Oya History Museum:

Why it's unique: This isn't just a museum; it's a massive underground former stone quarry, spanning 20,000 square meters and reaching 60 meters deep. It feels like an ancient, otherworldly temple or pyramid. During WWII, it was even used as a secret underground manufacturing plant! The cool, dim atmosphere and impressive scale are truly memorable. It's often used for events, concerts, and even film shoots.

Experience: Descend into the vast caverns, explore the various exhibits detailing the history of Oya stone mining, and marvel at the sheer size of the space. The changing colored lights enhance the dramatic atmosphere.

Oya-ji Temple:

Why it's unique: Just a short walk from the Oya History Museum, this ancient temple is carved directly into the Oya stone cliffside. It houses Japan's oldest stone Buddhist carvings, including a 4-meter-tall Kannon statue, which are designated National Important Cultural Properties. The blend of natural rock formations and human-made structures creates a very spiritual and distinctive ambiance.

Experience: Explore the cave temple and admire the ancient Buddhist carvings. The peaceful atmosphere offers a nice contrast to the grand scale of the museum. You can also see the Heiwa Kannon nearby, a towering 27-meter-tall statue dedicated to peace.

The Oya History Museum area (Oya-machi in Utsunomiya) has a few unique and charming dining options that complement the local stone culture. Here are some highly recommended places:

ROCKside MARKET:

What it is: Located right next to the Oya History Museum, this is more than just a cafe. It's a cafe and a mini-shop featuring food, drinks, and items made from local ingredients, especially Oya stone.

Why visit: They offer delicious items like galettes made with locally grown vegetables, a variety of gelato, and seasonal desserts (like Oya summer strawberries). It's a perfect spot for a light meal, snack, or coffee before or after exploring the museum. They also have a terrace seating area popular on sunny days.

OHYA FUN TABLE:

What it is: Situated near Oya Base (which also houses Mellow Coffee), this popular restaurant focuses on dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers.

Why visit: They are known for their menu featuring Tochigi Kirifuri Kogen beef, Miyabi pork, and Nikko salmon. The dishes are said to be delicious and hearty. It's a great option for a more substantial lunch.

THE STANDARD BAKERS:

This is a bakery and restaurant that emphasizes creating new standards with local and regional ingredients.

Why visit: If you're looking for fresh bread, pastries, or a cafe-style lunch, this is a good choice. They often have an attached farm-to-table restaurant.

Wakayama Farm Bamboo Forest:

Why it's unique: While Kyoto has its famous bamboo grove, Wakayama Farm in Utsunomiya offers a much larger (24 hectares) and significantly less crowded experience. You can truly immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the towering bamboo stalks, with sunlight dappling through the leaves and the gentle rustling of the wind. It's a popular spot for photography and even filming.

Experience: Take a leisurely stroll through the expansive bamboo groves. On weekends and holidays period, you might even have the opportunity to experience a matcha tea ceremony served in a bamboo bowl or see the bamboo forest illuminated at night (check their schedule for evening events). Depending on the season, you might also be able to participate in bamboo shoot or chestnut harvesting.

Food tasting in Utsunomiya Gyoza:

Why it's unique: Utsunomiya is renowned as the "Gyoza Capital of Japan" with over 300 gyoza restaurants. What makes it unique is the sheer variety and the local passion for these dumplings.

Experience: Instead of just one restaurant, try "gyoza hopping" to sample different styles (pan-fried, deep-fried, steamed) and fillings from a few different establishments. A great place to start is Kirasse, a "gyoza food court" where you can try various famous gyoza restaurants in one spot. This is a must-do to truly experience Utsunomiya's culinary identity.

Or Light Rail Transit (LRT)

If you are not that hungry, we can try the round trip of Light Rail Transit (LRT), often called the "Lightline" (or "Light Line"). This modern tram system officially opened on August 26, 2023, making Utsunomiya the first city in Japan in 75 years to have a brand-new tram system built from scratch.

Taking the LRT offers a convenient and pleasant way to explore parts of Utsunomiya, get a feel for its modern infrastructure, and connect to areas that were previously less accessible by public transport that offering a fresh perspective on the city and connecting you to interesting areas you might not otherwise see!

Let's enjoy your unique experience in Utsunomiya city!