How do I get to Kiyotsu Gorge from Tokyo?

Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (70 minutes), then transfer to JR Joetsu Line to Tokamachi Station (25 minutes). From Tokamachi Station, take a bus or taxi to Kiyotsu Gorge entrance, which takes about 20 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Kiyotsu Gorge for autumn colors?

The best time to visit Kiyotsu Gorge for fall foliage is from mid to late October when the maple and beech trees display vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors. The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel offers spectacular views of autumn leaves reflected in the emerald waters.

What are the opening hours and admission fees for Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel?

Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) from April to November, and 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (last entry 3:00 PM) from December to March. Adult admission is 600 yen, children 300 yen. The tunnel is closed on Wednesdays and during winter maintenance periods.

Is Kiyotsu Gorge accessible for elderly visitors and wheelchair users?

Yes, Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is wheelchair accessible with barrier-free design including ramps and elevators. The 750-meter tunnel walk is mostly flat and suitable for elderly visitors. However, outdoor hiking trails around the gorge have steep sections and may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What other attractions are near Kiyotsu Gorge in Niigata?

Near Kiyotsu Gorge, you can visit Matsudai Nohbutai performance center, Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial artworks, Tokamachi Snow Country Museum, and traditional hot spring resorts like Matsunoyama Onsen. The area is also famous for Niigata sake breweries and scenic rice terraces in nearby Tanada villages.

Niigata

Tunnel of Light (Kiyotsu Gorge), Tokamachi

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

Kiyotsu Gorge stands among Japan's three great gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugi Gorge. The unique rock formations were created by a volcanic eruption around 16 million years ago, with the Kiyotsu River continuing to erode the gorge and create its distinctive beauty. The gorge has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, featuring towering cliffs that create a V-shaped grand canyon.

The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel was renovated in 2018 for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale by MAD Architects, a Chinese architectural design firm led by Ma Yansong. The renovation transformed a historic 750-meter passageway that cuts through distinctive rock formations into an artistic installation known as the "Tunnel of Light." The centerpiece consists of stainless steel walls and a thinly flooded floor that creates dreamlike reflections of the mountains beyond.

The tunnel features multiple art installations along its length. Visitors begin with the "Passageway" section called "Expression of Colour," which consists of five different colored lights paired with corresponding sounds. The shallow pool in the center of the final viewing room projects magnificent reflections of the gorge opening. Each season offers different views through the tunnel opening, with beautifully changing green, orange, and brown leaves in autumn creating particularly stunning displays. The Instagram-perfect feature has caused visitor numbers to the gorge to more than quadruple since the tunnel's renovation.

Admission costs ¥1,000 for adults (high school students and older) and ¥400 for children (elementary and junior high school students), with preschool children entering free. A seasonal pricing system was introduced in 2025, with different rates for high season (April 21-November 20) and off season (November 21-April 20). During busy periods, advance reservations are required, with no same-day tickets sold during restricted times. Cash payment is required at the entrance.

From JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take the express bus "Morimiyanohara" to Kiyotsukyou-Iriguchi bus stop, which takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥470 for adults. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to the gorge. Special winter buses operate with fares of ¥2,000 per ride (including a ¥1,000 coupon), though this does not include the tunnel admission fee. The tunnel may close during or after heavy snow days. The location is in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, in Japan's snow country region.