Things to do in Oga!
View of downtown Oga from Kampu-san
Oga Peninsula is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend get-away!
Let me share some of my personal favorite things to do when you are here, in addition to visiting Dairyuji, of course!
ATTRACTIONS
Michi no eki Ogare is a good base for your time in Oga. “Michi no eki” are like elevated rest stops! In general, michi no eki has plenty of travel recommendations, restaurants and parking. Ogare sells locally made foods and items from Oga and has my personal favorite gelato stand with a delicious sea salt flavor! There are often food trucks outside on the weekends and nice clean showers and bathrooms!
Namahage Museum is a great place to better understand the unique culture of Oga. Tucked away in the mountains, this beautiful museum offers an insightful and thorough explanation of the famous Namahage folklore. There is also a live performance for those you want that immersive experience. In the spring and summer months, there is a charming outdoor restaurant! You can also walk up to the nearby Shinzan Shrine surrounding by cedar trees and feel like you are in a Ghibli movie!
Namahage Daiko is performed at Oga Onsen Gofu hall in the evenings embodying the Namahage folklore.
Moricho Ryokan Day Sauna - treat yourself to a sauna in this renovated storage house and then relax in the lobby with a garden view.
Nydozaki Cape is the most northern tip of the peninsula that boasts a classic stripped lighthouse and stunning views of the Sea of Japan.
Unshoji Temple , also know as the “Ajisai temple” is a must see from mid June to mid July for fans of hydrangeas. For years, the priest has carefully grown a massive sea of hydrangeas that frames the temple and overlooks the ocean.
Gao Aquarium strongest draw is its location - right on the rugged coast of Oga! Gao is a small aquarium making it a nice hour or two visit that we have consistently enjoyed over the years as a family. Walking along the rocks to the entrance was usually my children’s favorite part!
Oga Marina Park is often overlooked, but it well worth a visit if you are wanting to take. a walk or have a picnic . Easy to access from the train station, on a clear day you can see Chokai-san (Fuji of the north!) across the water!!
SHOPPING
Oga isn’t exactly a shopping mecca, but there are a few little gems where you can find high quality locally made items!
Ine to Agave is a craft sake brewery that blends traditional techniques with innovative ideas that “captures the sprit of Oga.”
Sanaburi Factory is my go-to place to buy gifts, homewares and food items.
Own Garments sells beautiful clothing and bags. All locally made with gorgeous fabrics and an eye for a timeless, minimalistic style.
Detohama Books is a charming used book store in a tiny little blue building right on the beach. It is worth stopping at on your drive up to Oga especially because you can see the peninsula’s twin mountains (Kampu-san and Shin-zan) from Detohama.