Ōya-dera

The Buddhist temple features ten stone relief statues carved directly into cliffs made of local Ōya stone, including a four-meter-tall Senju Kannon figure.

Founded in 810 CE by Buddhist monk Kūkai after his return from China, the temple received protection from the Utsunomiya clan during the Muromachi period.

The temple marks the nineteenth stop on the Bandō Sanjūsankasho pilgrimage route, connecting thirty-three temples dedicated to Kannon across the Kantō region.

Visitors can reach the temple by taking bus number 45 from JR Utsunomiya Station West Exit to Oya Kannon-mae stop, with buses running every twenty minutes.

Archaeological excavations in 1965 revealed artifacts from multiple periods, including Buddha statues, votive stones, and items dating back to the Jomon era.

Location: Utsunomiya

Made from material: Ōya Stone

GPS coordinates: 36.59622,139.82092

Latest update: May 22, 2025 13:42