Niigata, Japan｜Kiyotsukyo Mirror Pond Shuttle Bus Ticket & Kiyotsukyo Valley Entrance Ticket
- Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the three major gorges in Japan and a must-see attraction when visiting Niigata Yuzawa
- Easy access to the 2018 Art Triennale’s renovated Tunnel of Lights
- The four seasons are distinct, and you can see different scenery all year round.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Tour types | None |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Ticket Instructions
- Kiyotsu Gorge & Kagamiike Shuttle Bus Pass: This pass allows you to ride the shuttle bus between Echigo-Yuzawa and Kiyotsu Gorge.
- Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Admission Ticket. Kiyotsu Gorge, along with Kurobe Gorge (Toyama Prefecture) and Osugi Valley (Mie Prefecture), is known as one of Japan's three great gorges. The towering cliffs over the Kiyotsu River form a massive V-shaped gorge. The majestic columnar joints of the rock faces and the clear, emerald-green stream leave a lasting impression on visitors.
The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is 750 meters long. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the gorge from three observation points and the panoramic station at the end of the tunnel. Especially at the Panorama Station, the gorge view is reflected in the water, creating a dreamlike art space. Enjoy the tender greenery of the gorge, the cool streams, the vibrant autumn leaves, and the winter landscape like an ink painting. In addition, there is an exhibition corner inside the tunnel introducing the four seasons and natural scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge.
- Itinerary Introduction -
- Timetable
9:50 Departure from the East Exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen
Arrive at Kiyotsu Gorge at 10:20
Departure from Kiyotsu Gorge at 12:00
12:30 Arrive at the East Exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen
After arriving at Echigo-Yuzawa Station, please exit from the west exit of the station. After exiting the station, go to the Snow Country Tourism and use the QR code to receive your ticket and Kiyotsukyo Gorge admission ticket.
Take the train from the east exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station (it's about a three-minute walk from the west exit to the east exit). Please arrive at the boarding point at least 15 minutes early.
Beautiful scenery of Qingjin Gorge (image for reference only)
Important Info
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Adults and children pay the same fare. Children under two years old can ride for free if they do not occupy a seat, while children over two years old must purchase a ticket.
When exchanging your ticket, please present your personal identification document for verification (a photocopy is also acceptable).
This product does not allow for designated seats. You may need to sit in an auxiliary chair depending on the situation. Thank you for your understanding.
This product does not have a tour leader or tour guide.
The bus may be delayed due to traffic conditions. Please note that no refunds will be given in this case.
The bus departs on time. If you miss the bus for any reason, no refund will be given. Please take another bus or taxi back home at your own expense.
Please be sure to pay attention to the shuttle bus time. If you do not arrive at the meeting point on time, it will be deemed as giving up the ride and no refund will be given.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Kiyotsu Gorge, recognized as one of Japan's three major gorges, offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty and immersive contemporary art. Visitors can walk through the scenic Kiyotsukyo Tunnel, which features several artistic installations. The highlight is the panoramic "Light Cave" observation deck, also known as Mirror Pond, where the gorge's sheer cliffs and the Kiyotsu River are spectacularly reflected, creating an illusion of boundless space and an unforgettable artistic moment within a dramatic landscape.
To fully explore Kiyotsu Gorge and the Kiyotsukyo Tunnel of Light, visitors should generally allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration allows for a leisurely walk through the 750-meter tunnel each way, appreciating the various art installations, and taking time to enjoy the breathtaking views from each observation deck, especially the iconic Mirror Pond at the tunnel's end. The pace ensures you can capture photos and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Kiyotsu Gorge showcases distinctive natural scenery throughout the year, making any season a rewarding time to visit. Spring brings fresh, vibrant greenery and the start of river flows. Summer is ideal for lush landscapes and refreshing gorge views. Autumn is particularly popular for its spectacular display of red, orange, and gold fall foliage, which dramatically contrasts with the rock formations. Winter transforms the gorge into a serene, snow-covered wonderland, offering a tranquil and unique beauty.
The Tunnel of Light at Kiyotsu Gorge, a renovated work from the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, features several artistic viewing platforms. Key highlights include the "Periscope" footbath (見晴所の足湯), which provides unique reflections of the gorge through a circular mirror. Further inside, the "Dome" (ドーム) with its shimmering tile mosaic offers another striking visual. The most famous highlight is the "Light Cave" (光の洞窟), or Mirror Pond, where a shallow pool at the tunnel's end perfectly reflects the gorge scenery, creating an immersive and visually stunning artistic experience.
The most convenient way to reach Kiyotsu Gorge from nearby areas, especially from Echigo-Yuzawa Station (a major Shinkansen stop), is often by shuttle bus. From Echigo-Yuzawa Station, visitors can take a local bus to the Kiyotsu Gorge bus stop. Many travelers find it most convenient to pre-arrange a round-trip shuttle bus service combined with their entrance ticket, as this offers a seamless and direct journey to the gorge's entrance without the hassle of navigating local public transport schedules or finding taxis.
To reach Kiyotsu Gorge from Tokyo by train, the most recommended route is to take the Joetsu Shinkansen. Start by boarding the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station; this leg of the journey typically takes approximately 75-90 minutes. Upon arrival at Echigo-Yuzawa Station, you can then take a local bus or a taxi directly to Kiyotsu Gorge. The bus ride from Echigo-Yuzawa Station to Kiyotsu Gorge usually takes about 25 minutes, with buses often heading towards Kiyotsukyo Onsen.
While Kiyotsu Gorge is primarily explored independently via the Kiyotsukyo Tunnel of Light, options for guided tours focusing on its unique geological features may be available through local tourism offices or specialized tour operators in the Niigata Yuzawa area. These tours typically offer deeper insights into the columnar jointing, distinctive rock formations, and the rich geological history that has shaped Kiyotsu Gorge into a significant natural landmark. It is advisable to inquire locally upon arrival for the most current offerings and availability.
Along the Kiyotsu Gorge trail, primarily experienced from within the Kiyotsukyo Tunnel, visitors are treated to magnificent natural features. The tunnel's strategically placed observation decks offer breathtaking views of the unique "columnar jointing" rock formations, where hexagonal rock pillars rise dramatically from the valley. You can also observe the powerful Kiyotsu River carving its path through the gorge, surrounded by lush vegetation that changes with the seasons, and glimpses of waterfalls cascading down the cliffs, providing diverse and striking natural vistas.
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