Question 1

How do I get there from Utsunomiya Station?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can I enter the address into my car navigation system?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Are concerts and art exhibitions held?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can children and older visitors manage it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Can I take photographs or video?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Is it cold underground? What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is the Oya History Museum?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What is Oya stone?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

909 Oya-machi, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 14

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 15

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

April to November 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30); December to March 9:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00).

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Please check the official website (confirm in advance).

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