Ōya Temple (Oya Kannon)

Very cool spot. Go see this and Heiwa Kannon. The temple in the rocks was incredible. Plus the mummy of the monk, many artifacts from the area, lots of beauty spots. Make sure you go behind the wooden main shrine to the left to see the museum, garden, white snakes, koi, and more! No photos allowed inside the temple but it’s gorgeous!

Amazing place. I wasn't expecting to go in and see the carvings in the mountain...
There is no recording of the carvings allowed. It is pretty cool though.

The precinct is pretty nice as well.
There is a cost to get in (I can't remember how much as my friends paid for it).

A very old Wonderful Buddhist temple.30mins bus from utsunomiya station..

Serene and calming temple — definitely should drop by if you are in the area!

The stone carvings were unique and I felt very rejuvenated after spending some time here.

We went on a nice autumn day and the garden was absolutely beautiful!

Note that some areas require you to do a small hike up some stairs so make sure you wear the right shoes. ^^ But the view is worth it and the nature will give you energy.

We paid 500 yen per person entry fee but free parking.

Historical place in Tochigi ken, carvings are amazing. Photography inside the cave is prohibited unluckily. Carvings inside the cave are mind blowing. There are so many nice restaurants around as well.

Place was fantastic
Full of history and kind people to guide you around. The area isn't big but the history is deep.

Sanctuary from really ancient time called "Jomon era." Famous for Stone God carved on a Ohya Rock.

My 3rd time here and I will never get tired of this peaceful place.

The oldest temple in the areas.

This temple doesn't look like much from outside but its main hall is nestled under an imposing cliff and houses a collection of Buddhist figures carved into the rock. One of them in particular is said to be the oldest of its kind in Japan at over 1000 years old. Worth the 400 yen when you consider the money needed for preservation.

The oldest Buda statue in Japan has, great history.

Beautiful temple!!

Nice historical temple with a great history of the local area.

Buddha statuses and temple is highly spiritual place to visit

Large stone Buddha statue

It's beautiful

Beautiful

Best temple

Beautiful and Historic Temple

せっかく大谷観光に来たなら是非立ち寄って見る価値アリだと思うお寺です。まず外観で驚きました。お堂に覆い被さるような大きな崖にしばし見入りました。

そして中に入ると大谷石の壁面に直接彫ってある千手観音様や仏像が並びます。平安時代や鎌倉時代に掘られたもののようです。
また、こちらで出土した縄文時代の土器多数や1万1千年前の全身の人骨も展示してあります。(中の写真は撮影出来ません)

こちらの大谷寺というお香を買いましたが爽やかななんとも言えない良い香りでした。
拝観料500円ですがすぐ隣りに27mの大谷平和観音もありますのでおすすめします。