≪Yuzawa, Uonuma area≫ A Photogenic Journey

2 days & 1 night

car

Yuzawa and Uonuma Area

You’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Echigo-Yuzawa may be known as a great place to ski, but it’s a fantastic place to enjoy in all seasons.

*Driving in Japan requires extra care.

Please refer to the link below for detailed requirements and conditions.

Self-Drive Travel in Niigata

Day 1
Day 2

START

Echigo-Yuzawa Station

●1 hour 10 minutes from Tokyo Station to Echigo-Yuzawa Station by Joetsu Shinkansen
●10 minutes on foot from the west exit of Echigo-Yuzawa Station

Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park / Ropeway・Alpine Plant Garaden「Alp no Sato」

Superb View of the Town of Echigo-Yuzawa

Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway is just 10 minutes away on foot from Echigo-Yuzawa Station and you can reach the alpine flower park, Alp-no-Sato, at the top of the mountain within 7 minutes. At Alp-no-Sato, you can view highland flora among other natural phenomena.

Address
新潟県南魚沼郡湯沢町大字湯沢490

Telephone Number
025-784-3326
Yuzawa Kogen Panorama Park

Opening Times
【Ropeway】
●Period: Late April to Mid-November
●Business Hours: 8:40A.M. to 4:40P.M.
（Operation Frequency: Every 20 minutes）
●Closed: No closed days during open season

【Fall Foliage Season】
Mid-October to Early November

30 minutes by car

Kiyotsu Gorge / Tunnel of Light

Experience the breathtaking scenery of one of Japan's three largest gorges, showcased in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial artwork!

Kiyotsu Gorge, which is located in Joshinetsukogen National Park, is trending on social media as a photogenic spot. The rough surface of the massive stone walls and the clear water of the Kiyotsu River that runs in between them create a spectacular view. You won’t want to miss Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, which was given a second life as the Tunnel of Light, an artwork created by Ma Yansong and MAD Architects. Within the tunnel are observation decks with cleverly placed lights and mirrors, which artificially enhance the natural beauty of Kiyotsu Gorge. The most prominent is the Panorama Station, where the whole interior wall is covered with mirrors and the ground covered with water. This well-calculated setup allows the scenery outside to be reflected in all surfaces of the tunnel, resulting in strange yet beautiful pictures of people completely surrounded by the beauty of Kiyotsu Gorge.

Address
新潟県十日町市小出癸2119-2
Google Map

Telephone Number
025-763-4800
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Management Office

Opening Times
●Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Reception Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (tunnel closes at 5:00 pm)
Winter (December to February): 9:00 am - 3:30 pm (closing time 4:00 pm)
No regular closing days (during winter, the tunnel may be temporarily closed due to snowfall or snow accumulation)

●Entrance Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
1st floor: Souvenirs, Cafe
2nd floor: free footbath
(*Open from April to November)

30 minutes by car

Bijinbayashi Forest

Discover the charm of a picturesque beech tree forest that captivates in every season

Nestled on a 3-hectare hillside in Matsunoyama Matsuguchi, this beech forest boasts century-old trees that lend a unique beauty to the landscape. Known as the "Beautiful Forest," its name echoes the elegance of the standing trees. In the late Taisho era (1912-1926), the entire forest was felled for charcoal production, leaving the mountain bare. However, the following year witnessed a spectacular rebirth as beech trees sprouted and flourished, shaping the mountain's present appearance. This forest is also a thriving habitat for various wild birds.

Throughout the seasons, the beautiful beech forest unveils different expressions:
In spring, young leaves emerge against lingering snow, signaling the arrival of the season.
Summer invites you to experience a cool breeze amid vibrant greenery, with temperatures reportedly 2°C lower than the surrounding areas.
Autumn transforms the forest into a palette of yellows and oranges, enchanting visitors as if stepping into a living painting.
Winter blankets the area in a "silver world," where sunlight sparkles on the snow on sunny days.

Address
新潟県十日町市松之山松口1712-2付近

Telephone Number
025-597-3442
Matsudai/Matsunoyama Onsen Tourist Information Center

10 minutes by car

GOAL

Hinanoyado Chitose

Hinanoyado Chitose is a welcoming ryokan located in the heart of Matsunoyama Onsen, one of Japan's top three "medicinal hot springs

You can enjoy the hot spring of Matsunoyama Onsen which is one of Japan's three major medicines with source sourcing. You can enjoy the local taste unique to Satoyama using local ingredients.

Address
新潟県十日町市松之山湯本49-1

Telephone Number
025-596-2525

START

Hinanoyado Chitose

30 minutes by car

Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the "water mirror" during early spring and late fall

There are many rice terraces in Tokamachi. If you only have time to see one, we recommend the Hoshitouge Rice Terraces. If you visit early in the morning, you may be able to see the sea of clouds drifting into the valley. In summer the whole landscape turns shades of bright green, and in winter, the rice terrace is covered with snow. You can enjoy various beautiful landscapes depending on the season and time.

Address
新潟県十日町市峠

Telephone Number
025-597-3442
Matsudai/Matsunoyama Onsen Tourist Information Center

Opening Times
During winter (mid-November to late April), roads are not plowed, restricting vehicle access. Information signs, safety fences, and ropes will be removed, and restrooms will not be available.

20 minutes by car

NOHBUTAI Snow-Land Agrarian Culture Center, Matsudai

Embark on a journey at this field museum, where visitors can revel in art, culinary delights, and agriculture amidst the lush nature of Echigo-Tsumari.

Matsudai "Nou-butai" is a cultural facility which has gallery, restaurant and more. The building itself is a work of art from the Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale. Spreading through the area around Satoyama, this area is called the Satoyama Field Museum, and its interior and exterior spaces host artwork by numerous artists. You can also enjoy a walk through the area.

Address
新潟県十日町市松代3743-1

Telephone Number
025-595-6180
Matsudai NOHBUTAI

Opening Times
●Hours of Operation : 10A.M. to 5P.M. （Last entry: 4:30P.M.） ※During Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale ongoing, part of the operation hours may be changed.
●Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday

20 minutes by car

Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art

An enchanting space where families can immerse themselves in the world of exciting picture books.

The Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art is located in a former elementary school nestled in the quaint village of Hachi in the mountain-surrounded Tokamachi. It was transformed by locals together with renowned picture book author Seizo Tashima, bringing to life the tale of the last students and the friendly "obake" ghosts living in the school through the picture book "Gakko wa Karappo ni Naranai" (The School Will Never Be Empty). The entire school building is designed to be an interactive three-dimensional picture book, captivating visitors with its magical story.

Intriguing classrooms like the Hachi Cafe and Kusamura's Room, as well as a museum shop offer plenty of fun for families. Explore and encounter whimsical characters like Topelatoto, who eats laughter; Doradravan, the dream crusher; and other ghosts hiding in the school walls.

Opening Season: Late April - Late November
*Specific dates vary each year. Refer to the official website for details.

Address
新潟県十日町市真田甲2310-1

Telephone Number
025-752-0066
Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art

Opening Times
April-September 10:00-17:00 October-Nobember 10:00-16:00 ＊Last admission 30 minutes before closing time

20 minutes by car

Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET

The base of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, full of magnificent works by renowned artists.

The Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art / KINARE was reopened as the Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET on July 22, 2021 with a new permanent collection. The museum features 15 permanent works, including eight additions in 2021, along with a museum store. It also serves as a base for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field.

Permanent Collection: Artists include Asai Yusuke, Leandro Erlich, Ilya & Emilia Kabakov, Carlos Garaicoa, Ryota Kuwakubo, Koichi Kurita, Nicolas Darrot, Marnix de Nijs, Michiko Nakatani, Kohei Nawa, Carsten Nicolai, Massimo Bartolini feat. Lorenzo Bini, Me, Moriyama Daido, and Gerda Steiner & Jörg Lenzlinger.

The first-floor corridor also hosts a community space, designed and supervised by Muji, used for various events.

Address
新潟県十日町市本町六の1丁目71-2

Telephone Number
025-761-7766
Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET

Opening Times
10A.M. to 5P.M. (may be changed during Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale and winter season)

50 minutes by car

GOAL

Ponshukan

Taste All of Niigata's Famous Sake at Echigo-Yuzawa Station

Ponshukan Echigo Yuzawa stocks a passionately curated selection of souvenirs, including Niigata's renowned soba noodles, delectable delicacies from the Sea of Japan, Niigata's famous dried fish, and the prized Minamiuonuma "koshihikari" rice.

A must-try is the “Bakudan Onigiri” (Bomb Rice Ball) served at Yukinto within the store. These jumbo-sized rice balls are made from the famed koshihikari rice and come with a choice of 15 tantalizing fillings, spanning from classics like pickled plums, salted kelp, and salmon to heartier options like stewed pork cubes.

After eating, savor sake at the tasting area, which features a collection of signature brands from each of Niigata's sake breweries. Pay 500 yen at the counter, and you’ll receive an "ochoko" (small sake cup) and five tokens, from which you can select your preferred local sake from the machines. Finally, there's also a unique sake-infused hot spring, allowing you to unwind while relishing the subtle aromas of sake.

Address
新潟県南魚沼郡湯沢町大字湯沢2427-1

Telephone Number
025-784-3758
Ponshukan Echigo Yuzawa

Opening Times
【Sake Tasting Corner】9:30 - 18:30(L.O.18:15）*May change on season ●Open Every Day

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