Explore
Oya Area
How to enjoy the Oya Area
Famed for the soft, volcanic rock that’s been mined here for centuries, the Oya area offers visitors the chance to go underground and admire the stone in breathtaking caverns, encounter natural formations, and discover hand-carved statues. With delicious local restaurants, unique souvenir shops, and interesting sights, the Oya area deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list in Japan!
Oya Area Highlights
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Try Pottery With One of Utsunomiya’s Expert Artists!
30min bus ride from the center of Utsunomiya is Toyusha (Bus stop: Shiroyamachiku Shimin Center), a small pottery studio bursting...
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Take a Step Back in Time at Oya History Museum
Oya stone has a vast and varied history. Take a tour of the old mine, where you’ll find that history...
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Connect to Japan’s Spiritual History at Ooyaji Temple
Ooyaji Temple is said to have been founded in 810 by the famous priest, Kukai (Kobo Daishi). Senju Kannon, a...
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Relax in the Bamboo Forest at Wakayama Farm
For three generations, the Wakayama family has grown and maintained this bamboo forest in the northern part of the Kanto...
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Have an Up-Close Animal Encounter at Utsunomiya Zoo
Utsunomiya Zoo has 90 species of animals on display and offers opportunities to feed and interact with many of them....
