The origin of Namahage in Oga, Akita? The history of Akagami Shrine, Gosha-do and red seals!

  • Akita
  • Sightseeing
Akagami Shrine Goja-do
Akagami Shrine in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, has a five-building shrine hall, designated as an important cultural property. Akagami Shrine is characterized by the shrine hall surrounded by forest and the 999 stone steps leading up to the hall. Akagami Shrine is also related to the origin of "Namahage of Oga," a folk event in the Oga Peninsula of Akita Prefecture. In this issue, we will introduce the history and benefits you should know in order to enjoy Akagami Shrine.

What is Akagami Shrine Gojado?

Akagami Shrine in Oga, Akita Prefecture, has a long history, with a temple said to have been built in the year 860 (Jougan 2). During the Heian period (794-1185), the shrine became a shugendo (mountain asceticism) center for the worship of Akagami Gongen. It is said that there were 9 temples and 48 monks in this mountainous area at its peak, but now there are only Akagami Shrine Gosha-do and Choraku-ji Temple.

After climbing the famous 999 stone steps, Gosha-do stands at an elevation of about 180 meters. The sight of the five buildings of the same style standing side by side in the middle of the mountain is spectacular. The five demons enshrined in Gosha-do are said to be a family of five, consisting of parents and three children.
Gosha-do Hall where five demons are enshrined

History of the 999 stone steps leading to Gosha-do

There is an old legend about the 999 stone steps leading up to the shrine. Here, we would like to introduce the legend to you.

About 2,000 years ago, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty brought five bats to Oga. The bats eventually transformed into demons, and the Han Emperor Wudi used the demons as his retainers.

When the Wu Emperor gave the demons a once-a-year vacation on the 15th day of the New Year, they went on a rampage, stealing crops and livestock and taking the village's daughters away. The villagers were so distressed that they proposed a bet to the ogres: "If you can build 1,000 stone steps by the time the first cock cries at dawn, we will give you one daughter a year, but if you cannot, you will never come back to the village again. The ogres took up the bet and moved faster than expected. The villagers panicked, and when there was only one more stone step to go, they asked the amanojaku to imitate the crowing of the first chicken. The ogres, believing their cries, were so frustrated by their failure that they pulled out a 1,000-year-old cedar and stabbed it upside down, returning deep into the mountains, never to return to the village again.
999 stone steps
After that, the demons stopped coming to the village, but the villagers, fearing retribution, began to dedicate the 15th day of the New Year once a year, when the demons came back to the village, as a deity. There remains a theory that this was the beginning of "Namahage in Oga.
Namahage of Oga
Even today, many of the things mentioned in the legend remain at Akagami Shrine. The stone steps are said to have been piled up by demons in one night, and are uneven and very bumpy. Comfortable shoes are recommended when visiting the shrine. In addition, a tree that is said to be a remnant of an upside-down cedar is preserved at the temple.
A vermilion torii gate stands in the middle of the stone steps

Mysterious "Sugatami-no-Ido" and red seal of Akagami Shrine

There are other mysterious spots in the precincts of Akagami Shrine. This is the "Sugatami no well," which is said to show the life expectancy of those who look into it. It is said that visitors to the well used to look into their own reflection during the annual Oyamakake Pilgrimage on July 7 in order to predict the year ahead. It was believed that if the reflection was clear, the year would be a healthy one; if not, it would be a disaster; and if the reflection was not clear at all, the person would die that year. It is a little scary, but if you visit Akagami Shrine, why don't you take a look inside the well?

You can also get a red seal at Akagami Shrine, and if you are a red seal collector, don't forget to leave a note at the ticket office on the right side of the shrine after the 999-step long stone staircase from Gosha-do.
Sugatami no well
Take a look inside the well

Climb the 999 stone steps to Akagami Shrine

When you visit Akagami Shrine, please remember the history and background we have introduced so far and experience the goodness of the shrine. When sightseeing in Oga, why not not not only meet Namahage but also learn about the origins and origin of Namahage?
Gosha-do Hall with beautiful autumn leaves

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