If you're planning a trip to Akita, this summer is an especially exciting time to visit. Building on the success of last year's popular Oga Fair, ANA Crowne Plaza Akita is expanding the event to showcase both Oga City and neighboring Ogata Village for the very first time.

Located about an hour from Akita Station, the Oga Peninsula is famous for its dramatic coastline, rugged landscapes, and its connection to Namahage, one of Japan's most fascinating traditional rituals and part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Meanwhile, neighboring Ogata Village offers a completely different kind of beauty. Created through the reclamation of Hachirogata, once Japan's second-largest lake, the area is now one of the country's leading producers of Akita Komachi rice. Vast fields stretch to the horizon, creating a peaceful rural landscape that feels worlds away from Japan's major cities.

Want to experience a side of Japan most travelers never see? ANA Crowne Plaza Akita's exclusive Namahage Stay offers a rare opportunity to encounter one of the country's most iconic traditions without leaving your hotel.

For more than 200 years, Namahage has been one of the defining traditions of the Oga Peninsula. Dressed in fearsome masks and straw capes known as kede, Namahage figures visit homes while calling out warnings to lazy children and adults alike.

Despite their intimidating appearance, Namahage are not demons. They are believed to be raiho-shin, or visiting deities, who descend from the mountains to bring blessings, good health, and prosperity for the coming year. The ritual also serves as a powerful reminder of family bonds and community values. In recognition of its cultural importance, the tradition was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2018.

Normally, Namahage can only be experienced during New Year's celebrations in Oga. With this special accommodation package, however, the tradition comes directly to your hotel room.

Guests receive multilingual information materials in English, Chinese, and Korean explaining the history and meaning behind the ritual. During the visit, the Namahage will offer blessings for a safe and healthy journey, often mixing tradition with a touch of humor. Once the excitement settles, you'll even have the chance to take photos together.
It's a memorable cultural experience that combines surprise, entertainment, and genuine local tradition in a way few travelers ever get to experience.

Want to discover more of the region? The new Oga Excursion Plan makes it easy to explore the peninsula's highlights without worrying about transportation.

The package includes admission to three of Oga's most popular attractions, and guests can also arrange an English-speaking sightseeing taxi guide for a seamless and stress-free adventure.

Perched on the coastline of the Oga Peninsula, Oga Aquarium GAO is Akita's only aquarium and one of the region's most popular family attractions.

Its centerpiece is the massive "Sea of Oga" tank, holding approximately 815 tons of water and showcasing marine life native to the nearby Sea of Japan. Visitors can also encounter Akita's famous hatahata fish, along with polar bears, penguins, seals, and many other fascinating animals.

To better understand Oga's most famous tradition, a visit to the Namahage Museum is a must.

One of the highlights is the impressive display of more than 150 authentic Namahage masks that have actually been used in local rituals. Because each community has its own interpretation of Namahage, visitors can see a surprising variety of faces, expressions, and designs, offering a deeper glimpse into the region's living culture.

For one of Akita's most spectacular views, head to the summit of Mt. Kanpu.

The observatory slowly rotates, completing a full revolution in approximately 13 minutes. As the scenery unfolds around you, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Oga Peninsula, the Sea of Japan, Ogata Village, Mount Chokai, and even the distant Shirakami-Sanchi mountains. The combination of rolling grass-covered hills and seemingly endless horizons creates a landscape that's uniquely Akita.

After a day of sightseeing, ANA Crowne Plaza Akita offers one of the prefecture's most exclusive places to unwind.
The hotel is the only property in Akita to feature both premium Club Rooms and a dedicated Club Lounge. Located on the 6th floor, the lounge hosts an evening cocktail service daily from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, where guests can enjoy local Akita sake alongside seasonal hors d'oeuvres inspired by regional ingredients.

During the Oga-Ogata Fair, our chef will be serving a special, limited-time menu.

Oga Sea Bream Carpione
An Italian-style marinated seafood dish that highlights the delicate flavor of fresh sea bream from Oga's coastal waters.

Arancini (Rice Croquettes)
Made with premium Akita Komachi rice from Ogata Village and paired with a distinctive fermented ketchup produced by local craft fermentation brand Inaho to Agave, this dish brings together two of the area's signature flavors.

Whether you're meeting a Namahage face-to-face, taking in the dramatic landscapes of the Oga Peninsula, or enjoying local specialties in the Club Lounge, the Oga & Ogata Fair offers a memorable introduction to the traditions, flavors, and natural beauty that make Akita so special.

The Oga & Ogata Fair runs from June 1 to August 31, 2026, making this summer the perfect time to discover one of Japan's most fascinating yet under-the-radar destinations.

Travel Information & Reservations
Oga-Ogata Fair Period: June 1 – August 31, 2026
Click below for accommodation plans and hotel reservations

(Source/Main Image :PR Times)