Oya Temple

What to know

Oya Temple (大谷寺, Ōyaji) is a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple carved into the volcanic Oya stone cliffs on the outskirts of Utsunomiya City. It is said to have been founded in 810 by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan's most important religious figures. He is believed to have sculpted the temple's main object of worship, the nearly four-meter-high Oya Kannon relief carving of the thousand-armed Buddhist goddess of mercy, which is chiseled directly into the cliff face.

Nine other Buddha carvings—representing the Three Buddhas of Shaka, the Three Buddhas of Yakushi, and the Three Buddhas of Amida—join the Oya Kannon on the cliff face inside the temple's main hall and are considered among Japan's finest stone sculptures.

The temple grounds also feature a small garden that visitors can walk around, and a treasure hall with relics dating from the Jomon to the Kamakura periods of Japanese history, which were discovered in the caves during archaeological excavations in 1965.

Across the street from the temple stands the towering Peace Kannon Statue, overlooking a public park. The 27-meter-high stone statue was carved directly out of the surrounding cliffs and stands in tribute to those who died during World War II and for the promotion of world peace. Visitors can climb up to an observatory on the cliff behind the Kannon, from where they can inspect the statue up close and look out over the surrounding countryside.

From JR Utsunomiya Station (West Exit), take bus number 45 bound for Tateiwa (立岩) and get off at the Oya Kannon-mae bus stop (大谷観音前, 25 minutes, 530 yen one way, 1-3 buses/hour). The temple is a two-minute walk from the bus stop. The bus also stops in front of Tobu Utsunomiya Station along the way (20 minutes, 530 yen one way).

How to get to and around Utsunomiya Oyaji Temple Hours 8:30 to 16:30 (from 9:00 from October to March; entry until 16:10) Closed Thursdays (except national holidays), December 26-31 Admission 500 yen Peace Kannon Park Hours Always open Closed No closing days Admission Free Questions? Ask in our forum.