Kiyotsu Gorge is located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture.
It is considered one of Japan’s three great gorges, together with Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture and Osugidani Gorge in Mie Prefecture.
The gorge is known for its steep columnar-jointed cliffs and the emerald-green water of the Kiyotsu River.
The 750-meter-long Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel provides a safe route from which visitors can experience this dramatic landscape.
At the end of the tunnel, the Panorama Station creates an extraordinary reflection of the gorge on a shallow pool known as the Water Mirror.
This guide explains the main attractions, ticket reservations, admission fees, opening hours, parking, access, accessibility and photography rules.
Advance Reservations in 2026
On selected busy dates, Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is open only to visitors who have purchased a timed ticket in advance.
Tickets are not sold at the entrance on these dates.
- October 10–12, 2026
- October 24–November 3, 2026
Visitors using the “Echigo-Tsumari 2026” common ticket must also purchase a separate reservation ticket for these dates.
About Kiyotsu Gorge
Kiyotsu Gorge is a deep V-shaped gorge formed by the Kiyotsu River in Tokamachi City.
Massive cliffs rise on both sides of the river, displaying distinctive columnar-jointed rock formations.
The gorge was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in 1941. In 1949, it became part of Joshinetsukogen National Park.
| Name | Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel |
|---|---|
| Address | 2119-2 Koide Ki, Tokamachi City, Niigata 949-8433 |
| Tunnel length | 750 meters |
| Basic visiting time | Approximately 30–40 minutes return |
| Closed | No regular closing day |
| March–November | 8:30–17:00, last admission 16:30 |
| December–February | 9:00–16:00, last admission 15:30 |
| Parking | Approximately 155 free spaces and 7 large-vehicle spaces |
| Telephone | 025-763-4800 |
Opening hours may change, or the tunnel may close temporarily because of snow or severe weather. Check the official website before visiting.
How Kiyotsu Gorge Was Formed
The cliffs of Kiyotsu Gorge feature a geological structure known as columnar jointing.
Approximately 15 million years ago, volcanic ash accumulated on the seabed and eventually formed green tuff.
Magma later entered the underground rock layers. As the magma cooled and contracted, it formed four- to six-sided columns of rock.
The seabed was eventually uplifted, and the Kiyotsu River gradually cut through the rock to form the deep gorge seen today.
Why the Tunnel Was Built
A walking trail once followed the Kiyotsu River through the gorge.
After a fatal rockfall accident in 1988, the trail was completely closed. The former riverside path remains off-limits.
A tunnel was therefore planned as a safe alternative from which visitors could view the gorge without damaging the national park landscape.
Construction began in 1992, and Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel opened in October 1996.
The tunnel celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 1, 2026.
Tunnel of Light
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel was renovated for the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
The project was designed by MAD Architects, led by Chinese architect Ma Yansong, and is titled “Tunnel of Light.”
The installation uses the natural elements of wood, earth, metal, fire and water to explore the relationship between people and nature.
Artwork credit: Ma Yansong / MAD Architects, “Tunnel of Light” (Echigo-Tsumari Art Field)
Main Attractions
The Tunnel Entrance
The entrance is located beyond the Kiyotsu Gorge hot-spring area.
The tunnel extends approximately 750 meters to the Panorama Station. Three viewing stations provide different perspectives of the cliffs and river.
First Viewing Station
The first viewing station offers a direct view of the steep cliffs and the Kiyotsu River.
The contrast between the dark tunnel and bright gorge makes the height of the cliffs particularly dramatic.
Second Viewing Station
The second viewing station features a reflective metal structure that also functions as a toilet.
Because this toilet is part of the artwork, visitors may also enter it to view and photograph the design. It may therefore be crowded.
Visitors are advised to use the public toilets near the first parking area before entering the tunnel.
Third Viewing Station
The third viewing station frames the gorge through a rounded opening.
The columnar cliffs and river appear like a landscape painting viewed from inside the tunnel.
Panorama Station and the Water Mirror
The Panorama Station at the end of the tunnel is its best-known attraction.
A shallow pool reflects the gorge and the semicircular tunnel opening, creating an almost perfectly symmetrical image.
The water is approximately 0.5–2 centimeters deep near the edges, allowing visitors to walk closer to the opening.
Shoes and socks may become wet. Bringing a towel and spare socks is recommended.
Photography at the Water Mirror
There is no fixed queue or required direction of movement at the Panorama Station. Several groups are expected to enter and take photographs at the same time.
Do not occupy the space for an extended period. Share the area with other visitors.
Admission Fees
High Season
April 21–November 20, 2026
| Adults and high school students | 1,200 yen |
|---|---|
| Elementary and junior high school students | 500 yen |
| Preschool children | Free |
| Visitors with an eligible disability certificate | Free |
Off Season
November 21–April 20
| Adults and high school students | 1,000 yen |
|---|---|
| Elementary and junior high school students | 400 yen |
| Preschool children | Free |
| Visitors with an eligible disability certificate | Free |
2026 Advance-Reservation Dates
| Spring | May 2–6 |
|---|---|
| Summer | July 18–20 August 1–4 August 8–16 |
| Autumn | September 19–23 October 10–12 October 24–November 3 |
Timed admission periods are:
- 8:30–10:30
- 11:00–12:30
- 13:00–14:30
- 15:00–16:30
Complete reception during the period shown on your ticket. There is no time limit after entering the tunnel.
Tickets are available through Asoview and Seven Ticket.
Check reservation dates and purchase tickets
Suggested Visiting Time
The tunnel is 750 meters long. The official estimated return time is approximately 30–40 minutes.
| Walking through the tunnel | Approximately 30–40 minutes |
|---|---|
| Viewing all stations | Approximately 1 hour |
| Busy periods and photography | Approximately 1–1.5 hours |
Parking
Approximately 155 free parking spaces are available near Kiyotsu Gorge.
| First parking area | Approximately 45 vehicles |
|---|---|
| Second parking area | Approximately 50 vehicles |
| Third parking area | Approximately 60 vehicles |
| Large vehicles | 7 spaces |
The tunnel entrance is approximately 3–5 minutes on foot from the first parking area and 7–10 minutes from the second parking area.
The first parking area is closed from 18:00 until 7:00 the following morning. Sleeping overnight in a vehicle is not permitted.
Access by Car
Kiyotsu Gorge is approximately 25 minutes by car from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway via National Route 353.
The road leading to the gorge includes narrow sections and curves. Heavy traffic may occur during holidays and the autumn foliage season.
In winter, snow and ice can make the road significantly narrower. Winter tires and appropriate snow equipment are essential.
Access by Train and Bus
From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take a local bus bound for Morimiyanohara and get off at Kiyotsukyo-Iriguchi.
- Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Kiyotsukyo-Iriguchi: approximately 25 minutes
- Bus stop to the tunnel: approximately 30 minutes on foot
Buses are also available from Echigo-Tazawa Station on the JR Iiyama Line.
- Echigo-Tazawa Station to Kiyotsukyo-Iriguchi: approximately 20 minutes
- Bus stop to the tunnel: approximately 30 minutes on foot
Bus services are limited. Check both outbound and return schedules before travelling.
Accessibility
The tunnel has few major steps and can be visited using a wheelchair or stroller.
Three wheelchairs, two strollers and one walking cart are available free of charge. They cannot be reserved and must be returned after use.
The floor of the Panorama Station contains water. Wheelchair and stroller users should view the Water Mirror from a safe position without entering the pool.
Visiting with Pets
Pets may enter the tunnel if the official rules are followed.
- Keep the lead no longer than one meter.
- Clean up and take home all pet waste.
- Do not inconvenience other visitors.
- Do not place pets in loan wheelchairs or strollers.
- Follow staff instructions.
Seasonal Scenery
Spring
Fresh greenery and snowmelt can be enjoyed from early May through late June.
Summer
The tunnel remains relatively cool, while the Kiyotsu River displays a vivid emerald-green color.
Autumn
Red and yellow leaves cover the cliffs during the busiest season of the year. Check reservation requirements before visiting.
Winter
Snow transforms the gorge into a monochrome landscape. Heavy snowfall may cause temporary closure or shorter opening hours.
Important Visitor Information
- Check whether advance reservations are required.
- Tickets are not sold on site during reservation-only dates.
- There are no lockers inside the tunnel.
- Smoking is prohibited from the parking areas through the entire tunnel.
- There are no rubbish bins. Take all rubbish home.
- Shoes and socks may become wet at the Panorama Station.
- Winter roads require suitable snow equipment.
- Severe weather may cause temporary closure.
Conclusion
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is more than a location for photographing the famous Water Mirror.
Walking through the 750-meter tunnel and its three viewing stations reveals the geology of the gorge, the Kiyotsu River and the relationship between natural scenery and contemporary art.
Check current ticket requirements, road conditions and opening information before travelling, and share the viewing areas considerately with other visitors.