Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the top three canyons in Japan renowned as an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is hidden in the mountains between Shiozawa and Tokamachi.
Introduction to Kiyotsu Gorge Japan
Kiyotsu Gorge is located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. This gorge is part of the Joshinetsu-kogen National Park and is known as one of Japan's 3 great gorges.
Kiyotsu Gorge is a beautiful valley that is recognized as one of the National Scenic Areas. This is also the Monument of the Country. Unlike Takachiho Gorge, Kiyotsu Gorge is known for tunnels rather than waterfalls. The terrain here has a unique V-shape with the Kiyotsu River flowing through it. In the fall, the leaves in the canyon change color and create a beautiful scene.
Right next to the gorge you can find a 750 meter long tunnel. In the tunnel there are three points with different beautiful views of the gorge. From the panoramic station inside the tunnel there is a lake of fresh spring water. The view of the canyon reflects on the water and creates a breathtaking scene. In the building by the tunnel you can find a cafe and a footbath facility. Come here after a day exploring the canyon.
Move to Kiyotsu Gorge
It will take some time to get to Kiyotsu Gorge, but the scenery here is definitely worth the journey. If departing from Tokyo, take the bullet train Joetsu Shinkansen at Tokyo Station towards Niigata and get off at Echigo Yuzawa Station. The train ride takes about 1.5 hours. From here, you can catch a local bus bound for Morimiyanohara and get off at the Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi bus stop. Travel time by bus takes about 20-30 minutes.
The beauty of Japan's Kiyotsu Gorge
Towering stone pillars surround the valley
Kiyotsu Gorge has unique cubic cliffs that run along the stream that flows through the valley, creating a picturesque setting. The valley was formed after a volcano erupted 16 million years ago and a river slowly eroded the rocks over millennia.
The rock walls of the canyon were made up of random combinations of column joints that give rise to the jagged texture we see today. Kiyotsu Gorge is most famous in autumn, when the beautiful red-yellow foliage paints a masterpiece of art. However, regardless of the season, the canyon has its own charm.
Beautiful photo spots in the tunnel
The tunnels are the main tourist attraction in Kiyotsu Gorge because they will provide amazing photo backgrounds. The most popular photo spot is at the end of the tunnel, where a lake reflects the gorge. The sight is so beautiful that it rivals the mirror pictures you can take at Chichibugahama beach .
The tunnels have many small exhibits that also provide information about the history of the canyon, interesting puzzles, and the flora and fauna that reside there.
Illuminated tunnels give off an eerie feeling
Those who love magical, mysterious spaces will probably be excited by some of the tunnels at Kiyotsu Gorge illuminated with creepy red and blue lights, which look a bit eerie and ghostly.
Interesting Experiences Near Kiyotsu Gorge
Bijin-bayashi Forest
Bijin-bayashi Forest is also a must-visit spot in Tokamachi, located near Kiyotsu Gorge. The Japanese name of the forest literally means "forest of beauties" and the reason for this place carrying this name is also easy to understand. In the forest there were countless tall and graceful oak trees that resembled the silhouettes of beautiful women. Although the color changes continuously through the seasons but the forest still maintains its fairy-like beauty all year round.
Matsunoyama Hot Spring
Matsunoyama Onsen is a small hot spring village hidden in the snowy Niigata Prefecture. Located near the snow mecca Echigo-Yuzawa, where skiers and snowboarders flock every winter, Matsunoyama is famous for its hot springs. Its spring water is one of Japan's top "medicines" and the purest for bathing.
At the source, the hot spring has a temperature of 92 degrees Celsius (nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and is said to be a "fossil seawater hot spring" formed from 120 million-year-old seawater trapped deep underground. Part of what makes Matsunoyama Onsen one of the Top 3 great healing hot springs in Japan is that the water has 15 times more minerals than a regular healing spa.
When you soak in this hot spring, your skin is not only beautiful and smooth, but also has the effect of healing wounds such as burns and cuts. It also prevents hemorrhoids and nerve damage. Many baths here only use hot spring water directly instead of filtering it into the bath.
Tokamachi Snow Festival
Every February, Tokamachi City holds the Tokamachi Snow Festival. It's an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents by creating snow sculptures with shapes such as cartoon characters, cultural figures, etc. You can also find related games to the snow along with delicious hot food throughout the festival grounds.
