Oya-dera Temple

Oya-ji

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Be awestruck by the massive Senju Kannon statue carved into the cliffs of Oya stone! Journey to Oya-dera Temple, known as Japan's Silk Road.

Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples
National Treasure
World Heritage

HighlightsThe massive Senju Kannon statue carved into the Oya stone cliff face
A historically significant temple, believed to have been founded in the Heian period by Kukai (Kobo Daishi)
Established as one of the sacred sites on the Bandō Sanjusankannon pilgrimage route during the Kamakura period
A mystical cave temple with an awe-inspiring atmosphere
Numerous attractions in the surrounding area, including the Oya Museum and Oya Peace Kannon

Basic Information

Address: 1198 Oyamacho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Tochigi

Access: Bus: Take the Kanto Bus Oya Tateiwa Line from the JR Utsunomiya Station West Exit or Tobu Station bus stop. It's about a 30-minute ride to the "Oya Kannonmae" stop. A 2-minute walk from there. Car: From the Komaimachi intersection on the Utsunomiya Ring Road, head west on the Oya Kaido, then turn onto Tochigi Prefectural Road 188 (Oya Kannon Line) at the Oya intersection. Approximately 10 minutes. Show route

Op.Hours: Summer: April - September / 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Winter: October - March / 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM *Admission closes 20 minutes before closing time.

Cld.Days: Thursdays (Open on holidays) *Closed from December 26th to 31st

Fee: Admission Fee: JPY 500 for adults, JPY 300 for children

INFO: Goshuin (temple seals) will be provided as a written copy unless you have a special notebook for the Banto Road temples. Please recite sutras outside the main hall.

HP: http://www.ooyaji.jp/

Overview

Oya-dera Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. Its mountain name is Tenkai-zan, and its honorary title is Jodo-in. Its principal image is the Senju Kannon Bosatsu (Thousand-Armed Kannon), and it's known as the 19th temple on the Bandō Sanjusankannon pilgrimage route. Located within a former Oya stone quarry, Oya-dera Temple creates a mystical atmosphere, with the Buddha statues appearing as if emerging from a giant cave. The approximately 4.5-meter-tall Senju Kannon statue carved into the Oya stone cliff face is known as "Oya Kannon" and is designated as a Special Historic Site and Important Cultural Property of Japan. Oya-dera Temple is said to have been founded in the Heian period by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) and has been a center of faith for centuries. During the Kamakura period, it flourished under the protection of the Shimotsuke Utsunomiya clan and was established as one of the sacred sites of the Bandō Sanjusankannon pilgrimage. In the Edo period, the current temple buildings were rebuilt with the assistance of Tadaaki Okudaira, the 29th lord of Utsunomiya Castle. Oya-dera Temple is a treasured place where history and nature harmoniously coexist, beloved by many. The surrounding area offers many attractions, including the Oya Museum and the Oya Peace Kannon. The Oya Museum provides insights into the history and culture of Oya stone. The Oya Peace Kannon is a massive 27-meter-tall Kannon statue erected to commemorate the war dead and pray for world peace. When visiting Oya-dera Temple, be sure to explore these nearby attractions.

Oya-dera Temple

Highlights

Basic Information

Overview

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