Valley Spots in Niigata Area

  • Kiyotsu Gorge
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    4.0
    136 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Koide
    In 1862, local people built a hot springs bath at Kiyotsu Gorge; in 1941, the Gorge was officially designated a Natural Monument, and in 1949 it was included as part of the newly-established Joshinetsu-Kogen National Park. It is well worth seeing, both for the beauty of the Gorge and for the spectacular columnar joint rock formations. Kiyotsu Gorge is beautiful at any time of year, but visitors should note that the tunnel that gives access to the Gorge is closed between mid-January and late March.

    Not very impressive unless you like walking in the dark. The public bus service from Echigo-Yuzawa station will get you to different drop off areas. One drop off is approximately 3 miles from the...

  • Kiyotsu Valley Tunnel
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    4.0
    40 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Koide
    This walking tunnel is in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park in Tokamachi. It opened as a tourist location in October of 1996 as a place where you can safely see Kiyotsu Gorge, one of Japan's three largest gorges. There are three viewing platforms along the 750-meter long tunnel with a panorama station at the deepest part. Here you can appreciate the country's beautiful natural gorges and columnar jointing topography designated as a National Natural Monument. No matter the season, be it the new sprouting leaves of spring, the verdant greens of summer, the crimson colors of fall, or the fresh snow of winter, lots of tourists come to enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the gorge. The tunnel is closed from mid-January to late March.

    越後妻有「大地の芸術祭」の折に訪ねた。清津川を挟んで切りたった岸壁が続く大峡谷「清津峡」、日本三大峡谷の一つに数えられているそうだ。そこに穿たれた遊歩道トンネルがアートスペースになっている。途中に見晴し所や説明パネルに加え、見応えのあるアート作品も展示されているが、圧巻はトンネルの終点となるパノラマステーション。半鏡面仕上げのステンレスがトンネルの壁面天井に貼られ、足元は水が張られて鏡のように外の...

  • Hayade River Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Gosenshi Kotsuradani
    This gorge is located in the upper reaches of the Hayadegawa River in Gosen City. Drivers can enjoy great views of its natural splendor as they head towards the Hayadegawa Dam. The dam itself offers sweeping views of the mountains carpeted in fresh greenery or fall foliage depending on the season. Visitors can also enjoy viewing the beautiful scenic sights of the gorge including Koromo Rock, Meoto Falls, Fudo Falls, and more.
  • Arakawa Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Iwafune-gun Sekikawamura Yusawa
    This gorge lies along the Arakawa River in Bandai-Asahi National Park. It is the best spot in the prefecture for seeing autumn leaves, and it features other attractions, such as popular driving routes and Echigo-Sekikawa Hot Spring Village. It is considered one of the 100 Scenic Spots in Niigata Prefecture, and Takanosu Suspension Bridge, considered one of the 50 selected bridges of Niigata Prefecture, is considered the foremost viewing spot on the river. The autumn leaf season, from late October to early November, is a great favorite of visitors, giving them a view of brocade-like beauty. On National Route 113, the so-called Arakawa Narrows Autumn Leaf Line, drivers can see the natural “art” of the trees, as befits the name of the road.
  • Nakatsugawa Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Nakauonuma-gun Tsunanmachi Oakasawa Tei
    This gorge extends from Kiriake, Sakae Village, Nagano Prefecture to Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture through an area famous for its autumn leaves. The motive Mikurabashi suspension bridge over the jade green water of the river and the red arch of the Maekurabashi are among the sights that are found here and there along the river. Twelve little settlements are scattered along a 20-kilometer stretch in an area called Akiyama-go. Hemmed in by the steep Nakatsugawa Gorge, they were not developed as much as other settlements, so this is a region that preserves the flavor of rural life in the past. The gorge is beautiful in all four seasons and is full of hot springs. The autumn leaves, especially the yellow leaves of the beech trees and the simple atmosphere create an astonishing beauty.
  • Kotakigawa Jade Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Itoigawashi Kotaki
    Jade is sourced in this ravine where a large rock face from Mt. Myojo fell. It has been designated a natural monument of Japan as the Kotakigawa Jadeite Deposit. The first jade ever found in Japan was discovered here in 1938 and now the place is a well known tourist spot in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture. Many people are attracted to this beautiful gorge created through years of flowing water with walls of rock and greenery. The towering rock wall is a well known spot for avid rock climbers and the gorge is also famous for producing the Itoigawa Juniper. Collecting rocks is prohibited. Note: Closed in winter and stormy weather
  • Ryugakubo (Top 100 Waters)
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Nakauonumaguntsunanmachi Yachi 6217
    Formed by a large amount of groundwater, Ryugakubo is a swamp approximately 1.2 hectares in size, but one that maintains clean water and never gets turbid. It was designated as a nature conservation area for Niigata in 1974 due to its superb natural environment. It currently provides domestic water for residents in the region.
  • Aburumagawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Uonuma-shi Oshirakawa Hoka
  • Ikazawa Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Minamiuonuma Shimizuse
  • Agano Kawa Line
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Higashikanbara-gun Aga Machi Shirosaki
  • Seto   Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Tokamachi-shi Nishitajiri
  • Hashidate Jade Kai
    Travel / Tourism
    Nigata Pref. Itoigawashi Hashidate
  • Otakidani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi
  • Kowakidani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi
  • Yunotani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi
  • Kawauchidani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi
  • Kujidani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi
  • Aisawadani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi
  • Kanayamadani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi
  • Utadani
    Travel / Tourism
    Niigata Itoigawa-shi

Niigata Areas

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Found along the northwestern coast of Japan, Niigata prefecture is celebrated for its high-quality rice and breathtaking nature, most notably its spectacular mountains, whose white peaks draw in snow sports lovers from far and wide over the winter months. Hit the slopes at Yuzawa, pick out your favourite modern artist at Echigo Tsumari, or take a ferry over to Sado Island for an extra adventure.

Niigata Photo Album

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