Akagami Shrine Gosha-do: A Hidden Oga Power Spot with the Stone Steps Built by Demons

Akagami Shrine Gosha-do in Oga City stands deep in the mountains at about one hundred eighty meters above sea level, with five halls in a row, and is closely tied to the Namahage legend of Oga. Legend says the stone steps leading up to the precincts were begun by demons trying to build a thousand steps in one night, but a clever villager caused them to stop at nine hundred ninety-nine. The present five halls are said to have been built in the Edo period in 1709, donated by Satake Yoshinori, the fourth lord of the Akita domain, and are designated National Important Cultural Properties.

Highlights

• Nine hundred ninety-nine mossy stone steps said to be built by demons in one night
• A group of five Important Cultural Property halls standing quietly on the mountain
• A mysterious air that lets you trace the source of the Namahage legend
• The deep mountain stillness felt along the tree-shrouded path

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh green the moss covering the steps glows vividly, and climbing through the dappled light feels pleasant. In autumn the surrounding trees take on color, and their contrast with the old halls makes for a graceful season. In winter snow piles up and visitors grow few, but within that silence an even more solemn atmosphere settles.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Honzan Monzen, Funakawaminato, Oga City, Akita
• Train and bus: From JR Oga Station take the Oga City bus bound for Monzen to the last stop, then climb the stone steps for about twenty-five minutes on foot. Buses are limited and some services do not run on weekends, holidays, the Obon period, or year-end, so check in advance
• Car: About thirty minutes from the Oga Station area, with parking in the Monzen district
• From the parking area to the Gosha-do it is about a twenty-five-minute climb up uneven stone steps
• Free to visit

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The fresh-green season from May to June, when the moss on the steps is beautiful, and the autumn-leaf season are especially rewarding. Since the climb takes time, a morning to early-afternoon visit with daylight to spare is reassuring
• Time needed: About one hour round trip from the parking area to the Gosha-do, including your visit
• Avoiding crowds: Earlier hours allow a quieter visit. If using the bus, services are infrequent, so confirm the return times in advance
• Clothing and gear: The steps are steep and can be slippery, so proper walking shoes are essential. A drink, and insect repellent in summer, add comfort
• Nearby real spots: Pair your trip with the Oga Shinzan Denshokan, the Namahage Museum, the Oga Aquarium GAO, and the Kanpuzan revolving observatory to tour the Oga Peninsula
• Budget sense: The visit itself is free. For peninsula sightseeing, allow for admission fees and transport

A Quick Tip

The nine hundred ninety-nine steps are steep and long, so allow plenty of time for your visit. Bring sturdy shoes and a drink, and climbing while counting each step makes it feel as if you are entering the world of the legend. The steps grow slippery after rain, so take special care with your footing.

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance from Oga city and its tourism association, along with on-site information boards and origin records. Local guidance on the 999 stone steps and the Namahage legend is also a useful reference. Because bus operation and nearby facility hours may change, please confirm the latest details with Oga city or the tourism association before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 1 hour round trip from the parking area to the Gosha-do, including the visit.
• What to bring: The 999 stone steps are steep and slippery, so comfortable shoes are essential. Water and, in summer, insect repellent add comfort. Take special care with footing after rain.
• Suggested route: Climb the moss-covered 999 stone steps to pray at the hilltop Gosha-do, and combine the visit with the Oga Shinzan Denshokan, the Namahage Museum, the Oga Aquarium GAO, and the Kanpuzan revolving observatory to explore the peninsula.