Echigo-Tsumari Course [Kamigo Clove Theatre Lunch]

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A highlights tour of masterpieces in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field. Join a guide to enjoy the artworks while taking in the vibrant summer scenery of the rural countryside.
<TOUR Highlights>
・Recommended for first-time visitors to the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field
・An efficient way to view the artworks even without a car
・Enjoy a special lunch featuring dishes made with summer vegetables and a theatrical performance by local mothers

Details

9:00 Echigo-Yuzawa Station Information Center for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field: Participant Reception Now Open

9:30 Departure from Echigo-Yuzawa Station

10:00 The entire tunnel is an artwork

“Tunnel of Light” by Ma Yansong / MAD Architects (Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel)

The tour begins at the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, which has remained a popular attraction since its opening. Here, you can admire the fusion of the scenic beauty of Kiyotsukyo Gorge—one of Japan’s three great gorges—and art. The breathtaking natural scenery, which changes with the seasons, is a must-see.

National Parks Japan's Three Great Gorges

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11:40 A Community Hub in the Kamigo Area

Echigo-Tsumari Kamigo Clove Theatre

Located in the Echigo-Tsumari region, this comprehensive performing arts facility makes use of the unique atmosphere of the former Kamigo Junior High School, a recently closed school. It primarily features exhibits centered around music-themed artworks.

Closed School Performing Arts

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[Lunch] "Restaurant Kamigo Clove Theatre" EAT&ART TARO

This is a theatrical restaurant where a group of local women—known as the “Onnashō”—cheerfully serve up dishes made with seasonal ingredients from Tsunan in a playful, theatrical style. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind lunch experience that will warm your heart with the women’s smiles.

Lunch Locally sourced and locally consumed

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Hong Kong House

A hub for international exchange in the local community that serves as an artist-in-residence program for artists living in Hong Kong. Special Exhibitions are planned.

Overseas Exchange Center Hong Kong Special Exhibition

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1:30 PM I let my thoughts wander to the memories accumulated in this place

“The Last Class” by Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman

Created by Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman at the former Higashikawa Elementary School, this installation allows visitors to experience the artwork with their entire bodies through subtle light, the scent of straw, and the sounds echoing through the hallways. Come trace the history that has accumulated over time within this school building, long enveloped in snow.

Abandoned School Installation

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2:35 PM A Spatial Picture Book Museum Set in a Closed School

Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art

Set in an art museum housed in a defunct school, artworks crafted from driftwood and nuts weave a tale depicting the adventures of the school’s final students.

Abandoned School Spatial Picture Book Tashima Seizo

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4:10 PM A leading art museum in Echigo-Tsumari

Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET / Akashi no Yu

This museum features artworks by renowned contemporary artists such as Nawa Kohei, Nakatani Michiko, and mé. Ryosuke Higo will be featured in the ongoing Special Exhibition on Monet.
*If you wish to leave the group early, please let us know when you register.

Art museum Hot springs Roadside station

Details

6:00 PM Arrival at Echigo-Yuzawa Station / End of Tour

Notice

・The itinerary may be changed or canceled due to natural disasters or road conditions.
・Seats on the bus are assigned. If you are traveling with others who booked separately, please note this in the remarks section.
・Some artworks require a short walk after getting off the bus. Please wear comfortable shoes that are easy to slip on and off. On hot days, bring a hat and something to drink; in case of rain, please bring rain gear.
・The arrival time at the final destination may vary. Please allow plenty of time for your return Shinkansen reservation.

Booking On-line

Summary

Dates	Every Saturday and Sunday from Saturday, August 1, 2026, to Sunday, August 30, 2026, plus Tuesday, August 11
Admission	Tour Price: Adults 16,000 yen; elementary and junior high school students 12,000 yen; preschoolers 3,000 yen *Includes bus fare, lunch, guide fees, and admission to artworks (including the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2026 Common Ticket); consumption tax included
Deadline	Registration closes at 7:00 a.m. on the day of the event, or once capacity is reached.
Origin / Destination	Echigo-Yuzawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal
Transportation	Minami-Echigo Kotsu Bus
Capacity	25 people (minimum number of participants: 1)
Host	Travel Planning and Operation: Registered Travel Agency (Niigata Prefecture) No. 2-440; NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization; 3743-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi city, Niigata Prefecture; Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA); 025-761-7749 / officialtour@tsumari-artfield.com
Note	・No tour guide will accompany the group. ・Please review these travel terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy, before participating. NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization Travel Terms and Conditions NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization Standard Travel Agency Terms and Conditions [Inquiries] “Echigo-Tsumari Art Field” General Information Center: 025-761-7767 (9:00 AM–6:00 PM / Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) / officialtour@tsumari-artfield.com

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