Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the top three canyons in Japan renowned as an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is hidden in the mountains between Shiozawa and Tokamachi.
Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the top three canyons in Japan renowned as an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is hidden in the mountains between Shiozawa and Tokamachi.
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Introduction to Kiyotsu Gorge Japan
Kiyotsu Gorge is located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture. This gorge is part of the Joshinetsu-kogen National Park and is known as one of Japan's 3 great gorges.
Kiyotsu Gorge Japan
Kiyotsu Gorge is a beautiful valley that is recognized as one of the National Scenic Areas. It is also a National Monument. Unlike Takachiho Gorge, Kiyotsu Gorge is known for tunnels rather than waterfalls. The terrain here has a unique V shape with the Kiyotsu river flowing through. In the fall, the leaves in the canyon change color and create a beautiful scene.
Kiyotsu Gorge in autumn
Right next to the gorge you can find a 750 meter long tunnel. In the tunnel there are three points with different beautiful views of the gorge. From the panoramic station inside the tunnel there is a lake of fresh spring water. The view of the canyon reflects on the water and creates a breathtaking scene. In the building by the tunnel you can find a cafe and a footbath facility. Come here after a day exploring the canyon.
This gorge is famous for its fanciful tunnels.
The beauty of Japan's Kiyotsu Gorge
Towering stone pillars surround the valley
Kiyotsu Gorge has unique cubic cliffs that run along the stream that flows through the valley, creating a picturesque setting. The valley was formed after a volcano erupted 16 million years ago and a river slowly eroded the rocks over millennia.
The rock walls of the canyon were made up of random combinations of column joints that give rise to the jagged texture we see today. Kiyotsu Gorge is most famous in autumn, when the beautiful red-gold foliage paints a masterpiece of art. However, regardless of the season, the canyon has its own charm.
The majestic stone pillars at the gorge
Beautiful photo spots in the tunnel
The tunnels are the main attraction at Kiyotsu Gorge because they will provide amazing photo backgrounds. The most popular photo spot is at the end of the tunnel, where a lake reflects the gorge. The sight is so beautiful that it rivals the mirror pictures you can take at Chichibugahama beach .
The most famous tunnel at Kiyotsu Gorge.
The tunnels have many small exhibits that also provide information about the history of the canyon, interesting puzzles, and the flora and fauna that reside there.
Illuminated tunnels give off an eerie feeling
Those who love magical, mysterious spaces will probably be excited by some of the tunnels at Kiyotsu Gorge illuminated with creepy red and blue lights, which look a bit eerie and ghostly.
The tunnel is illuminated by red lights.
Interesting experiences near Kiyotsu Gorge
Bijin-bayashi Forest
Bijin-bayashi Forest is also a must-visit spot in Tokamachi, located near Kiyotsu Gorge. The Japanese name of the forest literally means "forest of beauties" and the reason why this place has this name is easy to understand. In the forest there were countless tall and graceful oak trees that resembled the silhouettes of beautiful women. Although the color changes continuously through the seasons, the forest still maintains its fairy-like beauty all year round.
Bijin-bayashi Forest
Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
Tanada (terraced fields) are rice fields running along the mountainside like stairs. With tanadas in the mountains of the Matsunoyama and Matsudai regions, Tokamachi City is one of Japan's most impressive rice terraces. They change in form with each season, creating different vivid images. In spring and autumn, each field shines like a mirror reflecting the clouds and the landscape. In winter, white snow covers the fields and surrounding houses and trees. Among the rice terraces, Tokamachi's Hoshitoge rice terraces especially attract thousands of photographers and tourists all year round. This is really a sight to behold when traveling to Japan.
Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
Matsunoyama Hot Spring
Matsunoyama Onsen is a small hot spring village hidden in the snowy Niigata Prefecture. Located near the snow mecca Echigo-Yuzawa, where skiers and snowboarders flock every winter, Matsunoyama is famous for its hot springs. Its spring water is one of Japan's top "medicines" and the purest for bathing.
At the source, the hot spring has a temperature of 92 degrees Celsius (nearly 200 degrees Fahrenheit) and is said to be a "fossil seawater hot spring" formed from 120 million-year-old seawater trapped deep underground. Part of what makes Matsunoyama Onsen one of the Top 3 great healing hot springs in Japan is that the water has 15 times more minerals than a regular healing spa.
Matsunoyama Hot Spring
Tokamachi Snow Festival
Every February, Tokamachi City holds the Tokamachi Snow Festival. It's a chance for local artists to showcase their talents with snow sculptures with shapes such as cartoon characters, cultural figures, etc. You can also find related games Come to the snow with delicious hot food throughout the festival area.
Tokamachi Snow Festival
The contrast of the gray cliffs of Kiyotsu Gorge in Japan and the green flow of the Kiyotsu River creates a wonderful natural landscape, leaving a deep impression on every visitor.
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