Matsudai/Matsunoyama Area Driving Tour in Spring
This one-day course is organized around the works located in the Matsudai/Matsunoyama area. You will also enjoy works that will reopen to the public in the spring, including the Kiyotsukyo Tunnel. Although this is a driving course, you can also use the Shinkansen bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa Station and rent a car to tour the area. Please take a look at it as a reference for your trip!
7:49
Depart Tokyo station
1 hour 27 min.
Joetsu Shinkansen
9:16
Arrive at Echigo Yuzawa Station and go to car rental shop.
30 min
9:46
Architectural space and artistic atmosphere
Tunnel of Light
One of Echigo-Tsumari's most famous landmarks, the 750-meter-long Kiyotsukyo Valley Tunnel features works by Ma Jansson/MAD Architects utilizing the "five elements" of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire and water). At the end of the tunnel, a fantastic view of the "Water Panel Mirror," which reflects the landscape of Kiyotsukyo in reverse, awaits visitors. Those who wish to enter the water surface of the work are welcome to bring a towel to wipe their feet.
*During peak seasons (GW, consecutive holidays, Obon, and autumn foliage season), advance reservations are required through the official website. Please check the details.
*During peak seasons (GW, consecutive holidays, Obon, and autumn foliage season), advance reservations are required through the official website. Please check the details.
14分
10:30
Echigo-Tsumari seen through a window
For Lots of Lost Windows
Akiko Utsumi's permanent installation is located in a park with a great view of the river terrace. A platform for viewing the entire work is also set up nearby. The view from the window is a window through which visitors can once again discover the landscape of Echigo-Tsumari spreading outside. Fluttering curtains bring sunlight and the breeze of the satoyama wind to the hearts of those who visit the work.
30 min
11:15
Thatched private house pottery restaurant
NOHBUTAI Snow-Land Agrarian Culture Center, Matsudai
The building and rooms of the Nohbutai are themselves works of art. Visitors can enjoy the works of Ilya & Emilia Kabakov and various other artists, and the view of the "terraced rice fields" from the observation deck changes with the seasons, making it enjoyable no matter how many times you visit. Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale goods can be purchased at the Matsudai "Nohbutai" Museum Shop. Please make your purchases while calculating the amount of baggage and the time required for the shuttle bus to Matsudai Castle. You can check the shuttle bus time to Matsudai Castle at the reception desk.
*Please use the shuttle bus as much as possible as there is not much parking near Matsudai Castle.
*Please do not park on the street.
*Please use the shuttle bus as much as possible as there is not much parking near Matsudai Castle.
*Please do not park on the street.
35min
13:25
House with walls removed and structure exposed.
Echigo-Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo
In the artwork space (Jean-Luc Vilmut "Café Lefle"), with its one-pane glass windows and mirrored tables reflecting the seasonal scenery seen from the windows of Matsudai residents' homes, you can enjoy Matsudai's food while viewing the terraced rice paddies and satoyama spread out before your eyes. On weekends and holidays, the "Satoyama Buffet" is available, and on weekdays, the "Satoyama Plate" and "Satoyama Curry" are offered. Recharge your energy in the afternoon with delicacies arranged with local flavors and home-style cooking.
*Menus may change depending on the season. Please check the details for more information.
*Menus may change depending on the season. Please check the details for more information.
10 minutes by shuttle bus + 15 minutes on foot
13:25
The artist's seasonal appearance
Matsudai Castle
Matsudai Castle" is located 15 minutes up the hill from the shuttle bus stop. Three artists have developed their works inside the three-story castle. The 384-meter-high summit offers a panoramic view of the Matsudai area and is a good photo spot. Please wear comfortable clothes.
Matsudai Small Tower
This small tower, built by artist Periferic from iron pipes and expanded metal, is four stories high, from the ground at the entrance to the roof top. Climbing the tower, one can see the center of town and the mountains behind, and feel the fresh breeze.
10 minutes by shuttle bus + 15 minutes on foot
14:20
A rich collection of outdoor artworks
Nohbutai Field Museum
There are many outdoor artworks in Nohbutai that can be viewed within a short walk, such as Yayoi Kusama's "Tsumari in Bloom" and Koichiro Azuma's "Kaitensuru Absence". Visitors can experience the lush nature of Echigo-Tsumari through these outdoor artworks, which blend into the rice fields and trees as they bask in the spring sun.
Matsudai Local History Museum
The museum is housed in a 140-year-old zelkova-style house. The main building (two-story wooden structure), a zelkova-style house built at the end of the Edo period, displays approximately 2,000 pieces of folk tools donated by the local residents. Visitors can learn about life in Echigo-Tsumari through exhibits of local lifestyles that change with the seasons.
13 min
15:20
Natural Science Museum where you can learn and experience
Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science “Kyororo”
Located in the satoyama of Matsunoyama, an area of heavy snowfall, the park has a field museum called "Kyororo Forest" and a beech forest called "Bijinrin (beautiful forest)" because of its beautiful appearance! Plants of Satoyama" and other nature experience programs and special exhibitions are currently being held. Please enjoy the research and study of precious flora and fauna found only in Matsunoyama, as well as the art works of the Art Festival.
10min
16:00
Stern and quiet dynamism
The Last Class (open only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays)
Christian Boltanski's installation, "Theatre of Shadows - Delightful Yurei Tachi," was created in 2018 and features skeletons, bats, angels, and other creatures that are caught between life and death. The shadows of living creatures that are in between life and death emerge.
45min
Joetsu Shinkansen
17:35
Arrival at Echigo Yuzawa Station OR day trip to hot springs or overnight stay in Tokamachi City/Tsunan Town area is also available.
1 hour 19 minutes
19:00
Arrive at Tokyo Station
Summary
| Dates | 4/27/2024 - 5/6/2024 (Facility closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) |
|---|---|
| Origin / Destination | Tokyo (via Echigo-Yuzawa) / Tokyo (via Echigo-Yuzawa) |
| Transportation | Train / car |
| Note |
You can also refer to this page if you are driving directly from Tokyo. |
Recommended Tours / Itineraries
Contact us for consultation on personalized tours or travel agency original plans.
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