The Flame of ‘Energy’ Lit in Oya, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

Oya Town, located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a charming region where history and nature harmonize, famous for its Oya stone. Here, the Oya stone quarrying that began in the Edo period has developed, forming a magnificent underground space. Today, this area attracts visitors with numerous tourist spots and interactive activities.

Particularly noteworthy is the unique facility called “Genkiro“, which combines sauna and art. In this facility, visitors can enjoy relaxation while becoming part of the artwork. This new tourist attraction offers an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Oya stone culture.

Within Utsunomiya City, there are many Oya stone buildings and ruins, which are registered as “Japan Heritage.” This has further elevated the importance and cultural value of Oya Town. By visiting this place, you can experience moments where the past and future intersect.

In this way, Oya Town is more than just a tourist destination, attracting many people with its uniqueness and charm. Please come and experience something you can only taste in this special place.

The Charm and History of Oya Stone

Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture is known as the “Stone Town.” At its center is the Oya area, where the Oya stone culture registered as Japan Heritage is rooted. The Oya stone quarried in this area is a tuff formed by submarine volcanic activity about 15 million years ago, and its unique texture and durability have been used in many buildings.

In the Edo period, buildings using Oya stone began to increase, and especially after the Meiji period, the development of quarrying technology and transportation methods led to a dramatic increase in its shipment volume. In Utsunomiya City, efforts are being made to preserve and utilize this valuable resource. The “Utsunomiya Urban Development Promotion Organization” conducts local surveys of Oya stone warehouses and publishes pamphlets and maps to convey its charm to many people.

The Intersection of Art and Natural Beauty in the Oya Area

The Oya area is highly regarded as a cultural heritage site along with its overwhelming natural beauty. The rock surfaces, which have continued since ancient times, feature carved cliff Buddhas and Senju Kannon statues. These continue to deeply move visitors and are protected as nationally designated important cultural properties. Additionally, there is a vast underground space that can be described as a giant labyrinth. Large-scale events and exhibitions are held in this space, making it a new tourist attraction.

In the Oya area, the “Old Oya Public Hall” was restored as a new tourist hub “Oya Connect” in November 2023. This facility was once used as a village council and theater and was loved by many people. Currently, a “Visitor Center” is set up to provide information about the Oya area and its surroundings.

Interactive Art Space and Sauna

The Flame of ‘Energy’ Lit in Oya, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture: Oya Genkiro No. 6 AZUMAYA is a new experiential space where interactive art and sauna are fused. In this facility, visitors can have a unique experience of becoming an art piece themselves. By entering the “Genkiro,” you can enjoy special moments where you become part of the artwork.

This new challenge opens the door to diverse artistic expressions, adding color to people’s daily lives. Furthermore, this unique space is expected to have relaxation effects, allowing you to refresh both mind and body.

Sustainable Urban Development for the Future

Such initiatives have a positive impact not only on the Oya area but also on the entire Utsunomiya. This project, which is attracting attention as an urban development model considering sustainability, can be said to be an adaptation to the diversifying modern society. Moreover, the town development utilizing the region-specific resource of “Oya stone” contributes to new values and lifestyle transformations.

What is urban planning for the future? The new creativity born from exchanges with people visiting with different backgrounds and purposes. That is the strength unique to this region. The potential of “Stone Town Oya” in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a value that should be noted not only nationwide in Japan but also worldwide.

In Conclusion: To a Vibrant New Journey

In Oya, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, there are many new attempts alongside the historically recognized landscapes certified as Japan Heritage. Among them, what stands out is the surprise and healing born from the fusion of art and sauna. All of these become memories with each visitor. And by re-examining from different perspectives, we hope to connect to further value creation.

We hope you will visit once. The experience you gain from it will surely become a lifelong treasure. The time spent in this place, each moment, is guaranteed to be the greatest enjoyment of your life.

Oya Genkiro No. 6 AZUMAYA: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Oya Genkiro No. 6 AZUMAYA?

A1: Oya Genkiro No. 6 AZUMAYA is an experiential art installation located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. This work, set in an underground space, has a structure similar to a large sauna, offering visitors a unique experience.

Q2: What kind of experience can you have?

A2: Visitors can enjoy steam generated using herbs in a large kiln. This steam is sent through pipes, providing the effect of a steam sauna. This allows you to feel healing and refreshment.

Q3: Why is it called “Genkiro”?

A3: The name “Genkiro” comes from the facility’s ability to give visitors vitality and positivity. The fusion of art and sauna creates new energy.

Q4: Where can this facility be found?

A4: It is located within the quarry site in Oya Town, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. This area has a unique history and culture, attracting many tourists.

Q5: What other attractions are there?

A5: In the Oya area, you can also enjoy the “Oya History Museum.” Here, you can learn about the Oya stone culture and historical background. The magnificent underground space is also a highlight.

Summary:

The Flame of ‘Energy’ Lit in Oya, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture:“Oya Genkiro No. 6 AZUMAYA” offers inspiration and vitality to many people through the unique combination of art and sauna.

Summary

The Oya area in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, is known as a charming region woven by history and nature. In this land, the Oya stone culture is deeply rooted, offering its beauty and grandeur to visitors. Especially, the fusion of an experiential art space and sauna called “Genkiro” brings new perspectives to visitors. The experience here provides value beyond mere tourism, creating special memories for each visitor.

Moreover, efforts toward sustainable urban development are also progressing in the Oya area, with “Oya stone” at its core. The uniqueness of this region and its forward-thinking projects demonstrate adaptability to the diversifying modern society. The creativity born from empathy and exchange is the strength unique to this region.

Overall, the Oya area is a place where you can enjoy not just visually but with all your senses. With its historical landscapes and new attempts, many visitors can experience a fulfilling journey. Why not make new discoveries yourself in this wonderful area?

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