Kiyotsukyo and beautiful forests! Terraced rice fields and more! Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Tokamachi for Autumn Sightseeing in Niigata!
- Niigata
- Special Features

Tokamachi is full of attractions during the fall foliage season! Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Kiyotsukyo / Tunnel of Light
The magnificent columnar jointed rock faces and the dynamic Kiyotsu River are spectacular and leave a deep impression on visitors. 2018 Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the tunnel was renovated as an artwork by the Chinese architectural group Ma Yansong / MAD Architects, and in addition to a major renovation of the tunnel interior, an entrance facilities were also installed. Using the "five elements" of nature (wood, earth, metal, fire, and water), the architectural space and artistic atmosphere were created to transform this historic tunnel.

*Image provided by Tokamachi City Tourist Association

*Image provided by Niigata Tourism Association
The autumn foliage begins in mid-October and is at its best from the end of October to the beginning of November. The green color fades and yellow becomes more noticeable, and eventually most of the leaves turn yellow, but bright red leaves can still be seen in some places.

*Image courtesy of Niigata Tourist Association

Image courtesy of Niigata Tourism Association

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●Foliage viewing season
Late October to early November
This is only a rough estimate of the time of year.
Location
Koide, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Access
After getting off at Echigo-Yuzawa Station, take an express bus bound for Morimiyanohara, and get off at Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi bus stop (approx. 25 min.). About 30 minutes on foot after getting off the bus.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Beautiful beech forests in spring, summer, fall, and winter
At the end of the Taisho period (1912-1926), all the trees were cut down to make charcoal and the area was left bare, but the following year, beech trees sprouted and grew en masse, giving the area its present appearance. It is also known as a habitat for many wild birds.

Image courtesy of Niigata Tourism Association

Image courtesy of Tokamachi City Tourism Association
In spring, young leaves sprouting amidst lingering snow tell us that spring is coming, and in summer, you can feel a pleasant breeze blowing through the beech trees while surrounded by bright green. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and orange, and you will be enchanted by the picturesque beauty of the space. In winter, the whole area becomes a silver world, and on sunny days, the snow glistening in the sunlight creates a fantastic scene.

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●Foliage viewing season
Early to mid-November *This is just a rough estimate of the season.
Location
Near 1712-2 Matsunoyama Matsukuchi, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Access
Take the Hokuhoku Line and get off at Matsudai Station, then take a cab (approx. 15 min.).
Or, if using a local bus, about 20 minutes on foot from Sakaimatsu bus stop (except in winter).
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Tokamachi has many attractions such as modern art, natural scenery, and food nurtured by heavy snowfall!
We will also introduce "Echigo Matsudai Terraced Rice Paddies, Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Paddies," where the rice paddies are like a water mirror and the beautiful terraced rice paddies.
Echigo Matsudai Terraced Rice Paddies, Hoshitoge Terraced Rice Paddies," where the rice paddies become a beautiful mirror of water



Echigo Matsudai Terraced Rice Field Group There is also a map of terraced rice fields!
Tourist information centers are located at Tokamachi Station and Matsudai Station on the Hokuhoku Line. After getting off at Matsudai Station, the Matsudai/Matsunoyama Onsen Tourist Information Center, which is directly connected to the station, is convenient.
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Location
Tokamachi-shi, Niigata Prefecture
Access
Take the Hokuhoku Line to Matsudai Station and get off at Matsudai Station. 20 minutes by cab.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.