Kiyotsu Gorge
Kiyotsu Gorge is a gorge in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, formed by the Kiyotsu River, which originates from Mt. Shirasuna on the border of Niigata and Gunma prefectures. Located in the Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park, the center of Kiyotsu Gorge is approximately 8 km long from Shikatobi Bridge to Kiyotsu Gorge Koide Onsen, and the relative height of both banks ranges from 100 to 300 meters. It is a majestic valley with a total length of approximately 12.5 km, where you can enjoy the majestic scenery of towering rock faces with columnar joints and the dynamic undulating flow of the Kiyotsu River.
Kiyotsu Gorge is considered one of Japan’s three great canyons, along with Kurobe Gorge (Toyama Prefecture) and Osugidani (Mie Prefecture). In 1941, it was designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument.
In 1985, it was selected as one of the 10 most beautiful canyons in the world by the American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.
To enjoy Kiyotsu Gorge, the main content will be the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, which we will introduce next. When it comes to sightseeing, “going to Kiyotsu Gorge” is almost synonymous with “going to the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel.”
Columnar joint
I would like to touch on the columnar joints that are a characteristic of Kiyotsu Gorge.
Columnar joints are cracks that form when magma on the surface contracts in volume when it cools and solidifies. A hexagonal column is formed perpendicular to the cooling surface. The columnar decorations that develop continuously on the canyon cliffs have their long axes tilted toward the southeast at an angle of 40 to 60 degrees.
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is a walking tunnel for sightseeing in Kiyotsu Gorge. The tunnel is approximately 750 meters long and can be walked in about 30 to 40 minutes round trip. Inside the tunnel, you can see up close the columnar jointed rock faces on both sides of the Kiyotsu River.
In addition, there are artistic performances inside the tunnel, and you can enjoy various fantastical atmospheres just by walking inside the tunnel.
- Business hours
- March to November 8:30am to 4:30pm
- December - February 9:00am - 3:30pm
- Regular holidays
- Open all year round (the mine may be temporarily closed depending on snowfall/snow conditions)
- Telephone number
- +081-25-763-4800
- Parking lot
- Approx. 155 spaces / Free (1st parking lot, 2nd parking lot, 3rd parking lot)
- Access
- Car: Approximately 25 minutes from the Shiozawa/Ishiuchi IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway on National Route 353
- Train: From JR Echigo Yuzawa Station, take the express bus bound for Morimiyanohara and get off at Kiyotsukyo bus stop, then walk 30 minutes (2km)
- Location
- Koide, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture 949-8433
Kiyotsu Gorge - Official Website
There are various age groups that visit Kiyotsu Gorge.
Panorama Station “Light Cave”: A photogenic spectacular view of nature, light and water
At the end of the Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel, there is a place called Panorama Station, where you can enjoy a truly magical sight. Here, you can see the Kiyotsu Gorge from the end of the tunnel, the semicircle of the tunnel, and the reflection of the light shining on the water surface (water basin mirror), creating a fantastic sight that cannot be seen in everyday life.
The “water basin mirror” that reflects the scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge in reverse creates a fantastic view. A half-mirror stainless steel plate covers the entire tunnel, and the rough rock formations, bright green, and blue-green river water are reflected inside in various ways, creating this fantastic sight. It is truly a work of art that combines nature and man-made objects.
The sight is so beautiful that it fascinates all who visit.
You can also see the beautiful scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge from the end of the tunnel.
This towering rock surface with columnar joints is the reason why Kiyotsu Gorge is counted as one of Japan’s three major valleys and is designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument.
Towels are required. Be sure to bring it with you.
There is water at the end of the Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel, and if you walk along the edge of the tunnel, you won’t be unable to continue with your shoes on (water depth is about 0.5 to 2 cm), but there is a high chance of getting wet. Masu.
When you go to Kiyotsu Gorge, be sure to bring a towel. Many people take off their shoes and socks and enter the water barefoot.
Color expression: 5 fantastic light-ups
To reach Panorama Station, you have to walk 750m through the tunnel, but there is a light-up display called “Color Revelation”, so you can walk through the tunnel without getting bored.
Based on the theme of his five major elements of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water), the tunnel will be illuminated in green, yellow, red, orange, and blue.
These are very fantastic spaces, and each color gives a different impression, so it’s fun just walking around.
Three Lookouts: Art and Spectacular Views
In the 750m tunnel to Panorama Station, there are three observation points, each with a different concept and a side hole. From this vantage point, you can get a close-up view of the Kiyotsu Gorge.
First viewing spot
The first viewing spot is a simple side hole. There are benches for you to take a break, and from the end of the cave, you can get a close-up view of the Kiyotsu Gorge.
Second Observation Point: Invisible Bubbles
The second observation deck has a side hole designed with the theme of “invisible bubbles,” and a toilet with a mirrored exterior is installed in the center.
This toilet actually has a magic mirror inside, so you can enjoy the scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge from inside the toilet.
You can also see the majestic Kiyotsu Gorge up close from the second lookout point.
Third viewing point: Shizuku
The third viewing spot is designed with the theme of “drops.”
Mirrors shaped like drops of mist are scattered on the curved walls, reflecting the outside scenery while bringing it inside. In addition, your own image is reflected from various angles, creating an unrealistic space.
From the third observation point, you can see the columnar joints unique to the Kiyotsu Gorge up close and clearly.
Tickets available at the tunnel entrance
Admission tickets to enter the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel can be purchased at the tunnel entrance.
We accept a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and QR code payments.
Relax at the cafe and hot spring footbath: Entrance facility “Periscope”
Next to the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is the entrance facility “Periscope.” You can purchase souvenirs and snacks at the cafe on the first floor, and enjoy a footbath on the second floor.
Many of the souvenirs are of high quality, ranging from regional specialties to original goods from Kiyotsu Gorge.
Fantastic beauty of Japan interwoven with spectacular scenery and art
At Kiyotsu Gorge, you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. You can enjoy beautiful scenery all year round, with fresh greenery in spring, lush trees in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.
And by adding the power of art to this, even more fantastical landscapes and spaces are created.
There are only a few tourist spots in Japan where you can experience something like this. It is a very rare tourist spot.
The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is a popular tourist spot that combines the beauty of nature and art. If you are traveling to Niigata, be sure to stop by.
