Kiyotsu Gorge (Niigata Prefecture) Complete Guide｜Experience the Spectacular Views of One of Japan’s Three Great Gorges and Art
Kiyotsu Gorge (清津峡), located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, is counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges along with Kurobe Gorge and Osugi Valley, and is designated as a National Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. The V-shaped grand gorge formed by columnar jointed rock walls rising steeply on both sides of the Kiyotsu River is a unique tourist destination that captivates visitors from around the world by fusing magnificent natural scenery with contemporary art.
This article comprehensively presents the charm of Kiyotsu Gorge and explains information you should know before visiting.
About Kiyotsu Gorge｜The Spectacular Views of One of Japan’s Three Great Gorges
Kiyotsu Gorge is a gorge approximately 12.5 km long located in the Koide district of Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. This gorge was formed by the erosion of the Kiyotsu River. It was designated as part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in September of Showa 24 (1949), and is also designated as a National Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
The Overwhelming Landscape Created by Columnar Jointing
The greatest feature of Kiyotsu Gorge is the columnar jointed rock walls soaring on both banks of the river. Columnar jointing refers to a hexagonal or pentagonal columnar fracture structure formed when magma cools and solidifies. At Kiyotsu Gorge, columnar jointed rock walls reaching dozens of meters in height can be seen continuously.
The landscape woven by these rock walls and the clear stream of the Kiyotsu River shining in emerald green gives visitors profound emotion and is known as a treasure trove of geologically valuable materials.
Value as One of Japan’s Three Great Gorges
Kiyotsu Gorge is counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges alongside Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture and Osugi Valley in Mie Prefecture. While each gorge has different attractions, Kiyotsu Gorge has drawn particular attention in recent years due to its good accessibility from the Tokyo metropolitan area and its fusion with contemporary art, which will be discussed later.
Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel｜The Charm of Tunnel of Light
The center of Kiyotsu Gorge tourism is the “Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel,” which is 750 meters long. This tunnel was developed in 1996 as a facility to safely appreciate gorge scenery, but was renovated as an art work titled “Tunnel of Light” by the Chinese architectural collective “Ma Yansong / MAD Architects” during the 2018 “Art Triennale Echigo-Tsumari 2018” art festival.
Art Experience Inside the Tunnel
The interior of the tunnel is not merely a tourism passage but is designed as a single art work in its entirety. The main highlights are as follows:
First Observation Point
At the first observation point from the tunnel entrance, visitors can experience the grandeur of the gorge for the first time. The texture of the rock walls and the flow of the river spread out before your eyes.
Second Observation Point
Located further into the gorge, this is a point where columnar jointed rock walls can be observed up close.
Third Observation Point
As you proceed further into the depths, the dynamic landscape of the gorge becomes even more striking.
Panorama Station (Tunnel Endpoint)
The greatest highlight is this Panorama Station. Water is spread on the floor at the tunnel endpoint, and the gorge scenery is reflected in it like a mirror, creating a spectacular “reflection.” Various colored lighting is installed on the ceiling, displaying different expressions depending on the time of day and season. This fantastical space is also extremely popular as an Instagram-worthy spot, with many tourists enjoying photography here.
Theatrical Effects Inside the Tunnel
Throughout the tunnel, various artistic touches are applied, such as devices to incorporate natural light and mirror-finished wall surfaces. As you walk, light and shadow, reflection and transmission weave together a fantastical space that can be experienced, and you can enjoy a unique worldview where nature and art harmonize.
The Four Seasons at Kiyotsu Gorge｜Spectacular Views for Each Season
Kiyotsu Gorge presents different aspects throughout the four seasons, offering fresh emotional experiences no matter when you visit.
Spring (April to June)
In spring, as the snowmelt period arrives, the Kiyotsu River swollen with snowmelt water shows a powerful flow. Fresh greenery begins to sprout, and the contrast between the rock walls and greenery is beautiful. From early to mid-April, you can also enjoy a unique landscape where remaining snow and fresh greenery coexist.
Summer (July to September)
In summer, Kiyotsu Gorge is enveloped in deep green, and the emerald green of the Kiyotsu River shines even more vividly. Inside the gorge it is cool, making it ideal as a summer retreat. The temperature inside the tunnel is lower than outside air temperature, allowing comfortable sightseeing even in mid-summer. In years when the Art Triennale is held (once every three years), the area is particularly crowded with tourists.
Autumn (October to November)
The season when Kiyotsu Gorge is said to be most beautiful is the autumn foliage season. Fall foliage typically peaks from late October through early November, and trees colored red and yellow paint the gorge against the backdrop of the columnar jointed rock walls. The color contrast of the emerald green Kiyotsu River, gray rock walls, and red and yellow foliage is spectacular.
During this period, crowding is expected, and advance reservation systems may be introduced. When planning a visit, it is recommended to check the official website for the latest information.
Winter (December to March)
Due to snow, the Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel is closed during winter. Normally, it is closed from late December through late March, but as operating periods vary year by year, details must be confirmed on the official site. However, special winter-limited events may be held occasionally.
Basic Information｜Operating Hours, Fees, and Access
Here is a summary of basic information you should know before visiting Kiyotsu Gorge.
Operating Hours and Operating Period
Off-Season
- Operating Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (final entry)
- Operating Period: Typically early April through late November
High Season (Fall Foliage Period, etc.)
- Operating hours may be extended
- Advance reservation system may be introduced
Winter Closure
- Typically closed from late December through late March due to snow
※Operating hours and periods vary by year, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information before your visit.
Entry Fees
Entry fees for Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel are as follows:
- Adults (High School and above): 1,000 yen
- Elementary and Middle School Students: 400 yen
- Preschool Children: Free
※Fees may change, so check the official site for the latest information.
About Advance Booking
An advance reservation system is introduced during periods when crowding is expected (Golden Week, autumn foliage season, etc.). During periods when advance booking is available, tickets can be purchased from the official website with a specified date and time. If you are planning a visit during high season, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Transportation Access
Access by Train and Bus
- From JR East “Echigo-Yuzawa Station,” take the express bus bound for Morimiya-Nohara for approximately 25 minutes and get off at “Kiyotsu Gorge Entrance,” then walk approximately 30 minutes
- From JR Iiyama Line “Echigo-Tazawa Station,” approximately 20 minutes by taxi
Access by Car
- From Kan-Etsu Expressway “Shiojawa-Ishiuchi IC,” via National Route 353, approximately 25 km, about 40 minutes
- From Joshinetsu Expressway “Shiojawa-Ishiuchi IC,” via the same route
When searching on a navigation system, use the following information:
- Phone Number: 025-763-4800
- Address: 〒949-8433 Koide, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture 2119-2
Parking Information
Kiyotsu Gorge has 4 parking lots with a total capacity of approximately 155 vehicles.
- Parking Lot 1: Closest to the entrance facility. Large vehicles can park 7 vehicles on the mountain side
- Parking Lots 2-4: Additional parking lots used during congestion
Parking lot use is free, but during busy periods such as autumn foliage season, lots may fill up early. If you want to ensure a parking spot, arrival in the early morning hours is recommended.
Inquiries
For inquiries regarding Kiyotsu Gorge, contact the following:
- Facility Name: Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel Management Office
- Phone Number: 025-763-4800
- FAX: 025-763-4801
- Official Website: http://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/
How to Enjoy the Entrance Facility
The entrance facility of Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel is equipped with various amenities to make sightseeing comfortable.
Relax in the Foot Bath
In the terrace space of the entrance facility, there is a free foot bath available before and after tunnel exploration. A foot bath while viewing the gorge scenery is a perfect moment to soothe travel fatigue.
Café and Goods Sales
A café is located within the entrance facility where you can enjoy light meals and drinks made with local ingredients. There is also a shop selling Kiyotsu Gorge original goods and local specialties, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Food Trucks
Food truck sales are held promoting the attractions of the Echigo-Tsumari region (Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture). Be sure to check them out, as there are limited products that can only be purchased at Kiyotsu Gorge.
Kiyotsu Gorge Hot Spring Resort｜Nearby Hot Spring Facilities
At the foot of Kiyotsu Gorge, the “Kiyotsu Gorge Hot Spring Resort” area spreads out. The hot spring town nestled quietly in the mountains has a mysterious atmosphere, and day-use and overnight facilities are available.
Recommended Accommodations
There are several accommodation facilities in the Kiyotsu Gorge Hot Spring Resort where you can enjoy hot springs while taking in spectacular gorge views. You can spend a leisurely time while gazing at wonderful scenery, and it is also ideal for a one-night, two-day trip combining Kiyotsu Gorge sightseeing with hot springs.
Accommodations feature cuisine using local ingredients, allowing you to experience Niigata’s rich food culture.
Relationship with the Art Triennale
The reason Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel has taken its current form is due to its deep connection with the “Art Triennale Echigo-Tsumari.”
What is the Art Triennale
The Art Triennale is a world-class international art festival held once every three years in Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture. Since the first edition was held in 2000, it continues to provide a unique artistic experience where rural nature and contemporary art merge.
Renovation in 2018
At the 2018 Art Triennale, Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel was reborn as the art work “Tunnel of Light” by Ma Yansong / MAD Architects. With this renovation, Kiyotsu Gorge evolved from a mere natural scenic spot into a unique tourist destination where nature and art harmonize.
In years when the art festival is held, numerous art works are displayed in the Kiyotsu Gorge area, enabling a more enriched artistic experience.
Precautions and Advice for Your Visit
Here is a summary of precautions and advice for enjoying Kiyotsu Gorge comfortably.
Clothing and Belongings
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Although the tunnel interior is paved, it is 750 meters long, so sneakers and other comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Outer Layer: The tunnel interior is cooler than outside air temperature, so even in summer, a light jacket is convenient
- Camera/Smartphone: Photography at Panorama Station is a must. Make sure your device is fully charged
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
- Early Morning Visit: Around 8:30 AM shortly after opening is relatively uncrowded
- Weekday Visits: Weekends and holidays are congested, so weekday visits are recommended when possible
- Advance Booking: Use advance booking during high season to enter smoothly
Photography Tips
Photography at Panorama Station is best done by taking advantage of the water surface reflection. Visiting during times when fewer people are present results in more beautiful photos. Additionally, you can photograph the gorge beauty from different angles at each observation point, so it is recommended to take time and enjoy it thoroughly.
Estimated Time Required
For a round trip through Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel, including photography, approximately 60-90 minutes is the standard. If crowds are present or you want to observe carefully, more time may be needed. When including foot bath use and café visits at the entrance facility, it is good to plan for 2-3 hours overall.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Several fascinating tourist attractions are scattered around Kiyotsu Gorge.
Bijin Forest
A beautiful beech forest in the Matsunoyama district of Tokamachi City, called “Bijin Forest” for its elegantly tall, beautiful tree shapes. Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Kiyotsu Gorge, it is ideal to visit together with Kiyotsu Gorge.
Hoshitoge Rice Paddies
Beautiful rice terraces that represent the Japanese pastoral landscape, with particularly wonderful views during early morning mist or dusk. The spot is also popular with photography enthusiasts.
Matsudai “Nohbutai”
One of the base facilities of the Art Triennale, offering permanent art works and planned exhibitions. A restaurant and shop are also located on the premises.
Echigo-Tsumari Contemporary Art Museum MonET
Opened in 2021, this museum features permanent displays of Art Triennale works. The building itself is designed as an art work, offering plenty to see.
Recommended Experience Plans
Here are some suggested tourism plans centered on Kiyotsu Gorge.
Day Trip Plan
Morning
9:00 AM Arrive at Kiyotsu Gorge and explore the tunnel
11:00 AM Foot bath and café break at entrance facility
Afternoon
12:00 PM Lunch and day-use hot spring bathing in Kiyotsu Gorge Hot Spring Resort
2:00 PM Travel to Bijin Forest or Hoshitoge Rice Paddies
4:00 PM Return home
One Night, Two Days Plan
Day 1
Afternoon: Arrive at Kiyotsu Gorge and explore the tunnel
Evening: Check into accommodation at Kiyotsu Gorge Hot Spring Resort
Night: Enjoy hot springs and local cuisine
Day 2
Morning: Tour nearby art works
Afternoon: Sightsee nearby attractions such as Bijin Forest and Hoshitoge Rice Paddies
Evening: Return home
Art Triennale Year Plan
In years when the Art Triennale is held (once every three years), an enriched plan is possible touring art works throughout the Echigo-Tsumari region including Kiyotsu Gorge. It is recommended to take 2-3 days to thoroughly enjoy art and nature.
History of Kiyotsu Gorge and Geological Value
To more deeply understand the charm of Kiyotsu Gorge, let us learn about its history and geological value.
Formation History
Kiyotsu Gorge was formed when welded tuff created by volcanic activity approximately 13 million years ago underwent erosion by the Kiyotsu River over a long period of time. Columnar jointing is a structure formed when high-temperature magma cools rapidly, causing contraction. The columnar jointing at Kiyotsu Gorge is particularly large in scale and well-developed, making it highly valued academically.
Recognition as a Designated Site
Kiyotsu Gorge was designated as a Natural Monument by the Ministry of Education (at that time) in Showa 16 (1941). In Showa 24 (1949), it was incorporated into the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Subsequently, it was designated as a National Scenic Beauty in Showa 56 (1981), with its value as a natural landscape officially recognized.
History of Tunnel Construction
In the past, enjoying the spectacular scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge required walking along dangerous cliff-side trails. However, a major rockfall accident that occurred in 1988 made the trail unusable. As a result, the Kiyotsu Gorge Valley Tunnel was opened in 1996 as a facility to safely appreciate gorge scenery.
The tunnel was initially a purely tourist facility, but was reborn as an art work during the 2018 Art Triennale, taking its current form.
Voices from Visitors to Kiyotsu Gorge
Visitors to Kiyotsu Gorge frequently share the following impressions:
- “The reflection of the scenery in the water mirror at Panorama Station was so fantastical that photographs cannot convey its beauty”
- “The fusion of nature’s grandeur and art is wonderful, and I want to visit many times”
- “I visited during autumn foliage season, and was overwhelmed by the color contrast”
- “The theatrical effects inside the tunnel are skillfully done and enjoyable just by walking”
- “It was also nice to have a leisurely time in the foot bath”
On the other hand, some voices are heard during crowded times:
- “There were so many people during autumn foliage season that I could not photograph leisurely”
- “The parking lot was full and there was a long wait time”
These voices show that using advance booking and visiting outside of peak periods are key to comfortable sightseeing.
Conclusion｜Experience the Fusion of Nature and Art at Kiyotsu Gorge
Kiyotsu Gorge is a unique tourist destination where Japan’s Three Great Gorges’ magnificent natural beauty and contemporary art wonderfully harmonize. The columnar jointed rock walls, emerald green Kiyotsu River, and fantastical space created by “Tunnel of Light” give visitors profound emotion and healing.
Kiyotsu Gorge presents different aspects throughout the four seasons, offering new discoveries with each visit. The beauty during autumn foliage season is particularly exceptional, but spring’s fresh greenery, summer’s cool atmosphere, and years when the Art Triennale is held also each have their own charm.
Operating hours, periods, and crowding conditions vary by season, so before your visit, be sure to check the official website for the latest information and, when necessary, use advance booking. By combining your visit with accommodations at Kiyotsu Gorge Hot Spring Resort and planning that includes nearby attractions, you can enjoy an even more fulfilling trip to the Echigo-Tsumari region.
In search of the non-everyday experience created by nature’s sculptural beauty and art, please be sure to visit Kiyotsu Gorge. It will certainly become an unforgettable memory.
