Namahage Ginza

Akita prefecture is famous for its tradition of namahage – scary-looking deities portrayed by men dressed in demon masks and straw outfits who go from house to house scaring children and driving away evil spirits every February. If being yelled at by a raging ogre while enjoying a serving of Akita cuisine sounds like your idea of a fun night out, booking a table at this unique izakaya in Ginza will do the trick. Namahage shows take place here every evening at 7.15pm and 10pm, when diners tend to already be well fed on traditional kiritanpo hot pot. This warming delicacy, which is based on a chicken and potherb broth, can be savoured while sitting around a proper fireplace – or if you’re feeling fancy, in a private room shaped like an igloo (yes, really – Akita gets cold in the winter).