Oga Onsenkyo is not a famous hot spring destination like Nyuto Onsen, nor is it a secluded “hidden onsen” deep in the mountains.
It is a modest hot spring area on the Oga Peninsula, where traditional inns remain largely untouched by heavy tourism.
There is little spectacle here. Instead, what leaves an impression is the quality of the hot spring water itself. After soaking, many visitors notice how deeply the warmth lingers in the body. It is not flashy, but it is memorable.
Another distinctive feature of Oga Onsenkyo is the opportunity to experience powerful Namahage taiko drumming at close range. The deep, resonant sound does not just fill the room—it vibrates through the air and can be felt directly in the stomach. For many travelers, this performance becomes as memorable as the hot spring itself.
Access to Oga Onsenkyo is not particularly convenient. Yet that very inconvenience helps preserve its calm atmosphere. For those who wish to slow down and experience hot springs alongside the culture of Oga, this quiet onsen town offers a deeply rewarding stay.
The nearest station to Oga Station is located in Akita Prefecture.
There are several ways to reach Oga Onsenkyo from the station. Please choose the option that best fits your travel schedule and style.
From Akita Station, take the JR Oga Line to Oga Station.
The journey takes about 54 minutes (770 yen). Akita Station is the starting station, and Oga Station is the final stop—no transfers are required.
Bus services from Oga Station are limited, so this option is recommended mainly for travelers who plan to stay overnight.
The bus stop is located directly in front of Oga Station.
Bus: Bound for Oga Aquarium
Get off at: Kanko Hotel-mae
Travel time / fare: 44 minutes / 200 yen
(No reservation required, cash payment only)
Bus timetable from Oga Station
6:38（●）, 8:04, 11:23（●）, 13:01, 14:43, 16:28, 17:33（●）
Bus timetable from Kanko Hotel-mae to Oga Station (return)
6:11（●）, 7:21, 8:12（●）, 9:56, 12:50, 14:51, 16:16（●）
* （●）→No service on weekends, national holidays, Aug 13–15, and Dec 29–Jan 3
* In June and July, some services operate on weekends and holidays
There is a taxi stand in front of Oga Station.
The ride to Oga Onsenkyo takes about 20–30 minutes, and the fare is usually around 3,000–5,000 yen, depending on traffic conditions.
Taxis in Japan operate strictly on meters, so overcharging is not a concern.
However, ride-sharing services such as Uber or Grab are not available in this area.
Please note that taxis may not always be waiting at the station, and it is not uncommon for none to be available at certain times.
Advance reservation is required.
https://oganavi.com/namahage_shuttle/en/namahage_shuttle/
The Namahage Shuttle is more expensive than the bus but cheaper than a regular taxi.
The fare to Oga Onsenkyo is 1,500 yen.
This service can also be used for sightseeing around the Oga Peninsula and is a convenient option for first-time visitors.
As shown on the official website, the number of departures is limited, so careful planning is necessary.
There are two rental car companies near Oga Station, and renting a car significantly increases your freedom to explore the area.
Carsta Rent-a-Car
https://rentacar.carlifestadium.com/shop/index/?office_id=2033
About a 15-minute walk from Oga Station view on google maps
Located inside an ENEOS gas station
Oga Rent-a-Lease
https://www.oga-renta.com/
About a 3-minute walk from Oga Station view on google maps
There are only two rental car offices near Oga Station.
If no cars are available, renting a car near Akita Station is a reliable alternative.
Although Akita Station is farther from Oga Onsenkyo, it offers a wide selection of rental car companies, making it easier to secure a vehicle with less stress.
Rental car locations around Akita Station can be found here:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BF%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC/@39.716912,140.1271649,17z/
Oga Onsenkyo is a hot spring area located in the northern part of the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture.
Rather than forming a large, walkable hot spring town, it consists of a small cluster of traditional inns that serve as a base for travelers exploring the peninsula.
Oga Onsenkyo is not widely known across Japan, and it is not particularly easy to access. Because of this, it is rarely included in large group tour itineraries.
That said, staying here reveals a different appeal. Each inn has its own character, and the area retains an atmosphere that has not been overly shaped for mass tourism. The hot springs themselves are practical and satisfying—many visitors notice how deeply the warmth settles into the body and how distinct the feel of the water is after bathing.
Travelers who prefer lively, bustling hot spring towns may find Oga Onsenkyo a little quiet. However, for those who want to experience rural Japan, slow down, and focus on rest and recovery, this small onsen area can be an ideal choice.
Oga Onsenkyo is not a place that exaggerates the appeal of its hot springs. Instead, it functions as a stay-oriented onsen area closely connected to the culture and landscape of the Oga Peninsula. When viewed as a base from which to enjoy both hot springs and local traditions, its true charm becomes easier to understand.
Below are hot springs that can be used without staying overnight.
Please note that the number of facilities offering day-use bathing is limited in Oga Onsenkyo.
Towel rental is available at these facilities, but it usually costs around 300 yen.
Bringing your own towel is recommended.
Yuzankaku view on google maps
https://yuuzankaku.co.jp/spa/
Hours / Fee: 11:00–14:00 (last entry 13:30) / 800 yen
Oga Hotel view on google maps
https://oga-hotel.com/spa/
Day-use bathing may not be available during private bookings or busy periods.
Hours / Fee: 15:00–21:00 (last entry 20:00) / 800 yen
Performances by Onga are held at Oga Onsen Koryu Kaikan Gofu.
Reservations are not required.
The venue is relatively small, which allows the audience to experience the performance at very close range. The deep, powerful sounds of the taiko drums cause the surrounding air to vibrate, and the impact can be felt directly in the body—especially in the stomach.
The performers wear masks of Namahage, a local deity from Akita, adding a strong cultural presence to the performance.
This is truly a “seeing is believing” experience.
It is difficult to fully describe in words, so visitors with time in their schedule are strongly encouraged to attend in person.
The performance begins at 8:30 p.m., making it most suitable for travelers staying overnight in Oga Onsenkyo or those with a rental car.
Performer: Onga
https://oganavi.com/onga/
Venue: Oga Onsen Koryu Kaikan “Gofu”
Start time: 8:30 p.m. (approximately 30 minutes)
Entry begins at 8:00 p.m.
Admission: 700 yen (cash only)
The Namahage Museum cannot be reached by bus from the Kanko Hotel-mae stop in Oga Onsenkyo.
To get there, you will need to use one of the following options:
Taxi
Rental car
Namahage Shuttle (shared taxi)
Namahage is a traditional folk ritual that has been passed down for generations on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture.
It is a culture unique to this region—Namahage does not exist elsewhere in Japan in the same form. The name, appearance, and ritual itself belong exclusively to Oga.
Although Namahage figures resemble demons, they are not evil beings. They are considered visiting deities, who come from outside the community once a year to visit households and remind people how to live properly. Their role is to wish for good health, protection from illness, and abundant harvests.
As they visit each home, Namahage ask questions such as whether children are behaving well or helping their families. This stern behavior is not meant to frighten children for its own sake, but to encourage good habits and reflect on daily life.
While similar beliefs in visiting deities exist in other parts of Japan, Namahage is a tradition that has been uniquely preserved and shaped on the Oga Peninsula. Behind the fearsome appearance lies a belief system deeply connected to local life and values.
Address: Kitaura Shinzan Mizukuisawa, Oga City, Akita Prefecture view on google maps
There are two types of tickets available:
Museum admission: 660 yen
Combination ticket (museum + live Namahage performance): 1,100 yen
The live Namahage performance is held at scheduled times.
Please check the official website in advance for details:
https://namahage.co.jp/namahagekan/information/
(Listed under “Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum Opening Times”)
The performance lasts approximately 30 minutes. If your schedule allows, it is highly recommended.
Although the performance is conducted entirely in Japanese, seeing Namahage performers up close—wearing masks and acting out the ritual—offers a powerful and memorable introduction to Japanese folk culture.
Reading a little about Namahage beforehand will make the experience even more engaging.
Inside the museum, visitors are welcomed by a wide variety of Namahage figures, each with different expressions and styles, offering insight into the depth and diversity of this local tradition.
information in this article is current as of October 12, 2025.
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