Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel brings columnar-jointed rock walls and contemporary art into one visit. Come for the gorge viewpoints and MAD Architects’ Tunnel of Light, renovated in 2018, and choose your travel date with seasonal entry hours in mind.
Featured image: photograph supplied by the site owner. Converted to WebP.
Why visit
The appeal is the pairing of natural rock formations with an architectural art installation. The tunnel offers viewpoints onto Kiyotsu Gorge’s columnar-jointed walls, while the Tunnel of Light by MAD Architects adds another way to engage with the setting. Consider this a visit for both scenery and art, rather than choosing between them.
Plan your visit
If approaching from Echigo-Yuzawa by public transport, allow for both the bus journey and the walk beyond the stop. The official tourism guide describes approximately 25 minutes by bus to Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi, followed by about 30 minutes on foot to the gorge.
Those durations are indicative, not exact departures or a confirmed return connection. Check the outward and return services before committing to your day; the access description alone does not establish a complete round trip.
Make the most of your visit
Try giving the rock walls and the art equal attention. At the gorge viewpoints, look for the columnar formations that distinguish the scenery; with the Tunnel of Light, consider how the architectural installation relates to that landscape. This gives the visit two complementary focuses without needing to turn it into a larger itinerary.
Planning notes
Information was checked on 11 October 2026. March–November entry reception is 08:30–16:30, with closure at 17:00. December–February reception is 09:00–15:30, with closure at 16:00.
From 21 April–20 November, admission is ¥1,200 for adults of high-school age and above and ¥500 for elementary and junior-high pupils. From 21 November–20 April, the respective prices are ¥1,000 and ¥400. Preschool children enter free.
Advance timed-entry reservations are required on listed busy dates in 2026, including 10–12 October and 24 October–3 November. Check the current operator booking calendar before choosing a date; this requirement should not be generalized to every day.
There is no regular closing day, but snowfall and accumulated snow can cause temporary closures. Check operator notices before winter travel.
Practical information
Highlights
Highlights: Kiyotsu Gorge has columnar-jointed rock walls. The gorge tunnel offers viewpoints and the Tunnel of Light art installation by MAD Architects, renovated in 2018.
Information as of .
Opening hours
March–November: entry reception 08:30–16:30; closes at 17:00. December–February: reception 09:00–15:30; closes at 16:00.
Information as of .
Price
21 April–20 November: adults (high-school age and above) ¥1,200; elementary/junior-high pupils ¥500. 21 November–20 April: adults ¥1,000; pupils ¥400. Preschool children enter free.
Information as of .
Closures and restrictions
There is no regular closing day, but the tunnel can close temporarily because of snowfall and accumulated snow. Check operator notices before winter travel.
Information as of .
Reservations
Advance timed-entry reservation is required on the listed 2026 busy dates, including 10–12 October and 24 October–3 November. Check the current operator booking calendar before choosing a date.
Information as of .
Access
The official tourism guide describes approximately 25 minutes by bus from Echigo-Yuzawa to Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi, then about 30 minutes walking to the gorge. These are indicative durations, not exact departures or a confirmed return connection.
Information as of .
Useful links
Kiyotsu Gorge official visitor guide
Kiyotsu Gorge operator information
Explore more ideas in our Niigata travel guides.
Information based on checks dated 2026-10-11.