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Founded by Kukai in 810 — the 4-meter Senju Kannon cliff carving is Japan's oldest stone Buddha (Important Cultural Property) and the 19th stop of the Bando 33 Kannon pilgrimage

Founded in 741 as guardian shrine of Shimotsuke Yakushiji — one of the three official ordination platforms of Nara Buddhism, designated a National Historic Site

The 4-meter Senju Kannon cliff carving attributed to Kobo Daishi is among Japan's oldest stone Buddhas — an extraordinary cave sanctuary designated a Special Historic Site

An Engishiki-listed shrine enshrining Prince Toyoki-irihiko, son of Emperor Sujin — the supreme guardian shrine of Utsunomiya, venerated by the Utsunomiya clan for generations

Said to have been founded by Kukai in 810 — Shimotsuke's foremost Fudo sacred site of the Shingon Chizan-ha sect, with goma fire rituals burning on the 28th of every month

Intricate main-hall carvings by Nikko master craftsmen — a designated Tochigi tangible cultural property; known as 'O-hoshi-sama,' the beloved star shrine of southern Utsunomiya

A candidate Engishiki-listed shrine enshrining Takemikazuchi — the ancient thunder and water deity venerated as guardian of agriculture since the Nara period in the Utsunomiya region

Founded in 807 by Shodo Shonin, adjacent to Taki Castle ruins — the 18th of the North Kanto 36 Fudo sacred sites, famous for November fire-walking ceremony

An ancient Jodo Shinshu temple tracing Shinran's Kanto missionary footsteps — the annual Hoonko service gathers parishioners to affirm the nembutsu teachings

An ancient Tendai temple founded as a prayer hall for the Utsunomiya clan — the principal Senju Kannon and a powerful Edo-period ceiling dragon are highlights