Niigata Autumn🍁 Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel and Panorama Station

Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel and Panorama Station in Niigata Prefecture offer a surreal blend of nature and art, best experienced in autumn from late October to early November. Access is easy via Echigo-Yuzawa Station and local bus or taxi.

Kiyotsu Gorge (清津峡), one of Japan’s “Three Great Gorges,” transforms into a dramatic canvas of autumn colors as the season unfolds. Towering cliffs carved by the emerald-clear Kiyotsu River frame the gorge, creating a stunning contrast with the fiery reds and golds of fall foliage. The highlight of the visit is the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, redesigned in 2018 by MAD Architects as the “Tunnel of Light.” This 750-meter-long pedestrian tunnel features immersive art installations and culminates in a mirrored water basin that reflects the gorge’s cliffs and sky—a breathtaking photo spot especially vivid in autumn.

Just above the gorge, Panorama Station offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. In autumn, the landscape glows with warm hues, making it a perfect vantage point for leaf-peeping and photography.

Best time to visit is from late October to early November, when the foliage is at its peak. Mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Access: From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (about 80 minutes), then transfer to a local train or bus to Tokamachi Station. From there, a short taxi ride or local bus brings you to the tunnel entrance. The tunnel is open year-round, but autumn is especially magical.

Whether you’re drawn by the natural grandeur or the artistic installations, Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel and Panorama Station promise a unique and unforgettable autumn escape.

Post by Timkklo | Nov 2, 2025