Spot in Niigata Prefecture

Kiyotsukyo gorge [清津峡]

Kiyotsukyo
Kiyotsukyo
Photo by Niigata Prefectural Tourist Association

Columnar joint of Kiyotsukyo
Columnar joint of Kiyotsukyo

Kiyotsukyo is a gorge located about 6 km northwest of Echigo-Yuzawa town.
But, because there are mountains between Kiyotsukyo and Echigo-Yuzawa town, we have to take a detour to visit the gorge.

The gorge is in a narrow valley formed by Kiyotsu River, and the length is about 12 km.

The walls of the cliff are formed with numerous column-shaped rocks called "columnar joint".

Magma in the ground rose 5 million years ago.
The magma was cooled, and columnar joint was formed.
Then the river had eroded the rocks for a long period of time.

Tunnel for visitors in Kiyotsukyo
Tunnel for visitors in Kiyotsukyo

Kiyotsukyo
Kiyotsukyo

For the visitors, a tunnel 750 meters long is set up.
There are three observetories to see the gorge in the tunnel.

It is closed from January to March.

How to get here

From Tokyo, by Joetsu-Shinkansen, about 1 hour and 10 to 35 minutes.
By route bus, about 25 minutes from Echigo-Yuzawa station to Kiyotsukyo-iriguchi stop.
From there, about 2 km walk along Kiyotsu River.

Other Tourist Attractions in Niigata Prefecture

Echigo-Yuzawa Naeba ski resort Hoshitoge Rice Terrace Niigata city Fukushimagata lagoon Lake Hyo Tsukioka Onsen Sasagawa-nagare coast Yahiko Shrine Myoko highland Sado Island

Return to Niigata Prefecture Return to Koshin-etsu Region