Tunnel of Light (Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel)
▼About the artwork
As part of the 2018 program, MAD Architects was invited to revitalize the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel – a historic, 750-meter passageway that cuts through distinctive rock formations, offering panoramic views over one of Japan’s three great chasms. Drawing on the ‘five elements’ of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, water), MAD’s scheme transforms points along the historic tunnel through the realization of several architectural spaces and artistic atmospheres. The designs rethink the relationship between humans and nature, and seek to re-connect locals and visitors alike with the majestic beauty of the land.
▼Access
■By car : From the Kan-etsu expressway “Shiozawa ishiuchu” IC.Take the national route 353 and proceed for about 25min.
Take the national road 353 from the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi interchange on the Kan-etsu Expressway and proceed for about 25 minutes.
■By Official Tour
For details, please see the tours currently in operation that stop at the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel at the bottom of this page.
■By pubblic transportations : go to the nearest bus stop is “Kiyotsukyo iriguchi” (approx. 30 minutes walk to the entrance of the gorge). There are 2 possible routes to the bus stop.
From JR-EAST “Echigo Yuzawa Station” take the express bus bound for “Mori-Miyanohara” and get off at “Kiyotsukyo iriguchi” bus stop
From “Echigo Tazawa station” on the JR Iiyama line,please get on the bus at “Yamazaki” or “Yamazaki Zinzya mae” for about 20 minutes and get off at “Kiyotsukyo iriguchi”.
【Yuzawa⇔KiyotsuGorge Tour Bus】
▼Notes for Visitors
1. Advance reservation period
In order to reduce congestion, admission to the mine will require a reservation in advance. During the period, admission tickets will not be sold on-site, and only those who have purchased a reservation ticket in advance will be allowed to enter. If you plan to visit during the period, please purchase an admission ticket (date and time designated ticket) in advance.
【2025 Advance Reservation Period】
July 19 – 21
August 1 – 17
September 13 – 15 and, September 20 – 23
October 11 – 31
November 1 – 9
2. Seasonal Pricing System
Starting Saturday, July 19, 2025, we will implement a seasonal pricing system as outlined below.
Please note that off-season rates (from November 21, 2025 to April 20, 2026) will remain the same as the current pricing.
[Individual Admission] (Current prices in parentheses)
General Admission: 1,200 yen (1,000 yen)
Elementary & Junior High School Students: 500 yen (400 yen)
General with Art Triennale Passport: 600 yen (500 yen)
Elementary & Junior High School Students with Passport: 400 yen (350 yen)
[Group Admission] (Current prices in parentheses)
General Admission: 1,000 yen (900 yen)
Elementary & Junior High School Students: 400 yen (350 yen)
General with Art Triennale Passport: 600 yen (500 yen)
Elementary & Junior High School Students with Passport: 400 yen (350 yen)
No advance reservation required & discounted admission with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2025 Common Ticket
【Benefits for ticket holders】
1. You can enter the mine without making a reservation, even during the advance reservation period. (Admission tickets with the art festival work discount cannot be purchased in advance. Please purchase at the ticket vending machine on site.)
2. 600 yen discount on admission fee for adults, 100 yen discount for elementary and junior high school students (one-time only)
*Customers who do not have a “combined ticket” can also view the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel. However, advance reservations may be required depending on the date of your visit.
*The “Echigo-Tsumari Art Field2025 Common Ticket” cannot be refunded or cancelled after purchase.
▼Attention
This work is often crowded. In particular, many visitors take photographs in the water mirror area. There are many different types of visitors, including those who come to enjoy the scenery, those in wheelchairs, those with disabilities, and those with pets. Please be careful not to make other visitors wait to take pictures or to prevent them from viewing the work, and we ask for your cooperation in ensuring that everyone can view the work comfortably.
Facility Info and Map
| Open hours | 8:30-17:00（last admission at 16:30） *Advance reservations are required during peak seasons (GW, consecutive holidays, Open, and autumn foliage season). *Entrance facilities are open until 11/30 (closed in winter) *Temporary closure may occur due to snowfall conditions, etc. |
|---|---|
| Tel | 025-763-4800 |
| Admission | 【Peak season】 Adults: 1,200 JPY, Children 6-15 years old: 500 JPY (Group of 20: Adult: 1,000 JPY, Children 6-15 years old: 400 JPY) 【Nomal period】 Adults: 1,000 JPY, Children 6-15 years old: 400 JPY (Group of 20: Adult: 900 JPY, Children 6-15 years old: 350 JPY) |
| Official Website | https://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/en/ |
| Address | 1528‐2 Kakuma,Tokamachi-city, Niigata Prefecture |
Related Tours / Itineraries
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