Explore the Spectacular Scenery of Echigo-Tsumari with a Geo-Guide

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Explore the Spectacular Scenery of Echigo-Tsumari with a Geo-Guide

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This tour focuses specifically on the "spectacular views" found in Echigo-Tsumari, an area known for its lush satoyama landscapes. You’ll enjoy a tour of the art installations while traveling by bus along a clear mountain stream.
<TOUR Highlights>
・Enjoy a lunch featuring rice grown in the Rice Fields at "Katakuri House" in the secluded Akiyamago region
・You can easily explore the art and nature without a car.
・A guide from the Art Festival and the Naeba Mountain Foot Geopark will accompany you, providing detailed commentary on the majestic terrain. *A Geopark refers to an area of geoscientific significance managed according to principles of landscape conservation, education, and sustainable development; there are currently 46 certified sites in Japan.

Details

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

9:30 Departure from Echigo-Yuzawa Station

10:00 Experience the artistic evolution of the festival and the artists’ journeys

The Isobe Yukihisa Memorial Echigo-Tsumari Kiyotsu Soko Museum of Art [Soko]

This museum displays numerous artworks donated by Isobe Yukihisa himself. In the exhibition space—a former gymnasium—the museum presents scientific interpretations of local weather patterns and the water cycle, focusing on the Shimizu Kawara community.

Closed School Natural Sciences

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Meet up with the geoguide

Tsunan town, designated as the “Naeba Sanroku Geopark,” features a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, the uplift and erosion of Nodure, fault activity, and landslides. Certified guides (Geo-Guides) will introduce you to the local culture and way of life that have developed amidst these majestic landscapes.

12:30 A healthy lunch at a former school turned inn

Lunch: Katakuri House

For lunch, we will serve a heartwarming meal made with local, wholesome ingredients. After lunch, please enjoy viewing and experiencing the artwork "Tsumari Sugoroku" by Hara Rintaro + Hara Yu.

Abandoned School Lunch

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1:40 PM Learning about the practices and beliefs of "communal lands"

Akeyama Arts Center

The former Tsunan Elementary School Oakasawa Branch has been reborn as a venue that carries on its history and conveys the history and culture of the Akiyamago region through art. Under the supervision of artist Fukasawa Takafumi, who continues to conduct research in the area, we will undertake initiatives to learn about and practice the techniques and beliefs associated with “communal lands” in collaboration with residents, researchers, artists, and others.

Abandoned School Matagi Culture Akiyamago

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2:30 PM The most spectacular view in Tsunan town

Mitama Park

Towering on the opposite bank of the Nakatsugawa River are sheer cliffs with columnar jointing. Here, you can see up close the traces of volcanic eruptions and the powerful flow of the river.

Nakatsugawa Columnar jointing Spectacular views

3:20 PM A Community Hub in the Kamigo Area

Echigo-Tsumari Kamigo Clove Theatre

Located in the Echigo-Tsumari region, this facility is a newly renovated former school building—specifically, the former Kamigo Junior High School. It is evolving into a comprehensive complex that features a temporary theater created by renovating the school gymnasium, as well as spaces for artwork exhibitions, a restaurant, and artist residencies.

Closed School Residency Performing Arts

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Hong Kong House

As a hub for regional international exchange, this facility serves as a residency and gallery that fosters ongoing cultural exchange with Hong Kong. For this project, Matthew Tsang and Cordelia Tam will reside in Echigo-Tsumari to deepen their understanding of the local natural environment and agricultural culture, creating works from the Point of View of urban dwellers.

Exchange Hub Hong Kong

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5:30 PM Arrival at Echigo-Yuzawa Station

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, bring rain gear.
・The arrival time at the final destination may vary. Please allow plenty of time for your Shinkansen reservation.

Booking On-line

Summary

Dates	Sunday, October 4, 2026; Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (holiday)
Admission	Tour Price: Adults (high school students and older) 15,500 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), plus consumption tax Those who already have a Common Ticket will receive a discount equal to the ticket price
Deadline	12:00 a.m. two days before the trip
Origin / Destination	Echigo-Yuzawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal
Transportation	Minami-Echigo Kotsu Bus
Capacity	20 people (minimum group size: 10 people)
Host	Travel Planning and Operation: Registered with the Governor of Niigata Prefecture (Regional Travel Agency 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).
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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