Tunnel of Light (Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel)

photo by NAKAMURA Osamu
Photo by Nacasa & Partners Inc.
Photo by Nacasa & Partners Inc.
Photo by Nacasa & Partners Inc.
photo by NAKAMURA Osamu
Photo by Nacasa & Partners Inc.

Facility Info and Map

■Notice of Change of Operation due to Renewal Construction of Exhibition Space

Tunnel of Light” in the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel will undergo renewal work on the exhibition booths in the tunnel during the following dates. During the construction period, the Kiyotsu Gorge history panels displayed in the tunnel will be unavailable for viewing. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please note that entrance fees will be discounted during the construction period.

[Construction period]
February 13, 2024 – April 26, 2024
*Construction end date may be earlier.

[Entrance Fees]
Individual tickets: Adults ¥1,000 → ¥800, Elementary and junior high school students ¥400
Groups of 20 or more: Adults ¥900 → ¥750 , Elementary and junior high school students ¥350
Holder of the common ticket for winter 2024: Adults ¥500 → ¥400, Elementary and junior high school students ¥350
*Infants and persons with disabilities: Free of charge

■Advance Reservation System during the Peak Season in 2024
In order to alleviate congestion during the peak season, the following restrictions will apply only during the periods listed below. During this period, no tickets will be sold on-site, and only those who have purchased tickets in advance will be allowed to enter the mine.
Please purchase a ticket in advance to enter the mine during the applicable period.

[Applicable period]

・GW period (Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, May 7)
・All Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays during the period of “Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2024” (July 13 (Sat) – November 10 (Sun))
・Weekdays from 8/2, 8/13 to 8/16, and 10/21 to 11/8

For details, please check the Kiyotsukyo website.

*The period is depends on snowfall. Please check the official website.
*It’s opened during the New Year holidays

As part of the 2018 program, MAD Architects was invited to revitalize the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel – a historic, 750-meter passageway that cuts through distinctive rock formations, offering panoramic views over one of Japan’s three great chasms. Drawing on the ‘five elements’ of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, water), MAD’s scheme transforms points along the historic tunnel through the realization of several architectural spaces and artistic atmospheres. The designs rethink the relationship between humans and nature, and seek to re-connect locals and visitors alike with the majestic beauty of the land.

Facility Info and Map

Open hours [4/1-7/12] 8:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
*Advance reservation period: 4/27-5/7

[7/13-11/10] 8:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
*Advance reservation period: All Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays,
8/2, 8/13-8/16, 10/21-11/8 weekdays

*Advance reservations are required during peak seasons (GW, consecutive holidays, Obon, and autumn foliage season).
*Entrance facilities are open until 11/30 (closed in winter)
*Temporary closure may occur due to snowfall conditions, etc.
Tel 025-763-4800
Admission Adults 1000 JPY, Children under 15 years old 400 JPY (Group of 20: Adults 900 JPY, Children under 15 years old350 JPY) *Discounts are available with a passport to view artworks and common tickets depending on the period.
Official Website https://nakasato-kiyotsu.com/en/
Address 1528‐2 Kakuma,Tokamachi-city, Niigata Prefecture
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