Morning Plan for Oya

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.