Namahage Sedo Festival Admission Sponsorship (Festival, Oga City, Akita Prefecture)
- This year marks the 63rd Namahage Sedo Festival! It is a traditional winter festival that represents Akita.
- Tickets are limited in quantity, so purchase early!
- No system usage fee! Advance purchase allows for smooth entry.
Attraction Tickets
| Ticket type | E-ticket (direct entry) |
| Attraction type | History & culture |
| Show type | Festival experience |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
The Namahage Sedo Festival is a winter festival held at Shinzan Shrine in Kitaura, Oga City, Akita Prefecture, over three days, including the second Saturday of February every year.
This festival is a winter tourist event that combines the Saitosai, a Shinto ritual that has been held at Mayama Shrine every year on January 3rd for over 900 years, with the folk event Namahage.
The Namahage's brave and powerful dance, performed under the light of lit fires in the grounds of Shinzan Shrine, captivates all who see it.
Date: February 13th (Fri) - 15th (Sun), 2026
Time: 18:00-20:30
This year marks the 63rd Namahage Sedo Festival! It is a traditional winter festival that represents Akita.
Purchase Notice
- Umbrellas, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, stepladders, step stools, etc. may cause inconvenience to other customers and are therefore prohibited for safety reasons.
- Pets and other animals are not permitted inside the facility.
- Please note that photos taken at the venue by the city's public relations staff and official photographers will be used for promotional activities such as the Sedo Festival.
- Staff will assist with wheelchair access, but please be aware that due to snow accumulation and other factors, movement may not be easy.
- Refunds will not be given due to delays in public transport etc.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present your QR code on-site
Voucher Redemption Period
- The voucher must be redeemed on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
Experience Location
Location Name: Kitaura Shinzan Shrine
Address: 97 Mizukuisawa, Kitaura Mayama, Oga CityCancellation Policy
- Once the order has been completed, it cannot be canceled, modified, or refunded
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Namahage Sedo Festival is a traditional winter event held annually at Shinzan Shrine on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. It is a unique fusion of the local 'Namahage' folk ritual and the 'Sedo Festival' (a Shinto fire ritual). The festival aims to pray for a bountiful harvest, protection from disasters, and good health by inviting the Namahage deities down from the mountains.
The Namahage rituals are a significant cultural tradition on the Oga Peninsula. Namahage are deities portrayed by men wearing demon-like masks and straw capes, who visit homes on New Year's Eve to admonish laziness and bring good fortune. These rituals are deeply rooted in the local agricultural and fishing communities, serving to reinforce communal bonds and pass down moral teachings across generations. They are designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Namahage Sedo Festival is typically held over three consecutive nights in mid-February each year. The exact dates vary, so it's advisable to check the official schedule for the specific year. The main events usually commence in the early evening, often around 6:00 PM, and conclude by 8:30 PM, offering a captivating night-time spectacle of fire and traditional performances.
The Namahage Sedo Festival is held at Shinzan Shrine (真山神社) in Oga City, Akita Prefecture. Shinzan Shrine is located deep within the Oga Peninsula, surrounded by a serene natural landscape. This historical shrine provides an atmospheric backdrop for the ancient rituals and performances of the Namahage.
Visitors to the Namahage Sedo Festival can witness several captivating events. Highlights include the 'Namahage Dance' where the deities perform dynamic dances, and the 'Namahage Ritual,' where young men dressed as Namahage descend from the mountains carrying torches. A sacred fire (柴灯, Sedo) is lit, around which the Namahage offer prayers for peace and good harvest, creating a mystical and unforgettable experience.
Yes, beyond the annual Namahage Sedo Festival, visitors can experience Namahage culture year-round. The Namahage Museum (なまはげ館) in Oga City offers detailed exhibits on Namahage, including various masks and costumes from different villages. Adjacent to it, the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum (男鹿真山伝承館) provides a realistic re-enactment of Namahage visiting a traditional home, allowing for an immersive cultural experience.
To reach the Namahage Sedo Festival at Shinzan Shrine, it's generally most convenient to travel by car or use local shuttle services if available during the festival period. From Akita City, you can take a train to Oga Station, then a local bus or taxi to the shrine area. During the festival, special shuttle buses may operate from nearby parking areas or Oga Station to manage traffic and ensure smooth access for attendees.
The Namahage tradition's origin is steeped in local folklore, though various theories exist. One popular legend suggests that Namahage were ogres or foreign visitors who came to the Oga Peninsula long ago, causing trouble but eventually pledging to protect the villagers after being subdued. Another theory links them to mountain gods or messengers who descend to the human world, particularly during the new year, to ensure diligence and moral behavior among the community members.
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