namahage Museum, Oga Aquarium GAO, dramatic coastal rock formations including Godzilla Rock, and scenic coastal drives around the peninsula are nearby attractions accessible from Oga Station.
We visited this place to see the namahage festival. One of Akita's most old festivals.
The place was pretty and the festival was worth seeing. The snowy weather made it even perfect 🤩
This shrine marks one end of the pilgrimage route across the mountains of Oga. In the past it was a syncretic Buddhist site, but became a Shinto shrine in the Meiji Period. Up behind the shrine is a collection of interesting Buddhist statues and massive stone stairs leading into the mountains. We went here instead of the nearby museum because there was a line to get in there, but while the shrine is quieter the whole narrow mountain road and parking can be crowded during holiday seasons.
If you can only do one thing in Japan make sure it is going to the Namahage festival in February. The best night ever, made better by the falling snow. If you are visitng outside of February do go to the nearby museum.
A beautiful shrine with lots of history. Also lots of stairs. Wonderful little stall for purchasing omamori or other shrine souvenirs. Very kind worker as well, they were willing to put up with some broken Japanese between me and a friend to ask a question. Highly recommend if you are in the area!
