Akita Highlights Tour Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Experience the wild and mysterious spirit of Northern Japan with a 6-hour Akita shore excursion to the rugged Oga Peninsula. This tour is dedicated to the “Namahage”—mountain deities who descend once a year to ward off misfortune and encourage hard work. You will venture into the heart of this ancient folklore, visiting the Namahage Museum and the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, where these legends come to life in a traditional farmhouse setting.

Beyond the cultural intrigue, this tour offers breathtaking natural beauty. You will ascend to the Mount Kanpu Observation Deck, a revolving facility that provides 360-degree views of the Sea of Japan, the Hachirogata polder, and the distant mountains of Akita. Guided by a local expert in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, this tour provides a seamless blend of historical storytelling and coastal scenery. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can explore the unique traditions of the Oga Peninsula with the confidence of a punctual return.

Highlights

• Namahage Museum: Discover a massive collection of over 150 handmade masks and costumes, each representing the unique Namahage styles of different Oga villages.
• Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum: Experience a live Namahage demonstration inside an authentic thatched-roof farmhouse and learn about the rural lifestyle of the region.
• Mount Kanpu Observation Deck: Take in panoramic vistas from a revolving deck atop a 355-meter dormant volcano, offering the best views in Akita Prefecture.
• Oga Peninsula Scenic Drive: Enjoy the dramatic coastal views and lush green landscapes as you travel between the port and the peninsula’s highlights.

Cruise Information

This 6-hour excursion is meticulously timed for the Diamond Princess and other major cruise ships docking at the Port of Akita (Tsuchizaki). The Oga Peninsula is approximately 45–55 minutes from the port. We coordinate our departure and return schedules with your ship’s specific arrival and “all aboard” times to ensure you are back at the pier at least one hour before departure.

Complete Details

Your adventure begins at the Akita Port, where your licensed English-speaking guide will meet you at the arrival terminal. You will start with a scenic drive to the Namahage Museum, where you can even try on a Namahage costume for a memorable photo. Your guide will explain the cultural significance of these figures, who are considered protectors rather than monsters. Next, you will step next door to the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum. Inside the historic “Magariya” farmhouse, you will witness a reenactment of a Namahage visit, complete with the loud shouting and traditional dialogue used to “test” the household’s children and residents.

The final stop is the summit of Mount Kanpu. The 360-degree revolving observation deck allows you to see the entire peninsula, the city of Akita, and the surrounding Sea of Japan without leaving your seat. It is the perfect spot for photography and to appreciate the scale of the landscape you have just explored. After your time on the mountain, your private vehicle will return you directly to the port terminal, allowing for a relaxed end to your day.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers and travel agencies.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by giving you a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected as you travel into the Oga Peninsula—use maps to track your location on the peninsula, message your group, and share your photos of the Namahage masks instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

FAQs

How scary is the Namahage demonstration?

The demonstration is a cultural reenactment meant to be powerful and dramatic. The Namahage shout and stomp their feet, which is very exciting. While it is loud, your guide will provide context, and it is a highlight for most travelers. If you have very young children who are sensitive to noise, please let your guide know!

Is the Mount Kanpu Observation Deck accessible?

Yes, the observation deck is equipped with elevators and is accessible to guests with limited mobility. The area around the Namahage museums is also relatively flat, though the traditional farmhouse has a high step at the entrance.

How far is the Oga Peninsula from the Akita cruise port?

The drive takes roughly 50 minutes each way. Our private coach offers a direct route, ensuring you spend more time at the sites and less time in transit compared to public transportation options.

Can we see Namahage performers outside of the museum?

While the Namahage ceremony traditionally takes place on New Year’s Eve, the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum holds regular scheduled demonstrations specifically for visitors throughout the year, so you won’t miss out!

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover coastal road delays?

Yes. We are local experts who monitor road conditions along the Oga Peninsula in real-time. We build a generous time buffer into our 6-hour schedule to ensure you are back at the pier at least one hour before the Diamond Princess sails.

Location