Oyama, Japan

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Oyama, Japan

Region: Tochigi Prefecture

---

Geographic Coordinates: 36.314600, 139.800000

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 167874

Language: Japanese

---

Oyama is a stunning city situated in the eastern part of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is located between Utsunomiya and Ashikaga and is approximately 100 kilometers north of Tokyo. The city has a population of around 166, 000 people and covers an area of about 171 square kilometers. The history of Oyama dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) when it was known as Oyamaguchi. During this time, It was an important center for trade and commerce due to its location at the intersection of several major roads.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), Oyama became a post town on the Nikko Kaido road, Which connected Edo with Nikko. One notable landmark in Oyama is Mount Tenjin, Standing at an impressive height of 491 meters above sea level. Tenjinyama Park offers visitors breathtaking views over the city below while exploring Tenjinyama Castle Ruins provides insight into Japan’s feudal past. Kairakuen Garden is another popular attraction in Oyama established by Tokugawa Nariaki in 1842 featuring over three thousand plum trees that bloom from late February to early March each year.

Oyama’s local cuisine includes oyama yaki – a savory pancake made from flour, Eggs, Vegetables and meats – as well as oyama soba – buckwheat noodles served hot or cold with various toppings. Overall, Oyama offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, History and culture including ancient ruins atop Mount Tenjin or enjoying scenic views from its peak making it one of Tochigi Prefecture’s most popular tourist destinations during plum blossom season.

---

---

1. Oyama Afuri Shrine: A popular Shinto shrine located on Mount Afuri that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
2. Omoigawa River: A beautiful river that runs through the city and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
3. Oyama Castle: A historic castle that was built in the 16th century and is now a museum showcasing local artifacts.
4. Koshin-ji Temple: A Buddhist temple founded in 734 AD that features beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
5. Suga Shrine: Another popular Shinto shrine located on Mount Suga that offers panoramic views of the city below.
6. Yamaguchi Park: A large park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas perfect for families to enjoy.
7. Oyama City Museum of History and Folklore: This museum showcases the history of the region through exhibits featuring artifacts from ancient times to modern day life in Japan.
8. Hachimanyama Park Observatory Tower: This observation tower provides breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days as well as panoramic views of Oyama City below it.

---

1. Agriculture: Oyama is recognized for its rice cultivation, as well as other crops like fruits and vegetables.
2. Manufacturing: Numerous manufacturing firms in Oyama produce a broad range of products, including electronics, machinery, and automotive parts.
3. Retail: From small shops to large department stores, Oyama has an array of retail businesses.
4. Service industry: The city features numerous service-based companies that offer healthcare services, hospitality services (hotels), transportation services and more.
5. Education: Several educational institutions including primary schools, middle schools, high schools and universities can be found in Oyama.
6. Tourism: With stunning natural scenery such as mountains and lakes that offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking or fishing; the city also draws tourists.

Overall the economy of Oyama is diverse with a blend of traditional industries like agriculture alongside modern industries such as manufacturing and tourism.

---

1. Battle of Oyama: A battle that took place in 1544 between the forces of Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin.
2. Takeda Shingen: A famous daimyo who was born in Oyama in 1521.
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: A temple located in Oyama that was founded in the 8th century.
4. Tokugawa Ieyasu: The founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, who passed through Oyama during his travels across Japan.
5. Matsuo Basho: A famous haiku poet who visited Oyama and wrote about its beauty in his travel diary.
6. The Great Kanto Earthquake: An earthquake that struck Tokyo and surrounding areas, including Oyama, on September 1, 1923.
7. Mount Fuji Declaration for Environmental Education: An international conference held in Oyama in 1992 to promote environmental education.
8. Yamanashi-Osaka Road Tunnel accident: A tunnel collapse incident that occurred on March 25, 2012 killing nine people including one rescue worker near a tunnel entrance located within the city limits of Ōtsuki just southwest of central Ōtaki town within which is located part of Mount Ōtaki’s summit area (which also includes parts belonging to neighboring municipalities).

---

1. Oyama City Museum of History and Folklore: This museum showcases the history and culture of Oyama through various exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
2. Oyama Yuen Harvest Walk: A beautiful park that features a variety of seasonal flowers, trees, and walking paths.
3. Kurihara Park: A popular park in Oyama that is known for its cherry blossom trees in the springtime.
4. Sainen-ji Temple: A historic temple located in the heart of Oyama that dates back to the 16th century.
5. Kusatsu Onsen Hot Spring: One of Japan’s most famous hot springs, located just a short drive from Oyama.
6. Kiryu Textile Museum: An interesting museum that showcases the history and artistry behind Japanese textiles.
7. Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts: Located in nearby Utsunomiya city, this museum features a wide range of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
8. Nikko Toshogu Shrine: Another popular attraction located near Oyama is this historic shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s most famous shoguns.
9. Ashikaga Flower Park: Known for its stunning displays of wisteria flowers during the springtime, this park is another must-visit attraction near Oyama.
10. Mount Tsukuba Cable Car & Observatory Tower: For those who enjoy hiking or scenic views, a trip to Mount Tsukuba is highly recommended – take a cable car up to the summit for panoramic views over Ibaraki prefecture!

---

---

---

1. Oyama Tofu Festival: Held in February every year, this festival celebrates the local specialty – tofu. Visitors can taste various types of tofu dishes and learn about its production.
2. Oyama Cherry Blossom Festival: Taking place in early April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, this festival offers visitors a chance to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) under illuminated trees at night.
3. Oyama Summer Festival: Held in August every year, this event features traditional Japanese music and dance performances as well as food stalls selling local delicacies.
4. Oyama Autumn Food Festival: This festival takes place in October and showcases local foods such as soba noodles and grilled eel.
5. Oyama New Year’s Eve Bell Ringing Ceremony: On December 31st at midnight, locals gather at temples across the city to ring bells 108 times to symbolize ridding themselves of worldly desires for a fresh start to the new year.

---

• Oyama Ramen: A local specialty dish made with a hearty pork broth and thin noodles.
• Kaiseki Ryori: A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that features seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented dishes.
• Sushi: Fresh fish and seafood are abundant in the coastal city of Oyama, making it an ideal place to enjoy sushi.
• Yakiniku: Grilled meat dishes that can be enjoyed at many local restaurants.
• Izakaya: Casual Japanese pubs where you can enjoy small plates of food alongside drinks like sake or beer.

Some popular restaurants in Oyama include:

1. Sushiro: A chain sushi restaurant with locations throughout Japan, including one in Oyama.
2. Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen: A high-end kaiseki ryori restaurant known for its beautiful garden views.
3. Yamato-ya Honten: An izakaya-style restaurant serving up traditional Japanese pub food like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and tempura (battered and fried seafood or vegetables).
4. Marukatsu Shokudo Kuroda-ya Honten: A casual eatery specializing in tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) dishes.
5. Asahi Ramen Honpo Oyamaten Main Store: A popular ramen shop serving up delicious bowls of the local specialty dish, oyama ramen.

---

1. Oyama Park is a spacious park located in the heart of Oyama city. It features walking trails, playgrounds, and seasonal events.
2. Kurihara Park is a small park that boasts an array of cherry blossom trees and a pond for fishing.
3. Matsuo Shrine is a favorite hiking spot among locals and visitors alike, where you can immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
4. Oyama Yuenchi offers amusement rides, games, and food stalls to entertain visitors of all ages.
5. Oyama Sports Park is an all-in-one sports complex with facilities for soccer, baseball, tennis, and more.
6. Inariyama Park provides scenic views of the surrounding mountains while hiking along its trails.
7. Lake Kitayamako lies nearby with ample opportunities for boating and fishing activities during summer months.
8. Sainokawara Park features outdoor hot springs baths surrounded by stunning scenery that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
9. Tsutsujigaoka Park is famous for its azalea flowers that bloom in springtime creating vibrant hues throughout the area.
10. Takamine Highland offers breathtaking mountainous views where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding during winter months’ seasons.

---

---