Trip to an Unexplored Region to Immerse in the Landscapes of Japan

Akiyamago refers to a village which spreads on the Nakatsugawa river, a branch of the Shinano river, is a gorge area that straddles Nagano and Niigata. Closed by the mountain surface and deep water, this area is a hidden boarder that still remains the traditional life style. In spring, it is surrounded by flowers of sargent's cherries and dogtooth violets, ray of sunshine comes through young leaves and you can hear the voice of wild birds. In fall, the joy of harvesting echoes into the golden gorge. Purely white snow that falls onto the rock surface enhance the hardness of winter and beauty of the gorge. It's also popular among tourists as its abundant nature as well as it history and culture which it took over from the old times.

Address
新潟県中魚沼郡津南町秋山郷

Telephone Number
025-765-5585
Tsunan Tourism Association

Ryugakubo Pond is a 1.2 hectare pond fed by a vast reserve of ancient groundwater. A remarkable 43,000 tons of water well up from the pond daily, replacing it all in a single day. Such abundant and pristine spring water is an unmatched rarity in the region.

With no nearby rivers, the area’s local water supply relies entirely on springs like Ryugakubo Pond. Its waters can be easily drunk from a tap just a minute’s walk from the parking lot. The area was designated a Nature Conservation Zone by Niigata Prefecture in 1974, and acknowledged as one of Japan’s 100 Best Waters in 1985.

Ryugakubo Pond is also rich with history and legend, and the two villages safeguarding it celebrate it with shrines and an annual festival in July.

Address
新潟県中魚沼郡津南町谷内6217

Telephone Number
025-765-5585
Tsunan Town Tourist Association

Opening Times
Closed in winter.

Kiyotsu Gorge stands among Japan's three great gorges, alongside Kurobe Gorge and Osugi Gorge. The towering cliffs creating a V-shaped grand canyon over the river are designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument.
The stunning columnar-jointed rock surfaces and the dynamic landscapes along the Kiyotsu River are truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Moreover, the entire tunnel was transformed into an artwork by the Chinese architectural firm Ma Yansong/MAD Architects during the 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
Architectural spaces and artistic atmospheres inspired by the "five elements" of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water) were crafted at various points inside the tunnel and at the entrance facility.
The entrance facility offers footbaths, merchandise sales, and a café (closed during winter).
Before planning your visit, please check the official website and X (formerly Twitter) for local conditions.

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)