J-Trip Plan — Season 1, Episode 18: Facing the Namahage in Oga, Akita Pref. & New Year's in Japan

Episode synopsis

Our reporter Ali visits Oga to learn about the Namahage. These ogre-like beings believed to ward off evil call on homes on New Year's Eve in search of lazy no-gooders. Ali sees them in action at a museum, visits Namahage-related places, and tastes the local fare. We also look at ways to spend the New Year. Our correspondent suggests Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka for the year's first prayers. Viewers recommend a cruise on Yokohama Bay and the first sunrise in Yamanashi Pref. with a view of Mt. Fuji.

About J-Trip Plan

This travel show aimed at overseas visitors offers info on where to go, what to see, and how to experience Japan, like an expert.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Cherry Blossom Scenery & Cycling Ehime's Islands on a Rental
• E2Your Stunning Scenes of Japan & An Industrial Nightscape outside Osaka
• E3May Festivals & Experiencing Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima Style
• E4Cheap, Popular, Local Dishes & Nearby Narita Airport, The Gateway to Japan
• E5Mystical Spots around Japan & Delicacies of Ise-Shima
• E6Japan in the Summer Rain & Cute Tohoku Kokeshi Dolls
• E7Summer Festivals & The Goldfish of Nara
• E8Summer Waterfront Retreats & The Gardens of Hokkaido
• E9Takaoka, the City of Kawaii in Toyama Prefecture & Summer Fireworks
• E10The Ninja of Iga, Mie Prefecture & Good Luck Charms
• E11The Tastes of Fall & A Soy-Sauce Tour in Wakayama Prefecture
• E12Japan's Great Outdoors & Discovering Ehime's "Machu Picchu"