How difficult is climbing the 999 steps to Shinzan Shrine?

The climb takes approximately 30-40 minutes and requires moderate physical fitness. Steps are uneven and steep in sections. Proper footwear is essential. The ascent passes through Japanese cedar forest to 567 meters elevation.

What facilities are available at the shrine?

No facilities exist along the stone steps. Limited parking is available at the base. Visitors should bring water and appropriate clothing for the climb and changing weather at 567 meters elevation.

What can I see from the top of Shinzan Shrine?

Panoramic views of the Oga Peninsula coastline, surrounding mountains, and the Sea of Japan from 567 meters elevation. The shrine buildings display traditional architecture in a forested setting.

When is the best time to visit Shinzan Shrine?

Spring and autumn offer comfortable climbing temperatures and clear views. New Year period features Namahage festival performances. Summer can be hot and humid. Winter climbing requires caution due to snow and ice on steps.

Are there other attractions near Shinzan Shrine on Oga Peninsula?

The Namahage Museum, Oga Aquarium GAO, dramatic coastal rock formations including Godzilla Rock, and scenic coastal drives around the peninsula are nearby attractions accessible from Oga Station.

Akita

Shinzan Shrine, Oga

4.4 (684)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 16, 2026

Shinzan Shrine is located on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture, reached by climbing 999 stone steps up Mount Honzan. Established over 1,200 years ago, the shrine is deeply connected to the Namahage ritual, a regional folk tradition where costumed demon figures visit homes on New Year's Eve to ward off evil and encourage diligence. Legend states that the deity commanded local demons to construct 1,000 stone steps in one night. The demons completed 999 steps before dawn, falling one step short and remaining bound to serve the community.

The shrine holds cultural significance as the spiritual center of Namahage folklore, one of Japan's most distinctive regional traditions. The 999 stone steps create a pilgrimage experience, with the climb taking approximately 30-40 minutes. The shrine sits at 567 meters elevation, providing views of the Oga Peninsula coastline, surrounding mountains, and the Sea of Japan. Dense Japanese cedar forests surround the approach path, creating a sacred atmosphere that connects mythology, nature, and community identity.

Visitors climb the challenging stone stairway through forest, requiring moderate physical fitness as steps are uneven and steep in sections. At the summit, traditional shrine buildings offer expansive peninsula and sea views in a quiet, contemplative setting. Visitors can offer prayers and purchase omamori (protective amulets) and ema (wooden prayer plaques). The shrine hosts annual festivals including New Year celebrations featuring Namahage performers. Information panels explain the Namahage tradition and shrine history. Proper footwear is essential for the ascent.

Access Shinzan Shrine from Oga Station on the JR Oga Line by local bus toward Monzen (approximately 50 minutes), followed by the 999-step climb. From Akita City, reach Oga Station via JR Oga Line in about 1 hour. From Tokyo, take the Akita Shinkansen to Akita Station (approximately 4 hours), then transfer to the JR Oga Line. By car from Akita City, drive approximately 1 hour to the base parking area. Limited parking available. Shrine entry is free, though donations welcomed.

Hours

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 185-33-3033

Website

www.namahage.ne.jp

Overview

Address

Mizukuisawa-97 Kitaurashinzan, Oga, Akita 010-0685, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

The Namahage Festival is truly something to be experienced. After one year in Japan, I had the good luck to witness this bustling, impressive, and stimulating tradition, set amidst the lovely setting of Shinzan Shrine, on the Oga Peninsula. The Shrine itself is quite spiritual and surrounded by old trees, butake sure you visit in early February, so you can take part in the Taiko drums of the Sedo Matsuri, and the frightening arrival of the masked Namahage gods/demons!

Emiel Van Herck

Feb 15, 2026

We visited this place to see the namahage festival. One of Akita's most old festivals. The place was pretty and the festival was worth seeing. The snowy weather made it even perfect 🤩

This shrine marks one end of the pilgrimage route across the mountains of Oga. In the past it was a syncretic Buddhist site, but became a Shinto shrine in the Meiji Period. Up behind the shrine is a collection of interesting Buddhist statues and massive stone stairs leading into the mountains. We went here instead of the nearby museum because there was a line to get in there, but while the shrine is quieter the whole narrow mountain road and parking can be crowded during holiday seasons.

If you can only do one thing in Japan make sure it is going to the Namahage festival in February. The best night ever, made better by the falling snow. If you are visitng outside of February do go to the nearby museum.

A beautiful shrine with lots of history. Also lots of stairs. Wonderful little stall for purchasing omamori or other shrine souvenirs. Very kind worker as well, they were willing to put up with some broken Japanese between me and a friend to ask a question. Highly recommend if you are in the area!