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Kiyotsu Gorge

新潟県

general.prefecture.

Scenic One of Japan's Three Great Gorges

Known as one of Japan's three great gorges along with the Kurobe Gorge and Oosugi Valley, it is also designated as part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and boasts outstanding scenery. The majestic rock faces are particularly popular during the autumn foliage season, offering deeply moving views.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Autumn leavesNature

Highlights

Point 1

Feel the Beauty and Power of Nature from the Green Clear Stream and Magnificent Rock Surface

The main attraction of Kiyotsu Gorge is the collaboration between the columnar jointed rock surface, Kiyotsu River, and the trees that change their appearance with the seasons, visible after passing through a long tunnel. It's only after emerging from the dark tunnel that you'll be overwhelmed by the powerful natural scenery. From April to around August, it's the season of fresh greenery. In the season of snowmelt, you'll be overwhelmed by the speed of the snowmelt water flow, while in midsummer, you can feel the coolness of an oasis that eases the oppressive heat.

Point 2

Numerous Artworks to See on the Way to the Gorge

In the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the tunnel leading to the gorge was renovated as an art installation. Its name is "Tunnel of Light." Artworks utilizing the five elements of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water) and the unusual space of the tunnel are on display. While viewing art in a museum is nice, there are not many places where you can have a one-on-one conversation with art in a place separated from everyday life like this. The fact that it is a dark and quiet space also enhances the atmosphere of appreciation.

Point 3

The Scenic Beauty of Kiyotaki Gorge and its Autumn Leaves are Exceptional

The autumn leaves at Kiyotaki Gorge begin in mid-October, with the peak season for viewing being from late October to early November. By mid-November, the trees have already begun to shed their leaves. While yellow is the dominant color of the autumn leaves at Kiyotaki Gorge, they show a slightly different appearance each year due to changes in the climate. It's a season where you can experience nature with all five senses, enjoying a color gradient that cannot be expressed in words, from red to yellow and green, while listening to the sound of the flowing Kiyotaki River and smelling the earth during the autumn leaves season.

Point 4

Experience the Serene Atmosphere of Snowfall at Kiyotsu Gorge

Kiyotsu Gorge, located in the place with the highest snowfall in Japan, was once so isolated during winter that it was impossible to travel to and from other regions. Although the road to the tunnel is now cleared, there are still occasions when it may be temporarily closed due to snow. Compared to other seasons, there are fewer tourists in Kiyotsu Gorge during winter, making it a peaceful destination. The snowfall, falling silently and steadily, accentuates the tranquility of the area. In the remarkably quiet atmosphere, come and witness the collaboration between the beautiful snow and Kiyotsu Gorge, like a sumi-e painting.

Point 5

Visit as One of the Works of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale!

The Kiyotsukyo Gorge is part of the works of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, which is held once every three years. As the tunnel itself only takes about 3-40 minutes to go back and forth, if you're visiting Echigo-Tsumari, we recommend visiting during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, where other art pieces are also exhibited. The works of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale allow you to experience art, which is usually viewed indoors in places like museums, in conjunction with the natural breeze. Even those who don't usually come into contact with art can easily enjoy it, so why not visit the Kiyotsukyo Gorge and other art pieces when the timing is right?

Sightseeing

Tour the Art Village Starting from Kiyotsukyo Gorge!

Kiyotsukyo Gorge in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, is also famous as the town where the well-known art festival "Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale" is held. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is held once every three years, but even when the festival is not being held, there are art works on display. The fusion of art and nature in this vast natural setting is sure to move the hearts of all who see it.

Access

Recommended to Access by Car for Sightseeing

For sightseeing, it's recommended to access by car. If you're coming by car, take the Kanetsu Expressway and get off at the "Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC". From there, take National Route 253 and you'll arrive at the entrance of Kiyotsu Gorge in about 25 minutes. It takes about 2 hours from Tokyo to Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC. If you're coming by train, take the Shinkansen or local train to "JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station". From there, take the express bus bound for Morimiyanohara and get off at "Kiyotsu Gorge Entrance Bus Stop" in about 25 minutes. It's about a 30-minute walk from the bus stop to the tunnel. Since the number of buses from the station is limited, it's recommended to check the schedule in advance.

History

Experience the Natural and Human History from 16 Million Years Ago

The current topography of Kiyotsu Gorge was formed about 5 million years ago when magma flowed into the green tuff layer that was created 16 million years ago, and cooled and solidified into the rare structure known as columnar jointing. From there, time passed and development by human hands began during the Edo period. Although it was known that there were hot springs, there were problems with the topography and it remained untouched for many years. It was later designated as a natural monument by the government in the mid-1900s, but in 1984, a snow avalanche accident resulted in many casualties and the area near Kiyotsu Gorge was closed to traffic. However, there were voices from local residents and tourists who wanted to see the beautiful valley. Therefore, the current pedestrian tunnel was constructed to allow people to safely enjoy the beauty of the gorge without damaging its natural beauty. Kiyotsu Gorge is also a place where you can feel the long, long natural and human history from 16 million years ago to the present.

Basic Information

	Address	Koide, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata 949-8433, Japan
	Business Hours	N/A
	TEL	025-763-4800
	Web Site	http://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/kiyotsukyou

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