Utsunomiya

Capital of Tochigi prefecture, Japan, 100 km/62 mi north of Tokyo; population (2005) 457,700. Situated on the edge of the Kanto Plain between the Ta and Kinu rivers, it is an administrative and manufacturing centre. Industries include tourism and the manufacture of aircraft, tractors, televisions, microchips, and tobacco.

Utsunomiya is home to the Oya Stone Buddhas, carved into a nearby mountainside. Dating from the Heian period (794–1185), they are the oldest Buddhist images in Japan. Other landmarks include the Peace Kannon, a 27-m/88-ft tall figure of the Goddess of Compassion (1948–56). Utsunomiya University was founded in 1949.