J-Trip Plan

Facing the Namahage in Oga, Akita Pref. & New Year's in Japan

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.