JAPAN’S HIDDEN NORTH: Hunting for the Legendary NAMAHAGE Demon | Oga, Akita π―π΅
Hey everyone. Welcome to Day 3 of my short trip through Akita. But first, time to fuel up. This shio ramen was incredible. You can really taste the craftsmanship. Today, Iβm heading to a place called Oga to explore its history of OniβJapanese ogres or demons. The plan: visit a mysterious shrine, buy some fresh crab, and catch a beautiful sunset. And to finish the day… a trip to a restaurant with a very special demon show. I’ve arrived at a shrine that’s central to the legend of the Namahage, as the local Oni are called. Legend says that an Oni himself built these 999 stone steps. He made a bet with the villagers: if he could build 1,000 steps in a single night before dawn, he could take a local girl as his bride. That is definitely a lot of stairs… Just as the Oni placed the 999th step, a villager mimicked a rooster’s crow, tricking him into thinking dawn had arrived. Is that a poisonous mushroom? The Oni lost the bet, and after that, a fragile peace was formed between the ogres and the humans. And this is the shrine at the heart of that ancient story. I’ve never seen a shrine that enshrines five different deities. Time to pay my respects. What a beautiful, clear sky. Alright, let’s head down and on to the next stop. This place has tons of local Akita and Oga specialties and souvenirs. Ooh, found some gelato. I can’t say no to that! A gelato with a little fish-shaped wagashi (a traditional sweet) on top! Isn’t it adorable? It’s a little salty, a little sweet… that perfect combination. Yummy! Iβm going to see a cave next. But first… I found some fresh, boiled crab! This is a must-buy. I got three for just $10. What a deal, right? I enjoyed them for dinner later that day. This is my Airbnb, a condominium type. Being able to eat this much fresh crab, and even make miso soup with it… what a luxury. This town is amazing. The sun is starting to set, gotta hurry! Next up is a mysterious cave right on the coast. Parked the car, now for a short walk. Alright, let’s head inside. Carved out by the waves over centuries… it feels so mystical. Made it just in time for the sunset. They say the coast of Oga is Japan’s version of the Uyuni Salt Flats. And now, it’s time for the Namahage (Oni) show at the restaurant! So intense! Here he comes… Normally, you can only see the Namahage ritual on New Year’s Day, but this restaurant near Akita Station holds a show every single night. The Oni is shouting, “Are there any naughty children here?!” You can even talk with them and take photos together. Your likes, comments, and subscriptions mean the world to me. Thanks for watching!
Join me on a journey to Oga, Akita, as I follow the trail of a legendary Japanese Oni (demon). Our adventure begins at a mysterious shrine, home to 999 stone steps said to have been built by the Oni in a single night. After exploring the dramatic coastline and sampling local treats, our quest culminates in a shocking encounter at a local restaurant where the ancient legend comes roaring back to life.
This is a cinematic exploration of where Japan’s ancient myths meet modern daily life. I hope it brings you a sense of wonder. Thank you for watching.
Chapters:
0:00 – The Legend of the Oga Demon
1:02 – The Shrine of 999 Steps
3:03 – Local Treats & Souvenirs
4:13 – A Lucky Find: Fresh Crab
5:01 – The Mystical Coastal Cave
5:53 – Sunset Over the Sea of Japan
6:12 – Dinner with a Demon: The Namahage Show
#namahage #akita #japantravel #oni #japanesemythology #hiddenjapan #oga #silentvlog #tohoku #japantravel
#mythology #folklore #japanesefood #ramen #naturelovers #soundsofnature #architecture #halloween
πββ¬ About me
Hey guys! I’m Mika and I tell stories about inspiring people, hidden cultures in Japan π―π΅
On my channel, you’ll find everyday glimpses of life in Japan, including local scenery, food, shopping, and more, so stay tuned!
Instagram: @its_mikalog
https://www.instagram.com/its_mikalog
β¨Donβt forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Japan travel vlogs! π
Instagram / its_mikalog
AloJapan.com