About Oya History Museum

The Oya History Museum, located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a museum built on the site of the Oya Stone quarry and is a popular tourist spot where visitors can learn about the spectacular underground space and the history of Oya Stone. The site where Oyaishi quarrying once thrived is now open to the public, offering visitors an overwhelming sense of scale as the magnificent underground quarry site is now open to the public.

The most distinctive feature of the Oya History Museum is its huge underground space. The majestic atmosphere of the quarry ruins spread out underground is reminiscent of an underground temple or ruins, and is truly a miraculous space created by nature and human technology. This underground space, which covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters, reaches a maximum height of 30 meters, and visitors are overwhelmed by its scale. The marks made by digging out the stones form geometric patterns, and the serene atmosphere of the space has even been used as a movie set or a venue for music concerts.

The Oya History Museum is more than just a quarry site; it is also a facility where visitors can learn about the history of Oyaishi and mining techniques. In the museum's exhibition space, visitors can learn about the history of Oyaishi mining and the tools and techniques used in the mining process, as well as the workings of the stone in those days. Oyaishi is also deeply related to the history of architecture in Japan, and has been used in important buildings throughout the country, such as Tokyo Station and the Catholic Matsugamine Church. Therefore, a visit to this museum will give visitors a deeper understanding of architectural culture and the development of local industry.

A particularly good time to visit is during the summer. The underground space is kept at a temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it as cool as a natural air conditioner during the hot summer months. For this reason, it is very popular as a summer resort, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy sightseeing free from the heat outside.

Furthermore, this underground space also hosts special seasonal exhibitions and events, such as the “Underground Illumination,” where visitors can enjoy a fantastic space lit up with lights, offering different attractions depending on the time of year they visit. The museum is also used as a venue for weddings, and a ceremony held in the solemn atmosphere of the basement will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

The Oya History Museum is a place where visitors can learn about the overwhelming scale and historical background created by nature and human activity. It is a great destination for those interested in architecture and history, as well as for tourists who want to experience an otherworldly atmosphere.