Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel

Also written: 清津峡渓谷トンネル · 清津峡溪谷隧道

A popular photo spot where the gorge’s dramatic scenery is reflected in a mirror-like pool; the water-mirror views went viral on social media and now attract visitors from around the world.

Another illustration of this place, under Famous Views →

Niigata Chubu Townscape & Scenery

About this place

Kiyotsu Gorge stretches 12.5 kilometers along the Kiyotsu River between Tokamachi and Yuzawa, forming one of Japan's three great gorges with towering 200-meter cliffs of columnar jointed andesite porphyry. Designated National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in April 1941 and incorporated into Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in September 1949, its geology results from underwater volcanic activity 16 million years ago where magma cooled differentially, creating vertical and rare horizontal columnar joints later uplifted and eroded by the river. For safety, the original riverside trail was closed in 1988. On October 1, 1996 a 750-meter pedestrian tunnel opened with three viewing windows and a panorama station. In 2018, as part of Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, Beijing-based MAD Architects led by Ma Yansong transformed the tunnel into Tunnel of Light, reimagining five elements wood, earth, metal, fire, water. The final chamber floods a thin sheet of spring water over polished stainless steel, infinitely reflecting gorge walls. A second-floor footbath and mirrored ceiling at Periscope cafe extend the illusion. Closed mid-January to late-February due to snow, it still attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship.