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Deep Oya Experience: The Hidden Gem of the Oya District & Its Majestic Bamboo Forest

Deep Oya Experience: The Hidden Gem of the Oya District & Its Majestic Bamboo Forest

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2024

Ryoko T.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Tochigi

English, Japanese (Native)

6 hrs 30 mins

Private tour (only you and Ryoko T.)

Up to 3 people

This tour explores the Oya district, a Japan Heritage site known for its dramatic stone scenery. You’ll visit the underground Oya History Museum, Oya-ji Temple with its ancient stone Buddha, and the Peace Kannon carved into the cliff. After strolling through a majestic bamboo forest, we’ll head to Utsunomiya to enjoy its famous gyoza. If you like, you can finish the day at a jazz and cocktail bar.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:30 AM

Meeting Point

At JR Utsunomiya Station

- Meet at the JR Utsunomiya Station ticket gate.

10:00 AM

Oya-ji Temple

Visit Oya-ji, home to Japan’s oldest stone-carved Buddhist statue, created more than 1,200 years ago.

Surrounded by dramatic rock formations, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and insight into ancient spiritual traditions.

10:30 AM

Peace Kannon Statue (Heiwa Kannon)

Meet the 27-meter-tall Peace Kannon, carved directly into the cliff after World War II.

This gentle guardian watches over the valley and stands as one of Oya’s most iconic landmarks.

11:00 AM

Oya Grand Center

The Oya Grand Center is a renovated former ruin transformed into a modern creative space.

Enjoy sweeping views of the Oya landscape, explore Oya stone art, and relax at the café or restaurant—an inspiring spot that reflects the unique character of the Oya district.

12:00 PM

Lunch in Oya

Choose between a traditional soba restaurant serving handmade buckwheat noodles, or a cozy Italian restaurant offering dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

Both options are popular places to unwind and enjoy the flavors of Oya.

01:00 PM

Oya History Museum (Oya Shiryokan)

Begin your tour by stepping into the vast underground world of the former Oya stone quarry.

Its cathedral-like chambers, carved entirely from Oya stone, offer a breathtaking look at the region’s geology and craftsmanship.

02:30 PM

Four Seasons Bamboo Forest (Wakayama Farm)

Four Seasons Bamboo Forest (Wakayama Farm) offers a serene escape into one of Japan’s most enchanting bamboo landscapes. As you walk beneath soaring green columns, the soft rustle of leaves and shifting light create a world where time slows. Nurtured for generations, this 24-hectare forest reveals new beauty in every season—fresh spring greens, vibrant summer shade, golden autumn light, and winter’s quiet calm. A place of natural elegance and quiet drama, it invites you to pause, breathe, and feel the deep stillness of the bamboo.

04:00 PM

Tour Conclusion

The tour concludes at JR Utsunomiya Station.

If you’re interested, optional visits to a local gyoza restaurant, a jazz or a cocktail bar are available—please feel free to ask.

Ending Point

At JR Utsunomiya Station

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

・Guide fees

・Taxi fare between Oya and Bamboo forest：5000 yen(round)　

・Public transportation fees for guide ：1200 yen

・Entrance tickets for guide：3850 yen

　 Oya History Museum: 800 yen 　　

　 Oyaji Temple: 500 yen

　 Oya Grand Center: 1800 yen

Four seasons Bamboo Forest:750yen

What‘s not included

・Public transportation fees：1200 yen per person

・Entrance tickets : per person：3850 yen

　Oya History Museum: 800 yen 　　

　 Oyaji Temple: 500 yen

　 Oya Grand Center: 1800 yen

Four seasons Bamboo Forest:750yen

・Lunch (1,000–3,000 yen per person)

・Taxi fare (As needed, excluding the section between the Oya History Museum and Four Seasons Bamboo Forest)

・Other personal expenses

Tour Important Information

* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.

* This tour is wheelchair accessible.

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Oya-ji Temple is closed on Thursdays.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2024

Ryoko T.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Ryoko T.

Hello, future guests!

My name is Ryoko. I was born and raised in Utsunomiya, near Nikko.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit many countries, and I love traveling and meeting new people. Now, I’m really happy to be able to share the beauty of Japan with visitors from all over the world.

I’ve been guiding in Nikko and Utsunomiya for over 10 years, and I can show you not only the famous sights but also local culture, food, and hidden gems. Beyond sightseeing, I also enjoy customizing trips to match your interests—like sake brewery visits, or a pottery tour and hands-on experience in Mashiko, the famous pottery town.

I’d be delighted to help make your journey truly special. So, why not travel with me?

I’m looking forward to meeting you soon.