2025 Tokamachi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, a contemporary art festival held every three years, takes place at this museum. In winter, an event called the 'Snow Playground' is held, where you can experience playing with snow. It was a fun event that you can experience in the snowy Niigata. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Facility Name📍 Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art MonET Address📍 71-2 Honcho 6-1 Chome, Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture Access📍 About a 10-minute walk from JR Joetsu Line 'Tokamachi Station' ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧

Niigata Prefecture in Japan is a place full of natural beauty and historical culture, and one of the most famous tourist attractions is the Niigata Tunnel. This tunnel is located in the center of Niigata City and is an important transportation hub connecting the city center and the west coast. 🎈 The Niigata Tunnel has a unique architectural design and adopts a modern design concept. The exterior presents a streamlined curve shape, giving a sense of the future. The interior of the tunnel is spacious and bright, with advanced lighting facilities, allowing tourists to feel comfortable and safe when passing through the tunnel. ❤️ In addition to its unique architectural style, the Niigata Tunnel also has amazing natural landscapes. The walls on both sides of the tunnel are inlaid with huge glass windows. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful sea view and city scenery while passing through the tunnel. Especially at night, the lights in the tunnel create a romantic and mysterious atmosphere, as if in a dream world. 🌳

Niigata is located near the Sea of Japan and is home to popular attractions such as the Kiyotsukyo Tunnel and Naeba Ski Resort. Don't miss these attractions when you visit Niigata. 🚗Kiyotsukyo Tunnel: Kiyotsukyo is one of the three major gorges in Japan! The Kiyotsukyo Tunnel is a great place to take photos and is a popular spot for young people to check in! 🚗Hoshitoge Rice Terraces: Rural landscape. In winter, the rice terraces are surrounded by snow, and the terraces filled with water will freeze to form ice mirrors. The romantic and intoxicating scene under the reflection of the setting sun is full of mystery. 🚗Naeba Ski Resort: Feel the freedom and passion at the ski resort. It has various types of snow trails suitable for ski enthusiasts of any level. 🚗Niigata Snow Festival: This grand event is held every March. The event starts with the release of sky lanterns, which is a spectacular sight! There are also various sacrificial activities, and the event ends with fireworks. It's really exciting. 🚗Snow Mountain: Marvel at the beautiful snow scenery in Niigata, Japan in winter!

#exhibition "Echigo-Tsumari" is not the official name on the map. It comes from the ancient Japanese place name "Echigo-kun, Tsumari-so". Today it refers to Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town in southern Niigata Prefecture. Due to the rapid economic growth of Japan after the war, the population gradually emigrated to cities. Problems such as aging, empty houses, abandoned schools, abandoned farmland, etc. have profoundly affected the Echigo-Tsumari area. Faced with this situation, the Land Art Festival, which was launched with the goal of revitalizing the place, began to bring a new breath to Echigo-Tsumari. Since 2000, it has been held every three years in Echigo-Tsumari and is the world's largest international outdoor art season. With the concept of "human beings are in nature" and the goal of local redevelopment, we use art as a bridge and farmland as a stage to connect people and nature, and explore the inheritance and development of regional culture, explore the value contained in the place, and unleash the potential of the place. The charm revitalizes the agricultural areas that have become increasingly declining and aging in the process of modernization. The artistic works are scattered across a vast land of 760 square kilometers. Exhibition time: July 13th to November 10th, 2024 (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Opening hours: 10:00~17:00 (10:00~16:00 in October and November) Transportation guide: Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then transfer to the local train "HOKUHOKU LINE" to Tokamachi Station, which takes 40 minutes. There are not many flights on the North-North Line, so be sure to check the timetable, otherwise you will spend a lot of time waiting. Itinerary guide: It is recommended to arrange at least three days to visit. If you can drive yourself, it is the most convenient way to reach each exhibition venue. If it is less than three days or you mainly take the train, it is recommended to focus on Tokamachi Station and pick a few favorite exhibitions. Near Tokamachi Station is the Satoyama Museum of Modern Art, which was established as the base of the "Land Art Festival". The most distinctive feature of the museum is the large pond surrounded by the central corridor and the highlight of the museum. The "Farm Stage" next to Matsushiro Station is not only a highlight of the building itself, but it was also chosen for the work "Tanabata". There are dozens of art works around it, including Yayoi Kusama's "Blooming Flowers Tsumari". If you still have time, go to the "Forest School" in the Matsunoyama area. These three areas are the main exhibition areas. Several major exhibition venues require tickets to enter, so you can purchase the "Echigo-Tsumari Land Art Season Passport" in advance. If you don’t want to study the itinerary, you can take a local half-day or one-day guided tour. There is a special tour guide, but unfortunately it is only in Japanese at the moment. This is a well-known art festival. In addition to local Japanese creators, there are also works by artists from all over the world. Some are hidden in the mountains. It is recommended to travel lightly, not to carry too much luggage, and a pair of good sneakers. #Echigo Tsumari#Echigo Tsumari Land Art Festival#Art Festival#Niigata#Tukamachi#Matsudai#Satoyama Modern Art Museum#Agriculture Stage#Forest School#Tanata#Chongjin Canyon Tunnel#Light Tunnel#Kusama Yayoi# Flower Blossom Wife has #100 Ways to Travel# exhibition

I went to this hotel in Niigata for the first time. It was stylish and perfect for families with children and three generations. 👪 ⁡ The lobby and rooms are stylish, and there are plenty of amenities for children! ⁡ There is also a snow park inside the hotel, perfect for children to play in the snow for the first time ⛄️ ⁡ The dinner buffet was so high-quality that it was the best, so I recommend you go 🫶 ⁡ [Access] ・About 25 minutes by car from Echigo Yuzawa Station ・20 minutes by car to Kiyotsukyo Gorge ・A resort hotel in Tokamachi ⁡ [Inside the hotel] ・A stylish cottage that looks like a villa overseas ・Wood grain interior and lights with a warm atmosphere ・A snow park and accommodation building on the premises ・A large hot spring bath ⁡ [Rooms] ・Spacious and comfortable even in a twin room ・120 cm wide bed ・Aroma compress for snow activities ・Bathtub, large luggage storage space ⁡ [Meals] ・The renovated restaurant venue is very beautiful ・The quality of the buffet is too high ・Sushi, roast beef, etc. that are made for you ・About 10 kinds of sweets like those in department store basements ⁡ The food was delicious, the buffet was of the highest quality, and I was very satisfied🫶 ⁡ It's good value for just 10,000 yen per person, so it's recommended for family and group trips⛄️ ⁡ For those who want to snowboard, there is a shuttle bus to the nearby ski resort👍 ♨️ Toma Kogen Resort #Belnatio Tamakawa, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture ⁡ Room▶︎ Twin room Reference budget▶︎Breakfast included for 2 people per room, from ¥14,405 ⁡ Open-air bath/large bath/private bath/sauna/indoor pool/pets allowed/free shuttle ⁡ ✈︎---------------------- ⁡ #winter #wintertrip #trip #niigata #niigatatrip #niigatahotel #nationaltravelsupport #familytrip #Value for money accommodation #Graduation trip #Accommodation review

Address: 1225-1 Matsuguchi, Matsunoyama, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, 942-1411 Content: A famous spot in Niigata! Bijinrin! A truly beautiful Bijinrin 🥹🥹 I recommend you go there at least once! The light overflowing from the trees was truly beautiful! The sound of insects and the green of the trees were soothing! Please come and visit!! 🌲🌲 #ForestBathing

Kiyotsukyo Tunnel in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture The long tunnel, stretching nearly 1 kilometer, was apparently used for transportation in the past. The view from the observation deck, with the exposed strata of the earth, is impressive! And if you walk to the end, there is a beautiful photo spot with a reflection of the water surface! An artist created it for the art festival! #breathtakingview #autumnfoliage #mountainclimbing

#awesomepic #japan #tokyotravel #tokyo

Hello ☺️💡 This is r e i n a, who searches for photogenic places while traveling 📷 This time, I went to "Kiyotsu Gorge", which is counted as one of the three major canyons in Japan! Inside the long tunnel, there are three observation decks, and the view from there is very beautiful 🥹 The highlight is the "Panorama Station"! The floor is filled with water, creating a fantastic space where the canyon is reflected like a mirror 🪞⛰ I was overwhelmed by the artistic scenery, as if I had wandered into another world! ☺️☺️☺️ This time, I visited in the winter, and the whole area was covered in pure white snow, and the scenery of Kiyotsu Gorge seemed like another world❄️ The columnar jointed rock surface and the valley were covered in snow, making the usual magnificent scenery even more fantastical...🤍 In particular, the snowy canyon was clearly reflected in the water mirror at the panorama station, making it a work of art! 🥹✨ In the silent world of snow, I was able to have an experience that cleared my mind. Please come and visit us☺️🩵 🔖Kiyotsu Gorge 🗺️Address 2119-2 Koideki, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture 🚗Access Information Car: Approximately 25 minutes from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway Train & Bus: Approximately 25 minutes by express bus from JR Echigo Yuzawa Station, then 30 minutes on foot from the Kiyotsukyo Entrance bus stop 🎫Entrance Fee [Adults] 1,000 yen [Elementary and Junior High School Students] 400 yen 🕒Opening Hours [March to November] 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30) [December to February] 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30) *May vary depending on snowfall 🅿Parking Free #Niigata #Niigata Trip #Kiyotsu Gorge #0 Yen Travel February 2025

Traveling to Tokyo in mid-January without encountering snow in the city The only option was to use the JR Pass to travel 1.5 hours from Tokyo to the snow country of Niigata Prefecture to see the snow ❄️☃️ Taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station, after 1.5 hours, we arrived at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. As soon as we stepped out of the station, we were greeted by a spectacular snowy landscape. We exchanged our round-trip tickets to Kiyotsu Gorge at the local travel agency on the right side of the west exit. After a 30-minute bus ride, we arrived at Kiyotsu Gorge, and walked about 5 minutes to the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel. The tunnel is 750 meters long and has a total of 4 observation decks. Remember to check in at the 4th observation deck for the mirror pond reflection, it's truly beautiful 😍 📍 Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Address: 2119-2 Koide, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Winter (December-February) business hours: 9am~3:30pm Entrance fee: 1000 yen for adults

In the deep city of Tokamachi, there is a magnificent art palace - Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, which is a must-visit place for art lovers and an important stage for art exchanges. As the main exhibition hall of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the architectural design of the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art is breathtaking. The architect of the building is Hiroshi Hara, whose design of Kyoto Station is also a stunning work. The unique charm of the building is reflected in every inch of lines and every color, skillfully integrating architecture and art. This inspiring place is located in the center of the art festival, and its influence is not only local but also has a profound impact globally. When you enter the museum, you will be attracted by the rich art installations here. The exhibited artworks are of high quality, diverse in form, and different in style. These works have both profound philosophical thinking and keen capture of life details. Here, art is no longer a high and mighty existence, but something that can be touched, felt, and even interacted with. Many installation artworks have strong interactivity, and visitors can participate in them personally and experience the charm of art. For those visitors who have a deeper pursuit of art, the museum also offers some additional paid experience programs. These programs include art lectures, workshops, and small interactions between artists and audiences. These activities allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the stories behind the artworks and feel the charm of art more deeply. In addition to art installations and activities, the museum also has facilities such as restaurants, dessert shops, and souvenir shops. Here, you can taste local delicacies and buy unique artworks and souvenirs. These facilities not only provide convenience for visitors but also make the museum a comprehensive experience place integrating art, food, and shopping. If you have enough time, it is worth spending half a day wandering around this museum. There are not only many high-quality art installations to appreciate but also delicious food in the restaurant and souvenirs to buy. This is a place where you can relax and enjoy life. Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art is a place that integrates art and life. It is not only a place to display artworks but also a place for people to experience art and enjoy life. This is a place that makes people linger and a place that nourishes the soul. If you haven't been here yet, why not take some time to come once, and you will surely be attracted by the beauty here.

|Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, Niigata. A mysterious blue world in Japan | Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, Niigata💙 Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is like a real-life blue fantasy world. You must visit it! 🌊 A blue fantasy The moment you step into Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, you will be amazed. The entire tunnel is illuminated by a mysterious blue light, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The light is deep and mysterious, like the color of the deep sea or the night sky in summer. The light dances and refracts on the water, creating a surreal atmosphere, as if you have entered a mysterious world from a Hayao Miyazaki anime. Every step you take, the light and shadow change, and every photo you take is like a masterpiece. 🌳 A natural fusion Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is perfectly integrated with nature. On both sides are rocks carved by time, each with a unique shape, some like beasts, some like fairies, telling the story of nature's craftsmanship. At the end of the tunnel is a clear stream, and the sound of the water is like a natural symphony. The surrounding trees are lush, and each season has its own unique scenery. In spring, cherry blossoms fall, adding a touch of romance to the blue world; in summer, the lush trees add vitality; in autumn, the red leaves intertwine with the blue; in winter, the snow covers the ground, like a fairy tale ice kingdom. 🚶‍♂️ A walking experience Walking along the tunnel, you will find that its charm is not only in the scenery. It is quiet and peaceful here, without the hustle and bustle of the city, only the sound of your footsteps and the sound of the water. Every corner may bring surprises, perhaps a beam of light coming through the hole, or a rock with unique patterns carved by the water. The whole walking process is like a dialogue with nature and yourself, allowing your mind to relax. 🍱 Local food After a long day, you can't miss the local food. Niigata's local food is unique, such as rice made from Koshihikari rice, which is plump and fragrant, paired with fresh sashimi, the taste is fresh and delicious. There are also various snacks made from local ingredients, such as fried fish cakes, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a bite full of happiness.

#newyearnewtrip The 13-minute Unkai Gondola ride was a winter wonderland dream come true! As I soared above the snow-covered trees, the frozen landscape unfolded like a canvas of sparkling diamonds. The gondola's warm interior was a cozy refuge from the chilly winter air, and the panoramic views of the snow-dusted mountains took my breath away. The ride was a serene and magical experience, culminating in the breathtaking views from the Terrace of the Forest Tree observation deck.

It was fun. Volunteer Principal Murayama is a wonderful person.

Kiyotsu Gorge 📍Japan,Niigata

Niigata Prefecture, not far from Tokyo, is really a small secret snow country. In Tokamachi, there is a fairyland-like beauty forest🌳, where beech trees about 90 years old grow, and different seasons have different charms. I came here in winter and put on snowshoes and hiked into the forest. It was an awesome experience! Snowshoes can be rented at "Forest School KYORORO" for a one-time fee, with no time limit, and can be returned before the end of business hours on the day. ❄️The snow here is so thick and soft that you can't walk on it with ordinary shoes. The large bottom area of ​​the snowshoe can disperse the weight of the human body, allowing people to walk easily on the snow. Starting from the "Forest School KYORORO", the forest is deep and the snow is thick along the way. Although it is easy to get lost, it is okay to follow the footsteps of others. As you walk, you can also see a small lake in the forest covered with snow. In summer, the lake reflects the mountains and forests, which must be beautiful! 📍Address: 1712-2 Matsunoyama Matsuguchi, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture (right next to the Forest School) 🌟Best season to visit: 🌿In summer, the forest is green and perfect for hiking. You can stroll through it and feel the vitality of the forest. 🍁In autumn, maple leaves turn red, which is a great place to enjoy the maple leaves. The red leaves are so beautiful. ❄️In winter, the snow-covered forest looks like a dream, like a fairy tale world. 🚗Transportation: Take the Hokuetsu Kyuko Hokuhoku Line to Matsushiro Station, then take the bus bound for Matsuedayama Onsen for about 15 minutes. Get off at Matsunoyama High School Mae and walk for about 20 minutes to reach the destination. 🏫Echigo Matsunoyama "Forest School Kyororo" - Tokamachi City Satoyama Science Museum: Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30, closed on Tuesdays) Admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and high school students 300 yen Woodworking experience: from 300 yen 🏠This red copper building is very eye-catching. It is built with weathering steel and looks bright all year round without paint. The museum has many specimens of animals, plants and insects from the local forests, conveying the ecological concept of coexistence with the forest. Come here after visiting the forest to learn about local aquatic creatures, look for the true identities of animal footprints on the snow, see the species of birds flying in the sky, and experience woodworking. It's perfect!

#japantrip Niigata Prefecture, famed as “Snow Country” for its stunning winters, transforms into an equally captivating destination during autumn. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold blanket the mountains, creating breathtaking views, especially in areas like the Okutadami and Naeba regions. The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel offers a unique way to admire the foliage, with its reflective pools amplifying the natural beauty. Niigata’s scenic rice terraces, such as Hoshitoge, are particularly enchanting when framed by autumn’s vivid colors. Combined with its renowned sake and seasonal cuisine, Niigata in autumn offers an unforgettable experience of nature’s beauty and Japan’s rich traditions.

The Kiyotsu Gorge, through which the Kiyotsu River flows, stretches from Tokamachi to Yuzawa Yagisawa, spanning a length of 12.5 kilometers. It is one of Japan's largest gorges. This area is known for its visually stunning igneous rock formations and a 750-meter-long art installation. This art installation became part of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel in 2018. In April 1941, Kiyotsu Gorge was designated as a natural monument. In September 1949, it became part of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park.

In 2015, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracted 2.4 million visitors to see the snow sculptures. Besides Sapporo, other places also have snow festivals, such as the Snow Festival in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, which is held from February 20th to 22nd. Due to the heavy snowfall in the area, visitors can fully enjoy the fun of being surrounded by snow. #Sapporo #SnowFestival #WinterTravel

#art gallery MonET (Museum on Echigo-Tsumari) is located in Tokamachi City, the center of the Echigo-Tsumari area. It is the base of the "Land Art Festival". The art museum is a square, semi-open-air concrete cloister and glass curtain building. The pool in the middle square is from the work "Palimpsest: Empty Pond" by Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich. It has exhibition rooms, souvenir shops and hot spring baths. There are 15 permanent works on permanent display in the museum, most of which are inspired by the unique climate and culture of the Echigo-Tsumari region. For example, in "Fuyu", paper is cut into the shape of a house, and the paper is blown off by a gust of wind every five minutes. , to simulate the heavy snowfall of Echigo-Tsumari in winter. The Echigo-Tsumari Land Art Festival is held every three years, with art as the guide and farmland as the stage. Although the transportation is not very convenient and the location is remote, if it is your first time to participate and you don’t have much time, it is recommended to visit MonET, the Satoyama Museum of Modern Art first.

📍Kiyotsukyo Tunnel 2119-2 Koideki, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture 《Access》 From Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC on the Kanetsu Expressway, take Route 353 Approximately 25 minutes by car Adults (high school students and above) 1,000 yen Children (elementary and junior high school students) 400 yen Preschoolers Free Free parking Normal business hours 8:30-17:00 Sunday, December 1, 2024 to Friday, February 28, 2025 9:00-16:00 ▶️Kiyotsukyo Gorge has become a popular spot on social media. A scenic spot in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, designated as a national park Along with Kurobe Gorge and Osugidani, it is counted as one of the "Three Great Gorges of Japan." The Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel is approximately 750 meters long. ▶️Proceed through the dimly lit tunnel. The tunnel is well paved and has a gentle incline. It has been turned into an artistic tunnel by artists, so it is enjoyable. There are several artistic spots at key points along the long tunnel to the scenic spot at the very back. ▶️The road from the parking lot to Kiyotsu Gorge was also beautiful with the autumn leaves of the mountains and the stream. ▶️The inside of the tunnel is like a shiny mirror, and the floor is a basin filled with stream water... The reflection of the valley scenery and the shadows of people are so beautiful. 💕💕💕 It was quite crowded that day, and everyone was posing in various ways. ▶️The expression changes with the seasons, and in spring and summer, the green leaves are strong and lively. In autumn, the red and orange leaves are beautiful, and in winter, it becomes a world like a sumi-e painting. #0 yen travel November #Niigata #Niigata sightseeing #Niigata trip #Girls trip #Photogenic spots #Kiyotsukyo Gorge #Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel #Autumn leaves

📍Spot name: Echigo Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo Address: Matsudai Noh Stage, 3743-1 Matsushiro, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00 - 16:30 Tuesday, Wednesday Closed Lunchtime: 11:00-14:00 (last orders) Teatime: 10:00-16:30 (last orders) ▶️Located inside Nohbutai, a field museum ▶️This facility was born from the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, an art festival held once every three years, and the facility itself is a work of art. Recommended points👍 ★A photogenic interior that will make you scream as soon as you enter ★Not only the rice, but also the meat and processed products are almost all locally produced ★The scenery seen from the glass windows is a snowy landscape in winter ★The scenery of the countryside reflected in the mirrored tables ★The various local dishes made by local mothers and young people who have inherited the taste are exquisite! ★The facility itself is an art spot, but there are many other 📸 points as well. ★The toilets are unique! The bright red door is the same as the entrance, so it's hard to tell which is the exit. ★The buffet, which is only available on weekends and holidays, is also very popular! #Lunch #Niigata #Photogenic #Photogenic spot #Art #0 yen trip November #Niigata trip #Niigata sightseeing

📍Bijinrin Matsunoyama Matsuguchi, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture 《Access》 Bus stop Matsuguchi (Kajiyashiki) / 9 minutes walk from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Bus stop Matsuguchi (Yokozawa) / 12 minutes walk from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Bus stop Mioke Iriguchi / 15 minutes walk from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture ⚠️There are few buses, so we recommend renting a car. ▶️A 3-hectare hill is covered with beech trees that are about 100 years old, and their standing posture is so beautiful that it is called "Bijinrin" (beautiful forest)... ▶️It shows various expressions in spring, summer, autumn and winter. In autumn, it is a golden world💕💕💕 The entire forest is colored orange, the same color as the fallen leaves at your feet, making it a spectacular view. It's beautiful no matter where you look😍😍😍 It was a storm of emotions. ▶️The leaves start to change color in early November, and are at their best around mid-November. This is what it looked like in mid-November two years ago. #0yentravelNovember #Niigatatrip #Niigatasightseeing #Niigata #Autumnleaves #Autumnleavesspots #Girlstrip #Bijinrin #BreathtakingviewsofJapan

📍Rice terraces at Hoshitoge Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Access: Hoshitoge bus stop/11 minutes walk from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Takedo bus stop/20 minutes walk from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Kiwadahara bus stop/28 minutes walk from Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture ▶️Tokaichi has many rice terraces and beautiful rural scenery. The rice terraces at Hoshitoge are particularly special😍 ▶️If you visit early in the morning, you may be lucky to see a sea of ​​clouds. ▶️Lush greenery in summer, snowy winter... The rice terraces with different expressions throughout the year are fascinating. ▶️It was also used in the opening video of the 2009 NHK Taiga drama "Tenchijin". ▶️A starry sky at night #Niigata #Rice terraces #Beautiful spot #Rice terraces at Hoshitoge #Sea of ​​clouds #Tokaichi #Beautiful scenery in Japan #0 yen travel in November #Girls trip #Niigata sightseeing #Niigata trip

Niigata Prefecture, Japan is the prototype of "Snow Country" written by Kawabata Yasunari It is Japan’s famous land of heavy snow❄️ The mountains are rolling and you can see a lot of snow trails along the way. Hot springs♨️ are also very famous - An art feast is also held here every three years. [Tokamachi, Japan] 2024 Echigo-Tsumari Land Art Triennale (ETAT), which began in 2000 at the beginning of the new century, is an art feast held every three years. It will bloom again in 2024, and we will once again go to a visual and A spiritual adventure! 🕙Activity time: Held from July 13 to November 10, 2024 ❤Reason for recommendation: The once barren land is revitalized under the magic of art. Creative works are embedded in the countryside and become shining pearls of rural revitalization. Hundreds of thousands of eyes converge here, and the dialogue between art and nature ignites the enthusiasm of this land. 🌟Highlights: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and walking into the mountains, rivers and countryside, each piece of art is not only an object of appreciation, but also a philosophy of life. Sculptures, installations, paintings... slowly unfold in the embrace of nature, awakening the tranquility deep within. 👩‍🎨【Selected Recommendations】 ✅Chongjin Gorge Valley - a dreamy passage through time and space, the interweaving of light and shadow, a secret entrance to explore the unknown world. ✅Memorial of Isobe Yukihisa Echigo-Tsumari Kiyotsu Warehouse Museum Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Modern Art MonET - The building itself is a masterpiece, with rich collections, and the essence of art shines here. ③ Bon & Seizo Tajima Picture Book and Fruit Art Museum - a treasure house of fairy tale world, a place where imagination can take flight. ④ Matsushiro Snow Country Farming Cultural Village "Agricultural Stage" - Agricultural history and modern art collide, and you can understand the charm of the countryside. ⑤ Tokamachi Municipal Satoyama Science Museum Echigo Matsunoyama "Forest School" - a good place for natural science popularization and art education, education and entertainment. ⑥ The last classroom - reborn on the site of the abandoned school, carrying the link between the past and the future. ⑦ Light Pavilion - As night falls, the light and shadow magician appears, and the night is equally exciting. 💰【Fare Information】 - Adult: 4,500 yen - Students: 2,000 yen - Elementary school students and below: free admission 🚌 Tour method: Art festival tour bus or self-driving --- This is not just a visit, but a journey, an in-depth dialogue with art, nature and humanity. Let’s look for those soul-touching moments in the fields of Niigata!

❄️1. The charm of the snow country and the land of rice Niigata is both a "snow country" and a "land of rice." It is not only the source of inspiration for Yasunari Kawabata's "Snow Country," but also an ideal place to taste the "World Rice King" Koshihikari rice.🌿 ⛷️ 2. The perfect combination of skiing and hot springs Niigata is located near the Sea of Japan, with a high amount of snow in winter, making it a skiing destination for the Japanese. The ski season lasts from November to May, with more than 50 ski resorts, among which Gala Ski Resort is popular for its convenience.🌿 🏊 3. The land of hot springs Niigata is not only a skiing destination, but also a hot spring paradise, with about 100 hot springs for visitors to choose from. Various open-air hot springs and hot spring water with different minerals allow you to get close to nature and relax.🌿 🚣4. Quiet coast Niigata is a quiet port city with a unique charm away from the hustle and bustle. Walk to the seaside, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the quiet and open sea view.🌿 🌲5. Sado Island, the island of performing arts Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture is known as the "island of performing arts," inheriting a rich culture and performing arts, such as Oni Daiko and Sado OKESA folk songs. Experience the fun of gold panning by riding a tarai-bune boat and exploring Sado Kinzan, the largest gold and silver mine in modern Japan.🌿 🌲 6. The nature and art of Tokamachi Tokamachi City is located in the southern part of Niigata Prefecture, with the most beautiful natural scenery in Japan, including Kiyotsu Gorge, Bijinbayashi Forest, and Hoshitoge Rice Terraces. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is held every three years, with nearly 300 artworks complementing nature. ⛷️7. Winter snow festival The Tokamachi area is covered with about 2–3 meters of snow every year, and a snow festival is held, including giant snow sculptures, entertainment programs, fireworks shows, art exhibitions, and other activities.🌿 🌴 8. Kimono making experience Tokamachi has a long history of kimono making, and every May, visitors are organized to visit kimono factories to learn about the kimono making process in Tokamachi.🌿 🥗 9. Local cuisine Niigata's cuisine is also a highlight of the trip. The winter snow has nurtured many local specialties, such as Koshihikari rice and special soba noodles.🥗🥎🥎🥎 🌲10. Ancient national treasure Tokamachi has one of the oldest national treasures, the flame-shaped pottery, dating back to 3400–2400 BC.🌿 🏞Niigata, a place full of natural beauty, traditional culture, and modern vitality, is waiting for you to explore. Whether it's skiing, soaking in hot springs, tasting food, or experiencing art and history, Niigata can meet your expectations.🌈🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Kiyotsukyo Gorge is a gorge located in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, and is counted among Japan's three major canyons. The other three are Kurobe Gorge (Toyama Prefecture) and Osugidani (Mie Prefecture). The magnificent columnar joints and emerald green clear stream that peek out from the long, long tunnel are soothing to the soul. At the end of the tunnel, you can look down into the canyon from Infinity Lake. This is the most Instagrammable spot in Niigata Prefecture, so be sure to take lots of satisfying photos! By the way, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes one way, but the road is gentle, so it's perfect for a stroll! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Name: Kiyotsukyo Address: 2119-2 Koideki, Tokamachi, Niigata Access: Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi bus stop (30 minutes walk after getting off) Opening hours: March to November 8:30am to 5pm (last entry 4:30pm) December to February 9am to 4pm (last entry 3:30pm) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - #0 yen travel autumn #Kiyotsukyo #Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel

Since the 'Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale' began in 2000, artists from around the world have come to Matsudai 'Nobutai' and the surrounding Shiroyama area to install masterpieces that suit this land. The residents' living spaces are called a field museum, and it has been nurtured as a place for regional revitalization through 'agriculture' and 'art'. ◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦ Introduction of Works ◼︎ Castle Area: Matsudai Castle - Longed-for View - Rakushudai - Shedding Time ◼︎ Nobutai Area - Matsudai Local Museum - Blossoming Tsunan - Kamaboko Art Center - Lantern of Vision/Peeping - Geronpa Chorus ◼︎ Inside Matsudai 'Nobutai' - Relation — Blackboard Classroom - Drawer Art - Around the Fire, in the Desert - 10 Albums Labyrinth - Project Palace ◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦◦⊹⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⊹◦ Spot Information 📍 There are many art pieces between Nobutai and the summit of Matsudai Castle. If you want to fully enjoy the nature of Satoyama while touring, a short hike on foot is recommended. Electric bicycles are also available for rent. If you want to efficiently tour only the art pieces, it is recommended to go by car. A shuttle bus is also available. Please check the website for more details.