One of Japan's top three gorges.

Kiyotsu Gorge and the Tunnel of Light

■[updated 4 Mar 2024].
Temporary Closure of the Entrance Facility “Periscope” (wood) Footbath
[Period of closure: Mar 4-8, 2024
The café, stores, and restrooms on the 1st floor and the footbath on the 2nd floor will be closed.

[Footbath reopening] Mar 16, 2024, from 9:00


■[updated 10 Feb 2024].
Notice of Change of Operation due to Renewal Construction of Exhibition Space

Tunnel of Light” in the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel will undergo renewal work on the exhibition booths in the tunnel during the following dates. During the construction period, the Kiyotsu Gorge history panels displayed in the tunnel will be unavailable for viewing. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please note that entrance fees will be discounted during the construction period.

[Construction period]
February 13, 2024 – April 26, 2024
*Construction end date may be earlier.

[Entrance Fees]
Individual tickets: Adults ¥1,000 → ¥800, Elementary and junior high school students ¥400
Groups of 20 or more: Adults ¥900 → ¥750 , Elementary and junior high school students ¥350
Holder of the common ticket for winter 2024: Adults ¥500 → ¥400, Elementary and junior high school students ¥350
*Infants and persons with disabilities: Free of charge


One of Japan's top three gorges, which features a highlight artwork from the Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival!

Kiyotsu Gorge, through which the Kiyotsu River flows, stretches 12.5 kilometers from Tōkamachi to Yuzawa Yagisawa and is one of Japan’s largest gorges. The area is known for its visually striking igneous rock formations and a 750-meter-long art installation that was added to Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel in 2018. The gorge was designated a Natural Monument in April 1941 and was made a part of Jōshin’etsukōgen National Park in September 1949.
The rock formations, called “columnar jointing,” were created when magma cooled into the igneous rock (porphyrite) that makes up both sides of the gorge. As the magma cooled, the outer layer cooled faster than the inner layer, causing the rock to shear along right angles. This rock was then gradually pushed to the earth’s surface by tectonic activity and eroded by the Kiyotsu River. Unusually, both horizontal and vertical columnar jointing is visible along the gorge.
A path that followed the side of the gorge was closed to all visitors in 1988 for safety reasons, and for many years there was no access to the rock formations. In 1996, a 750-meter-long pedestrian tunnel was completed, from which visitors can safely admire the gorge at three lookout points.
In 2018, as part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale festival, MAD Architects renovated the tunnel, and reopened it as “The Tunnel of Light.” The tunnel’s last lookout—the installation’s namesake—is covered with stainless steel panels, and its floor is flooded with spring water that reflects the gorge and the surrounding forest all throughout the room. Periscope, a café and souvenir shop situated near the mouth of the tunnel, was also designed by MAD Architects. The building’s second floor has a hot-spring footbath with a mirrored opening in the ceiling that reflects the surroundings below.

Information

Kiyotsu Gorge and the Tunnel of Light
AddressNiigataTokamchi-city2119-2 Koide
Parking LotParking is free (45 cars in car park 1, 50 cars in car park 2 and 60 cars in car park 3).
*Nightly closure of car park 1
Kiyotsukyo Lot 1 is closed at night from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. the following morning.
Please take care if you arrive early in the morning. Please do not sleep in your car in the parking lot.
business hoursOpen dates Throughout the year (closed during winter depending on snow conditions)

[1 Mar- 30 Nov] 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
[1 Dec- 28 Feb] 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30)

*Advance reservations are required during peak season (GW, late July - Bon Festival, late October - early November).

*During peak seasons (GW, consecutive holidays, Bon Festival, and autumn foliage season), advance reservations are required through the official website of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel. However, this is not required for participants of the official Art Festival tours that include this work in the itinerary.
FeeAdult: ¥1,000, U15:¥400 (Group of 20: Adult:¥900, U15: ¥350)

※Tue 14 Nov - Thu 28 Dec
Adult: ¥800, U15: ¥400
*Groups of 20 or more: Adults ¥750, U15: ¥350
*Discounts are available with a passport to view artworks and common tickets depending on the period.
Payment Way
  • Cash
  • Credit card
  • QR payment
UD compatible
  • Wheelchair rental
  • Barrier-free
  • Multi-purpose toilet
Services and Facilities
  • Store
  • Wi-Fi
  • Pets allowed
Notes*Temporary closure may occur due to snowfall conditions, etc.
*Entrance facilities are open until 11/30 (closed in winter)
Contact
ContactKiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel Management Office
TEL+81-025-763-4800
WEB