Namahage Sedo Festival

The second weekend of February (Fri. – Sat.) each year in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, rings in a winter tradition with over 60+ years of history that draws travelers near and far. The festival combines the Sedo Festival, a Shinto ritual performed at Shinzan Shrine on January 3rd each year, with the ancient local tradition of Oga no Namahage, attracting countless visitors every year.

The festival begins with the Yunomai sacred dance performance and the Chinkamasai ritual, a traditional Shinto ceremony. This leads into a unbelievable reenactment of Oga no Namahage, a New Year's Eve tradition where Namahage visit homes across the region. Spectacular performances include the Namahage Dance, featuring two fierce Namahage figures, and the Namahage Taiko drumming, where Namahage play dynamic drum performances on the Kagura stage. The festival reaches its dramatic climax when Namahage emerged from the snow-covered mountains with torchers in parade across the shrine grounds. Take up this chance to interact with Namahage from various regions of Oga, each with a look and feel that’s all their own.

For an even deeper appreciation of Namahage culture, swingby the nearby Namahage Museum and Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum on festival day. These unique hubs offer a deep dive look into the tradition with an unbeatable selection of souvenirs. Temporary parking is available near the venue, and for added convenience, special paid shuttle buses operate from Oga Station and Oga Onsen Village.