Road trip around Tokamachi, Niigata, colored with art

“Echigo Tsumari Art Trienniale ” is one of the world’s largest international art festivals and is held here every three years. There are several spots which become venues of the vast art festival around the main stage of the event Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture. The event is arranged creatively, so visitors can enjoy a full day exploring without losing interest. Why not discover the area by car on an itinerary that is enjoyable even outside the dates of the festival.

DAY1

Niigata

6.0hourcourse
- Echigo Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, KINARE
  
  10:00
- Matsudai Nohbutai
  
  11:30
- Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
  
  13:19
- Bijinbayashi Beech Forest
  
  14:26
- Echigo Matsuyama Kyororo Forest School
  
  15:00

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DAY1

- Echigo Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, KINARE
  
  10:00
  
  60min
  
  Other Bathing Facility
  
  As the base of the Echigo Tsumari Art Trienalle, this stunning piece of architecture houses art museums, cafés, and spas. The museum provides brochures on a wide range of sightseeing opportunities. But, first, spend some time at the museum taking in the atmosphere of the art festival.
  
  Address
  
  Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Honchou 6-1-71-2
  
  Phone
  
  0257520117
  - 越後妻有交流館キナーレ
- Car
  
  30min
- Matsudai Nohbutai
  
  11:30
  
  90min
  
  Art Museum
  
  A 30 minute drive from the Echigo Tsumari museum is Matsudai Nohbutai, a contemporary art facility and gateway to the region’s culture. Matsudai Nohbutai acts as a “field museum” and center point of some 40 artworks dotted around the surrounding area. Before you head out to explore, try the Satoyama Megumi art lunch at the facility’s blue lit café.
  
  Address
  
  Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Matsudai 3743-1
  
  Phone
  
  0255956180
  - まつだい「農舞台」
  - まつだい「農舞台」
  - まつだい「農舞台」
- Car
  
  19min
- Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
  
  13:19
  
  30min
  
  Other Natural Terrain
  
  Tokamachi is dotted with beautiful terraced rice paddies, but, if you've come this far, you'll definitely want to stop by the Hoshitoge rice terraces. Altogether, there are some 200 large and small terraced rice fields. Their appearance transitions with the seasons, and they attract photographers and sightseers all year round.
  
  Address
  
  Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Touge
  - 星峠の棚田
- Car
  
  37min
- Bijinbayashi Beech Forest
  
  14:26
  
  30min
  
  Plateau
  
  Next, head to the mountains for a drive through some of the most spectacular forest scenery. The slender beech trees of Bijinbayashi, one of Niigata's most popular tourist attractions, as well as a photographer's dream come true, have been growing for almost a century. Here, you'll find the ideal spot to try out the Japanese tradition of shinrin yoku, or forest bathing.
  
  Address
  
  Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Matsunoyamamatsuguchi Near the 1712-2
  
  Phone
  
  0255973442
  - 美人林
  - 美人林
- Car
  
  4min
- Echigo Matsuyama Kyororo Forest School
  
  15:00
  
  60min
  
  Museum / Science Museum
  
  Immediately behind the Bijinbayashi beech forest, and resembling a submarine in its design, is the science center, Kyororo Forest School. In addition to exhibits that detail the flora and fauna of the region, the center holds art events as part of the Echigo Tsumari Art Trienalle. Much of the art is on show at the facility's cafe the perfect place to chill out.
  
  Address
  
  Nigata Pref. Tokamachishi Matsunoyamamatsuguchi 1712-2
  
  Phone
  
  0255958311
  - 十日町市立里山科学館(越後松之山「森の学校」キョロロ)
  - 十日町市立里山科学館(越後松之山「森の学校」キョロロ)
- FINISH
  
  16:00