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Kiyotsu Gorge: A Masterpiece of Nature and Art

Experience the stunning beauty of Kiyotsu Gorge, where nature's grandeur meets captivating art in the heart of Niigata, Japan.

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Kiyotsu Gorge, one of Japan's three great gorges, boasts dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, enhanced with art installations, offers breathtaking views of the gorge's natural beauty, combining nature and artistic expression.

A brief summary to Kiyotsu Gorge

Local tips

  • Check the Kiyotsu Gorge official website or X (formerly Twitter) for the latest information on conditions and closures, especially during winter.
  • During peak seasons (Golden Week, Bon Festival, autumn foliage), make advance reservations through the official website to ensure admission.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking through the 750-meter tunnel and the 30-minute walk from the bus stop.
  • Bring a towel if you plan to walk to the back of the water mirror at the Panorama Station, as your feet may get wet.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take the Minami-Echigo Tourism Bus “Express Morimiyano Line” and get off at the Kiyotsu Gorge Entrance bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes. From the bus stop, it is a 30-minute walk to the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel entrance. Bus fare is approximately ¥800. Alternatively, a Yuzawa-Kiyotsukyo Tour Bus is available. Check the bus schedule in advance as service may be infrequent.

  • Taxi

    From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, a taxi to Kiyotsu Gorge takes about 25 minutes. Taxis are readily available at the station. The fare is approximately ¥6,000-¥7,500.

  • Driving

    From the Kanetsu Expressway, take the Shiozawa Ishiuchi IC and follow Route 353 for about 25 minutes to Kiyotsu Gorge. Free parking is available. Be aware that Kiyotsukyo car park 1 closes at night from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

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Discover more about Kiyotsu Gorge

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.

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