{"id":632,"date":"2025-12-13T15:20:13","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T06:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/echigo-tsumari-art-triennale-summary-_copied\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T14:08:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T05:08:15","slug":"kiyotsu-gorge","status":"publish","type":"spot","link":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/","title":{"rendered":"Kiyotsu Gorge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\"><\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#What_Is_Kiyotsu_Gorge\" >What Is Kiyotsu Gorge?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#Highlights_of_Kiyotsu_Gorge\" >Highlights of Kiyotsu Gorge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#How_to_Enjoy_Kiyotsu_Gorge_Tips_for_Your_Visit\" >How to Enjoy Kiyotsu Gorge: Tips for Your Visit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#_Basic_Information\" >&nbsp;Basic Information<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#Access\" >Access<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#Recommended_Nearby_Ryokans\" >Recommended Nearby Ryokans<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#KAMOSUMORI\" >KAMOSUMORI<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/spot\/kiyotsu-gorge\/#Nearby_Accommodations\" >Nearby Accommodations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-kiyotsu-gorge\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Kiyotsu_Gorge\"><\/span>What Is Kiyotsu Gorge?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, Kiyotsu Gorge is one of Japan\u2019s three great gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugidani Gorge. Towering cliffs rise in a dramatic V-shape on either side of the Kiyotsu River, forming a striking landscape characterized by \u201ccolumnar joints\u201d\u2014hexagonal rock pillars lined neatly along the canyon walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The area has long been known for its hot springs, with a local hot spring resort established in 1862. In 1941, Kiyotsu Gorge was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, continuing to captivate visitors with its powerful natural beauty.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once, a walking path was built along the river in Kiyotsu Gorge, offering a route where visitors could see columnar jointing up close.However, the path was closed after a massive avalanche in 1984. In response, the 750-meter-long \u201cKiyotsu Gorge Tunnel\u201d was constructed in 1996.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>. Designed by MAD Architects, led by Chinese architect Ma Yansong, this tunnel of light has transformed Kiyotsu Gorge into a new, fantastical art space attracting significant attention.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/r-journal\/tokamachi-report-tamakiya\/\">Read our experience at \u201dKiyotsu Gorge\u201d<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"spot-middle-banner-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u2464\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1_08-scaled-1.webp\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"highlights-of-kiyotsu-gorge\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highlights_of_Kiyotsu_Gorge\"><\/span>Highlights of Kiyotsu Gorge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel consists of three elements: the entrance facility, the art installations within the tunnel, and the natural beauty of the gorge.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The entrance facility \u201cPeriscope\u201d features a souvenir shop and foot bath, while small windows in the conical ceiling on the second floor offer views of the natural scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 750-meter-long tunnel is designed to resemble a submarine, with the artwork unfolding at a viewing point midway through the tunnel and at the panoramic station at its deepest point. It was created with the aim of prompting visitors to reconsider the relationship between humans and nature through an artistic space utilizing the natural \u201cfive elements\u201d (wood, earth, metal, fire, water).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the tunnel&#8217;s deepest point, the \u201cPanorama Station,\u201d the water-covered floor acts as a mirror reflecting the gorge scenery. The crystal-clear Kiyotsu River, rock walls, surrounding greenery, autumn leaves, and even your own silhouette fantastically overlap on the water&#8217;s surface. This spot, where the majestic landscape of Kiyotsu Gorge emerges, is a prime photo location that makes you want to snap pictures.<\/p>\n\n\n  <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives\">\n    <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__list\">\n              <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item\">\n          <div class=\"item-col\" data-offer=\"1\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u2464\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1_01-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal\" data-offer=\"1\">\n          <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal__content\">\n            <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/\u2464\u6e05\u6d25\u5ce1_01-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment\">\n              <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__author\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1ebc84b96fb57dd37b41610382576f2aa5dcbd37fd157d7a6ab3c6cffb8ca21d?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g\" alt=\"\">\n                <span>OsakiYohei<\/span>\n              <\/div>\n              <p class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__desc\">Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, a scenic tunnel in Niigata<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n              <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item\">\n          <div class=\"item-col\" data-offer=\"2\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC08005-1-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal\" data-offer=\"2\">\n          <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal__content\">\n            <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC08005-1-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment\">\n              <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__author\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1ebc84b96fb57dd37b41610382576f2aa5dcbd37fd157d7a6ab3c6cffb8ca21d?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g\" alt=\"\">\n                <span>OsakiYohei<\/span>\n              <\/div>\n              <p class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__desc\">Souvenir shop at Kiyotsu Gorge<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n              <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item\">\n          <div class=\"item-col\" data-offer=\"3\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC07881-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal\" data-offer=\"3\">\n          <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal__content\">\n            <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC07881-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment\">\n              <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__author\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1ebc84b96fb57dd37b41610382576f2aa5dcbd37fd157d7a6ab3c6cffb8ca21d?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g\" alt=\"\">\n                <span>OsakiYohei<\/span>\n              <\/div>\n              <p class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__desc\">Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, renowned for its unique interplay of light and space<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n              <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item\">\n          <div class=\"item-col\" data-offer=\"4\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC08000-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal\" data-offer=\"4\">\n          <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives__item-modal__content\">\n            <div class=\"spot-nearby-attractives-image\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC08000-scaled.webp\" alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment\">\n              <div class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__author\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/1ebc84b96fb57dd37b41610382576f2aa5dcbd37fd157d7a6ab3c6cffb8ca21d?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g\" alt=\"\">\n                <span>OsakiYohei<\/span>\n              <\/div>\n              <p class=\"nearby-attractives-comment__desc\">Entrance-area foot bath<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  \n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-liquid-speech-balloon liquid-speech-balloon-wrap liquid-speech-balloon-00\"><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-avatar\"><\/div><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-text\"><p>Summer brings a refreshing coolness: inside the tunnel, the temperature stays around 21\u201324\u00b0C, making it feel like a \u201cnatural air conditioner.\u201d Outside, visitors can take off their shoes and enjoy dipping their feet in the crystal-clear Kiyotsu River, a delightful way to cool off on hot days.<\/p><div class=\"liquid-speech-balloon-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-enjoy-kiyotsu-gorge-tips-for-your-visit\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Enjoy_Kiyotsu_Gorge_Tips_for_Your_Visit\"><\/span>How to Enjoy Kiyotsu Gorge: Tips for Your Visit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel stretches about 750 meters one way, taking roughly 40 minutes round trip to explore at a leisurely pace. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some areas can be damp. At the Panorama Station, visitors can step into the shallow water for photos, so it\u2019s best to bring shoes and clothes you don\u2019t mind getting wet, as well as a towel. Since parts of the tunnel are dimly lit, take care with your footing and use the handrails as you walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or on weekday mornings. During busy periods\u2014such as the autumn foliage season, Golden Week (a long holiday period in late April and early May), or mid-August summer holidays, it\u2019s recommended to make a reservation on the official website in advance. The parking lot can fill up quickly, so aim to arrive early. Note that from July through November, high-season pricing applies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After your walk, relax and soothe your feet in the footbath at the entrance facility, a perfect way to unwind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make the most of your trip, consider exploring nearby attractions as well. The region features other installations from the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the Kiyotsukan Hot Spring Inn where you can enjoy an open-air bath overlooking the gorge, local soba restaurants serving the area\u2019s specialty hegi soba noodles, and scenic terraced rice fields that showcase the charm of Tokamachi\u2019s rural landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame-tilt-right\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"1001\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC07998-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1001\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-vk-image-photoFrame-tilt-left\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"1002\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC08016-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1002\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-black\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/r-journal\/tokamachi-report-2n3d-route-nature\/\">Check out the recommended model course<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"basic-information\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Basic_Information\"><\/span>&nbsp;Basic Information<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Opening Hours:<br>March\u2013November: 8:30 AM \u2013 4:30 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)<br>December\u2013February: 9:00 AM \u2013 3:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)<br>\u203b Closed during severe winter weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Admission Fees\uff1a<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u30fbHigh Season (Apr 21 \u2013 Nov 20): Adults \u00a51,200 \/ Children (Elementary &amp; Junior High) \u00a5500<br>\u30fbOff Season (Nov 21 \u2013 Apr 20): Adults \u00a51,000 \/ Children \u00a5400<br>\u203b Free admission for preschoolers and visitors with a disability certificate.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"access\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Access\"><\/span>Access<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d12750.197057605803!2d138.7308435871582!3d36.97282040000001!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x5ff5ff003bffd187%3A0x506ec7da91a88c3c!2z5riF5rSl5bOh5riT6LC344OI44Oz44ON44Or!5e0!3m2!1sja!2sjp!4v1761729116653!5m2!1sja!2sjp\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" style=\"border:0;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>Address: 2119-2 Koideku, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture 949-8433, Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Access (Public Transport):<br>From Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line, take the Tokamachi City Bus bound for Morimiyanohara. Get off at Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi (Kiyotsu Gorge Entrance) after about 30 minutes, then walk approximately 20 minutes to the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Access (By Car):<br>About 20 minutes from the Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway via Route 353.<br>Free parking available (approx. 155 spaces).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"pickup-ryokan-banner\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC07325-scaled.webp);\">\n        <div class=\"pickup-ryokan-wrapper\">\n            <div class=\"pickup-ryokan-banner-header\">\n                <h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_Nearby_Ryokans\"><\/span>Recommended Nearby Ryokans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"pickup-ryokan-info\">\n                <div class=\"pickup-ryokan-titleset\">\n                    <h3 class=\"pickup-ryokan-name\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"KAMOSUMORI\"><\/span>KAMOSUMORI<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n                    <p class=\"pickup-ryokan-description\">Nestled in the stunning nature of Matsunoyama, one of Japan\u2019s snowiest regions, the area can have several meters of snow in winter. Escape the city and enjoy the peaceful forest, changing with the seasons, for a truly relaxing and unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"pickup-ryokan-button text-white bg-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/kamosumori\/\">View More ><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"nearby-accommodations\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nearby_Accommodations\"><\/span>Nearby Accommodations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"ryokan-cards\"><div class=\"ryokan-card\">\n            <a class=\"ryokan-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/kamosumori\/\">\n                <figure class=\"ryokan-card__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC07325-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"KAMOSUMORI\"\/><\/figure>\n                <div class=\"ryokan-card__titleset\">\n                    <div class=\"ryokan-card__title-wrapper\">\n                        <span class=\"ryokan-card__title\">KAMOSUMORI<\/span>\n                        <p class=\"ryokan-card__area-info\">Niigata Prefecture<\/p>\n                    <\/div><ul class=\"ryokan-card__tag-list\"><\/ul><\/div>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div><div class=\"ryokan-card\">\n            <a class=\"ryokan-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/chitose\/\">\n                <figure class=\"ryokan-card__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC01605-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Chitose &#8211; Hinano Inn-\"\/><\/figure>\n                <div class=\"ryokan-card__titleset\">\n                    <div class=\"ryokan-card__title-wrapper\">\n                        <span class=\"ryokan-card__title\">Chitose &#8211; Hinano Inn-<\/span>\n                        <p class=\"ryokan-card__area-info\">Niigata Prefecture<\/p>\n                    <\/div><ul class=\"ryokan-card__tag-list\"><\/ul><\/div>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div><div class=\"ryokan-card\">\n            <a class=\"ryokan-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/yukinoya\/\">\n                <figure class=\"ryokan-card__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG_5213-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Yukinoya-Furusawa Traditional Stay\"\/><\/figure>\n                <div class=\"ryokan-card__titleset\">\n                    <div class=\"ryokan-card__title-wrapper\">\n                        <span class=\"ryokan-card__title\">Yukinoya-Furusawa Traditional Stay<\/span>\n                        <p class=\"ryokan-card__area-info\">Tokamachi<\/p>\n                    <\/div><ul class=\"ryokan-card__tag-list\"><\/ul><\/div>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div><div class=\"ryokan-card\">\n            <a class=\"ryokan-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/tamakiya\/\">\n                <figure class=\"ryokan-card__thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC01216-scaled-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Sake Inn -Tamakiya-\"\/><\/figure>\n                <div class=\"ryokan-card__titleset\">\n                    <div class=\"ryokan-card__title-wrapper\">\n                        <span class=\"ryokan-card__title\">Sake Inn -Tamakiya-<\/span>\n                        <p class=\"ryokan-card__area-info\">Niigata Prefecture<\/p>\n                    <\/div><ul class=\"ryokan-card__tag-list\"><\/ul><\/div>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is Kiyotsu Gorge? Located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, Kiyotsu Gorge is one of Japan\u2019s three great gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugidani Gorge. Towering cliffs rise in a dramatic V-shape on either side of the Kiyotsu River, forming a striking landscape characterized by \u201ccolumnar joints\u201d\u2014hexagonal rock pillars lined neatly along the canyon walls. The area has long been known for its hot springs, with a local hot spring resort established in 1862. In 1941, Kiyotsu Gorge was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, continuing to captivate visitors with its powerful natural beauty. Once, a walking path was built along the river in Kiyotsu Gorge, offering a route where visitors could see columnar jointing up close.However, the path was closed after a massive avalanche in 1984. In response, the 750-meter-long \u201cKiyotsu Gorge Tunnel\u201d was constructed in 1996. . Designed by MAD Architects, led by Chinese architect Ma Yansong, this tunnel of lig<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":790,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true},"area":[3],"purpose":[],"ryokan-tags":[100,98,163,109],"spot-category":[],"class_list":["post-632","spot","type-spot","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","area-tokamachi","ryokan_tag-art-architecture-tour","ryokan_tag-english-guide","ryokan_tag-tokamachi","ryokan_tag-winter-tire-required"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/spot\/632","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/spot"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/spot"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/790"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=632"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area?post=632"},{"taxonomy":"purpose","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/purpose?post=632"},{"taxonomy":"ryokan_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ryokan-tags?post=632"},{"taxonomy":"spot-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/spot-category?post=632"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}