Utsunomiya Day Trip: Oya Stone & Gyoza dumpling Adventure !
Joined 2025
Utsunomiya is notable for its stonework and gyoza dumpling. It is less than an hour (45mins) from Tokyo on the Shinkansen!
When traveling to Utsunomiya from Tokyo with a JR pass, all you need to change trains at Tokyo Station which is in the center of the Tokyo city. Super easy!
Utsunomiya, while famous for its gyoza, offers a surprising array of attractions site seeing places. This trip will focusing on a mix of culture, history, and, of course, food - gyoza dumpling!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the hotel in Utsunomiya area or Utsunomiya train station
- Pick up point can either at the hotel or Utsunomiya train station. I will contact you on mobile. This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Explore the Oya Stone District
Oya History Museum.
This is a must-see site seeing place! The Oya History Museum is a massive underground former quarry for Oya stone. It's an incredible, almost otherworldly experience with huge caverns and exhibits on the history of mining. The temperature here is consistently cool, which is a nice escape on a warm day.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there's a fair bit of walking involved.
Oya-ji Temple (Oya Kannon) & Heiwa Kannon.
Oya-ji Temple (Oya Kannon) & Heiwa Kannon.
Located near the Oya History Museum, Oya-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple with a part of it carved into a cliff face, featuring Japan's oldest stone Buddhas.
Just a short walk from Oya-ji is the Heiwa Kannon, a towering 27-meter tall statue dedicated to peace. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Oya town.
Lunch in Oya.
Lunch in Oya.
There are cafes and small eateries in the Oya area, such as ROCKSIDE MARKET (adjacent to the Oya History Museum), which offers coffee and meals. This could be a good spot for lunch or we can eat around the local area before heading back towards the city center.
Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park & Matsugamine Catholic Church.
Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park & Matsugamine Catholic Church.
The Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park offers a glimpse into the city's past, with reconstructed parts of the castle.
Nearby, the Matsugamine Catholic Church is a beautiful building constructed with Oya stone, showcasing a unique architectural style.
Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine.
Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine.
This major Shinto shrine is located in central Utsunomiya and has a history of over 1,600 years. It's a peaceful and historically significant site, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Gyoza Dumpling Hopping!
Utsunomiya is synonymous with gyoza, boasting over 300 gyoza restaurants! This is the perfect time to indulge.
"Gyoza Street" is a great starting point, with many restaurants clustered together.
Some popular and well-regarded gyoza spots include:
Utsunomiya Minmin Main Branch: A famous, long-established restaurant. Expect a wait, but it's often considered a classic.
Utsunomiya Gyoza Specialty Restaurant Goku: Known for its juicy "Jumbo Gyoza."
Rassai Main Store: Offers a "dumpling theme park" experience where you can compare different types of gyoza.
Kirasse: A gyoza food court where you can try gyoza from multiple famous restaurants in one go.
Tip: Try different types of gyoza – pan-fried (yaki-gyoza), deep-fried (age-gyoza), and steamed (sui-gyoza).
Let's enjoy our day trip in Utsunomiya!
Ending Point
At your hotel or Utsunomiya train 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
Guide fee
Hotel or Train station pick up services
Vehicle Transportation via K-car (Suzuki Alto works)
Gasoline fee
Toll fee
A Photos Video album of your trip
Lunch cost
Entrance fee of Oya museum - adult 800yens , children 400yens
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves abit of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
-----IMPORTANT INFORMATION-----
I can offer pickup and drop-off within Tokyo 23wards, however extra cost will be added, please message me for details.
Please send a direct message to the tour guide for confirming my availability period before booking.
Important message from the supplier
My schedule can be flexible, up to my deadline of works.
I can guide you in any area of Japan, please contact me in advance!
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 2025
About Tour Guide Andy L.
Konnichiwa! I’m Your Friendly Guide to Japan’s Kanto Region
I’m based in the beautiful Tochigi Prefecture and absolutely love sharing Japan’s amazing culture, history, and hidden spots with visitors like you. Before doing tour guiding, I was a public school teacher, so I’m great at making stories come alive and helping you really connect with the places we visit.
I speak Japanese at an advanced level (N2), and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Japan—from living a year in the peaceful town of Kamishihoro in Hokkaido to wandering the bustling streets of Tokyo. This means I can give you insider tips and deep insights that go beyond the usual tourist trails.
*What I Offer*
I mainly guide around the Kanto area, which includes Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, Ibaraki, Gunma, and of course, Tochigi. Here are some of the fun tours I can take you on:
- **Utsunomiya Cultural Immersion:** Spend a day discovering the unique charm and tasty eats of Utsunomiya.
- **Tokyo All-in-One:** Explore both East and West Tokyo in a single day for a full city experience.
- **Anime & Pop Culture Tours:** Tailor-made adventures based on your favorite shows, games, and characters.
- **Kanto Day Trips:** Visit iconic spots like Nikko’s stunning temples or Kamakura’s historic sites.
I also love guiding in other parts of Japan, especially Kyoto—I’ve seen every World Heritage Site there! Plus, I often run tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and more, all easy to reach by train.
*Customize Your Journey*
Every tour is flexible and designed just for you. To make your trip even more memorable, I’ll create a free, beautifully crafted photo album with music from your tour—perfect for sharing or keeping as a souvenir.
Ready to explore Japan in a fun, relaxed way with someone who’s passionate about showing you the real stories behind every place? Let’s chat and start planning your perfect adventure!
$214/ per group
