Namahage – where to go to see men in devil masks

Feb. 7-Feb. 9

Namahage Sedo Matsuri Festival
Namahage Sedo Matsuri Festival at Shinzan Shrine, Oga, Akita Pref. The festival, designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, features about 15 namahage (men wearing devil masks) dancing wildly, drumming vigorously, running around and then serving mochi (rice cakes) to people thronged in the precincts of the Shrine, from around 7 p.m. to around 8:30 p.m. daily during the period.
Access: The JR Oga Line to Oga Station From there to the Shrine, about 1 hr. by rinji-basu (temporary buses) which are available daily during the festival period.