A Journey into Nature with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field

When you think about art, you usually think about paintings and sculptures in a museum. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Field project was established to challenge that idea. While this project does include traditional museums, it is more concerned with how art interacts with a space and what constitutes art. Along the way, between exhibits, there are some amazing sights to see. This is the second article on the Art Field project. There are too many things to pack into one article, so please check out the first one to learn about some other great places to see.

A Journey into Nature with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field

Can a picturesque view of rice paddies be considered a work of art? The Echigo-Tsumari Art Field project hopes you’ll walk away thinking so. The exhibits are thoughtfully placed throughout a 760 square kilometer region so that visitors are required to interact with nature and the locals in order to appreciate them. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness about our connection to the environment.

A Journey into Nature with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field

The Hoshitoge Rice Fields may not be what we would think of as a traditional work of art, but the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field would like to challenge that idea. This area is often cited as having one of the best views of rural Japan. During the day, you can see an expanse of tiered rice paddies from above, but the real magic happens in the early morning hours when a sea of clouds hovers over the ground below. The sun starts rising very early in Japan, so keep in mind that you’ll need to be in position around 4am to appreciate the view to the fullest.

A Journey into Nature with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field

The Bijin Bayashi Forest is another detour worth taking. The name “Bijin Bayashi” literally means “forest of beautiful women” in Japanese. It’s said that the forest got its name because of the thousands of elegant beech trees that are beautiful no matter the season. In the center of the forest, you can find a small, quiet pond with many fish.

A Journey into Nature with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field

A Journey into Nature with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field

Near the Bijin Bayashi Forest, the House of Pictures (Shashin no Ie) is an unassuming spot you wouldn’t immediately think to check out. From the outside, it’s just a traditional old farmhouse overlooking a rice field. Inside, however, the walls are lined with photos. In the center of the room, there’s a traditional tea stove sunken into the floor with seating surrounding it so you can enjoy a nice cup of tea before you go.

A Journey into Nature with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field

Lastly, the Kiyotsukyo Tunnel Museum, another part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, allows you to enjoy art in a uniquely natural setting. The Kiyotsukyo Gorge is a beautiful ravine surrounded by steep, craggy cliffs, and there’s no better place to get a view of it than from the museum. Inside the tunnels that cut through the hills of the gorge, you can find 23 sculptures created by carving wood and then turning the wood into charcoal. The best part of the exhibit is looking out over the gorge at the end of the main tunnel. The reflective pool that sits behind the viewing platform also makes for a great photo opportunity.

echigotsumari daichinogeijutsusainosato

Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Tokamachi City, Tsunan Town various places

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Bijin-bayashi Forest

Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Matsunoyamamatsuguchi Near the 1712-2

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