Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on August 6, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
How do I get there?
By car, about 25 minutes from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. By public transport, take the bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the JR Joetsu Line, alight at Kiyotsukyo-iriguchi, and walk about 30 minutes.
Accessibility (1)
Can I enter with a wheelchair or a pushchair?
Three wheelchairs, two pushchairs and one walking trolley are lent out free inside the tunnel (they cannot be reserved). The facility is designed with accessibility in mind, and with assistance most people can go in.
Pets (1)
Can I bring a pet into the tunnel?
Pets may enter the tunnel. Please keep the lead to 1 metre or less, take any mess away with you, and make sure your pet does not trouble other visitors.
Reservations (1)
Do I need to book in advance?
On days when heavy crowds are expected, entry is limited to visitors who have bought tickets in advance. In 2026 this applies to certain days during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field festival. Please check the official website and book in good time.
Basic information (1)
What are the opening hours?
In the normal season (March to November) 8:30-17:00 (last entry to the tunnel 16:30), and in winter (December to February) 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30). The tunnel may close at short notice depending on snowfall.
Seasons (1)
Can I visit in winter?
In winter (about December to February) the tunnel may close at short notice because of snow. Normal winter hours are 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30). Please check the official website or social media for conditions before you travel.
Photography (1)
Can I take photographs?
Photography and video are allowed inside the tunnel. The Panorama Station (water mirror) is especially popular for photographs. Please be considerate of other visitors. Kiyotsu Gorge is inside a national park, so please observe the rules protecting nature, including the smoking ban.
Prices (1)
How much does it cost to enter the tunnel?
In the high season (21 April to 20 November) it is 1,200 yen for general admission and 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students; pre-school children are free. In the off season (21 November to 20 April) it is 1,000 yen and 400 yen. On the busiest days entry may be limited to visitors who have booked in advance, so please check the official website beforehand.
Facilities (1)
Is there a cafe or a foot bath?
The entrance building has a cafe and a shop. There is also a foot bath (closed in winter) where you can rest amid the natural setting of the gorge. Products available only at Kiyotsu Gorge are on sale too.
Overview (1)
What sort of gorge is Kiyotsu Gorge?
It is counted as one of the three great gorges of Japan, along with Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture and Osugidani in Mie Prefecture. It is designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. The huge rock walls rising on either side of the Kiyotsu River are columnar joints formed by volcanic activity about 8 million years ago, making one of the finest V-shaped gorges in the country.
Highlights (1)
What is the Panorama Station (water mirror)?
It is the viewing space at the far end of the tunnel, where a thin layer of water covers the floor and the magnificent V-shaped gorge is reflected in it, in a mysterious circular space. Shared worldwide on social media, it draws visitors from Japan and abroad. Because of the water, we recommend bringing spare shoes, socks and a towel.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
There are two car parks. From car park 1 it is 3-5 minutes' walk to the tunnel entrance, and from car park 2 it is 7-10 minutes. There are public toilets in front of car park 1. The car parks fill up in busy periods, so we recommend arriving early.
Other (6)
How much is admission?
High season (21 April to 20 November): general 1,200 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen, pre-school children free. Off season (21 November to 20 April): general 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 400 yen.
When is it closed?
No regular closing day (the tunnel may close at short notice in winter because of snow).
Is there parking?
Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.
What are the opening hours?
8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30). In winter (about December to February) 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30).
How do I get there?
About 25 minutes by bus from Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the JR Joetsu Line, alighting at Kiyotsukyo-iriguchi, then about 30 minutes' walk. By car, about 25 minutes from Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
What is the address?
2126-2 Koide Ki, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture