Oya History Museum

Oya History Museum is a museum in Oya Town, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, that conveys the history of Oya stone quarrying. Oya stone has long been used as a building material because it is light, soft, easy to work with, and highly fire-resistant. It is especially well known for its use in the Old Imperial Hotel Main Building designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. At this museum, visitors can learn about the appeal and history of Oya stone, which developed as one of Utsunomiya’s signature industries, from multiple perspectives.

Exhibits and History
In the museum’s exhibition area, visitors can learn about quarrying tools and techniques from the mid-Edo period through the 1950s, when stone was still cut by hand, as well as changes in methods of hauling and transportation. You can see actual quarrying tools such as pickaxes and chisels, and gain a sense of the labor and ingenuity of the craftsmen of that era. Through the exhibits, visitors can learn about the historical progression of quarrying before mechanization and the process by which it developed as a local industry.

Underground Quarry Site — The Main Highlight
The greatest highlight of Oya History Museum is, without question, the underground quarry site.
It covers about 20,000 square meters and reaches a depth of approximately 30 meters. The vast space resembles an underground temple, and its scale is so overwhelming that it is hard to imagine from the word “museum” alone. Over the course of quarrying history, an immense amount of Oya stone was carved out here, leaving behind traces of many years of labor underground.
The average annual temperature inside the quarry is about 8°C, and even in summer it remains cool at around 13°C. As you descend the stairs, a gigantic space illuminated with fantastical lighting unfolds before you, giving the impression that you have wandered into another world. By touching the stone walls marked with pickaxe traces from the hand-digging era, you can feel the quarrying work of the time with your own hands.

Uses and Cultural Value
This underground space was once used as a secret factory during wartime and later as a storage site for government rice after the war. Today, it serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a venue for various cultural and artistic activities.
In addition to concerts, plays, Noh performances, and shows, it is also a popular filming location for movies, TV dramas, and music videos. In particular, the fantastical effects created by lighting and projection mapping captivate many visitors.
There is also a mysterious area known as the “Church Zone,” where natural light streams in through gaps in the ceiling and walls, and some couples even hold wedding ceremonies there.

Enjoying Your Visit After the Tour
The museum grounds also include a stylish café and a craft shop. After your visit, you can enjoy a warm drink while browsing miscellaneous goods and crafts made with Oya stone.
The underground tour remains chilly throughout the year, so even in summer it is recommended to bring something to wear over your clothes.

Oya History Museum is a precious place where visitors can experience with all five senses the charm of Oya stone, which supported the history and industry of Utsunomiya. The overwhelming scale of the vast underground space and its fantastical atmosphere will make for an unforgettable visit. Combining historical value with artistic appeal, this site is truly a tourist destination worthy of being called an “underground temple.”