Ōya History Museum
大谷資料館
Underground quarry ruins from the Oya stone mining area on the outskirts of Utsunomiya. A cavernous space of about 20,000 square meters looks like an underground temple.
The Oya History Museum is located in Oya, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. It is the site of an underground quarry where Oya stone was mined. The quarry is about 30 meters deep and covers about 20,000 square meters. From 1919 to 1986, workers cut massive, square stone chambers by hand and with machines. Under lighting, the rock walls and pillars resemble an underground temple. The site is often used for film shoots, music videos, and concerts. The ground level displays quarrying tools and history. Admission is about ¥800. The underground area stays around 8°C all year, so bring a jacket. Take a Kanto Bus from Utsunomiya Station for about 30 minutes to the 'Shiryokan Entrance' stop. It can be combined with a day trip to Nikko. Nearby are Otani-ji Temple and the Heiwa Kannon statue.
Opening hours
9:00 am–5:00 pm (Dec–Mar 9:30 am–4:30 pm; closed Tue in winter)
Nearby sights
- Cedar Avenue of Nikko
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
- Tobu World Square
- Kinugawa Onsen
- Kirifuri Falls
- Rinnoji Temple
- Shinkyo Bridge
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine