Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on August 5, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (2)
How do I get there from Utsunomiya Station?
Take a Kanto bus bound for Oya or Tateiwa from the west exit of JR Utsunomiya Station, about 30 minutes to the Shiryokan-iriguchi stop. By car it is about 15 minutes from Utsunomiya-Kaminokawa IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway.
Can I enter the address into my car navigation system?
Our site covers a wide area, and entering the address into a navigation system can leave you lost in the hills. We recommend entering the phone number (028-652-1232) or the facility name Oya Shiryokan instead.
Events (1)
Are concerts and art exhibitions held?
Music concerts, art exhibitions and other events are sometimes held in the vast underground space. Charges and hours may differ during events. Please see the official website (oya909.co.jp) for details.
Accessibility (1)
Can children and older visitors manage it?
There are stairs down to the underground level and a fair amount of walking. Please wear comfortable shoes if you are unsure of your footing. Some sections are difficult in a wheelchair, so we recommend calling 028-652-1232 in advance.
Opening hours (1)
What are the opening hours and closed days?
9:00-17:00 from April to November (last admission 16:30), open every day. From December to March it is 9:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00) and closed every Tuesday (the following day if that Tuesday is a public holiday). It also closes over the New Year period (26 December to 3 January). There may be temporary closures, so please call in advance.
Time needed (1)
How long should I allow?
Allow about 40-60 minutes to look round the underground quarry at leisure. Including the exhibition room and shop above ground, allow about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Photography (1)
Can I take photographs or video?
Photography in the underground quarry is generally permitted. The atmospheric underground space is popular on social media, and photography is sometimes allowed during events such as concerts and art exhibitions. Restrictions may apply during events, so please check on site.
服装・準備 (1)
Is it cold underground? What should I wear?
The temperature in the underground quarry is low all year (cool even in summer and especially cold in winter), with a distinct chill in the air. We strongly recommend bringing a jacket, even in summer.
Overview (1)
What is the Oya History Museum?
It is a museum in a former underground quarry where Oya stone was extracted for about 70 years from the Taisho into the Showa era. The vast underground space, about 20,000 square metres in area and 30 m deep, is known as the underground temple, and the stone faces bearing pick marks from the hand-cutting era, lit atmospherically, are the main draw.
History / Culture (1)
What is Oya stone?
Oya stone is a light, soft building stone quarried in the Oya district of Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, valued for its fire resistance and natural texture. It is known worldwide for its use by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the old main building of the Imperial Hotel, and has long supported industry in Utsunomiya.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
There is parking, which you are welcome to use. In peak periods such as Obon (13-16 August), however, the surrounding roads become very busy, and a temporary shuttle bus may run from an overflow car park.
Other (6)
What is the address?
909 Oya-machi, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture
Is there parking?
Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.
When is it closed?
Open every day from April to November. From December to March it closes every Tuesday (the following day if that Tuesday is a public holiday). Also closed over the New Year period (26 December to 3 January).
What are the opening hours?
April to November 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30); December to March 9:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00).
How do I get there?
About 30 minutes on a Kanto bus bound for Oya or Tateiwa from the west exit of JR Utsunomiya Station, alighting right at the Shiryokan-iriguchi stop. By car it is about 15 minutes from Utsunomiya-Kaminokawa IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway.
How much is admission?
Please check the official website (confirm in advance).