Kiyotsu Gorge: A Masterpiece of Nature and Art

Kiyotsu Gorge, located in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, is a stunning 12.5-kilometer-long gorge carved by the Kiyotsu River. It is celebrated as one of Japan's three most beautiful gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugi Valley. Designated as a National Monument and a Place of Scenic Beauty, as well as being part of the Jōshin'etsukōgen National Park, the gorge offers a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs and unique rock formations.The gorge's origins trace back 16 million years to a submarine volcanic eruption. Over millennia, the Kiyotsu River has eroded the volcanic rock, creating the V-shaped valley with its remarkable columnar jointing. These formations, created as magma cooled, display both vertical and horizontal patterns, a rare geological sight.In 1996, a 750-meter-long pedestrian tunnel was constructed to allow visitors to safely admire the gorge. In 2018, the tunnel was transformed into an art installation called the "Tunnel of Light" by Chinese artist Ma Yansong, enhancing the visitor experience with artistic spaces inspired by the five elements of nature: wood, earth, metal, fire, and water. The tunnel features several viewing platforms, including the popular Panorama Station with its reflective pool, offering unique perspectives of the gorge. The entrance facility also provides amenities such as a footbath, café, and merchandise sales.Visitors can explore the gorge and tunnel in about 40 minutes to an hour. The best times to visit are during the early May for new green leaves and late October to early November for autumn foliage. During peak seasons, advance reservations are required to manage congestion.