Tochigi 1 Day Itinerary (Oya & Utsunomiya)

The Oya stone mining site has long been used for building materials, and it is here where you can tour through a huge underground space where mining took place for about 70 years. Precious exhibits including the tools that were used during the hand mining era are on display.

You can take in the dynamic view of the soaring wall of Oya stone up close. The entire area has been made into a park so that it’s good to take a short break here from touring.

The ancient temple built in 810 stands in a valley of great rock. Precious Buddha statues including the 4m-high Thousand-Armed Kannon carved into the rock face can be seen here. The land was once called “The Valley of Hell” and the mysterious cave temple has a legend of poisonous snakes inhabiting the area.

The large 27m-tall Kannon statue standing by the rock face is a hand-carved creation praying for peace as a memorial for the war dead. There are stairs and a corridor in the area of the statue and from the top, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the town of Oya. After the tour, take a break for lunch.

The site of the former Utsunomiya Castle, which was once known as one of the seven major castles in the Kanto area, has been made into a city park. A part of the castle which includes the stone walls, moat and watchtower has been restored and walks can be enjoyed inside the park.

Matsugamine Catholic Church was designed by Swiss architect Max Hinder. Made with Oya stone, the church is a structure reflecting the architecture of early and Middle Ages churches with a Romanesque design. It has been designated as a National Registered Cultural Property.

Boasting a history of around 1600 years, this has been a shrine that has continued to be admired by the citizens of Utsunomiya. The grand hall of worship inside the grounds can be viewed. Close to commercial areas such as Orion Street, you can enjoy a walk through the city while easily dropping by the shrine.

This is a shopping street that extends eastward from Tobu Utsunomiya Station. With plenty of restaurants, you can sample the dishes of Utsunomiya. The area has a number of bustling shopping streets including Union Street which goes westward from the station and Banba Street which crosses Orion Street. Enjoy shopping and dining at your leisure here.