The vast former Oya stone quarry underground at the Oya History Museum in Utsunomiya, Tochigi.
About 30 meters underground lies a cathedral-like space, located roughly 10 kilometers northwest of Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture. Famous for its igneous Oya stone, the site has been transformed from former quarry tunnels into a museum.
Underground Museum
Oya stone has been prized nationwide as a high-quality building material, with a history dating back to the Nara period. The area open to visitors was actively quarried from 1919 to 1986.
The tunnels feature ceilings about 10 meters high, and their mysterious atmosphere has made them a popular location for films and music videos.
Even in summer, just after the rainy season, the tunnels remain around 10°C (50°F), offering an otherworldly experience year-round.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Masamichi Kirihara, The Sankei Shimbun
