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

  • Niigata
  • Special Features
Ma Jansson / MAD Architects "Tunnel of Light" (Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial work)

Tokamachi is full of attractions during the fall foliage season! Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture

Tokamachi City, located in the Chuetsu region of Niigata Prefecture, is dotted with seasonal charms and the colors of the earth that fascinate people. In this issue, we will focus on "Autumn in Tokamachi" and introduce some recommended spots.

Kiyotsukyo / Tunnel of Light

Kiyotsukyo Gorge (Niigata Prefecture) is known as one of Japan's three great gorges along with Kurobe Gorge (Toyama Prefecture) and Osugi Valley (Mie Prefecture).
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.
A magnificent view of Kiyotsu River and autumn leaves
*Image provided by Tokamachi City Tourist Association
Formation of autumn leaves and reefs
*Image provided by Niigata Tourism Association
Kiyotsukyo Gorge is a huge rock wall that cuts across the river, creating a V-shaped canyon of national pride, and is designated as a national scenic beauty and natural monument.
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.
A spectacular view from the tunnel
*Image courtesy of Niigata Tourist Association
You can enjoy an artistic view of the world
Image courtesy of Niigata Tourism Association
Enjoy the artistic tunnel!
For more information about Kiyotsukyo Tunnel of Light, visit

Beautiful beech forests in spring, summer, fall, and winter

Bijinrin refers to a 3-hectare area of hills in Matsunoyama Matsukuchi, Tokamachi City, where beech trees, some 100 years old, grow thickly. The area has come to be called "Bijinbayashi" (beautiful forest) because of the beauty of the standing trees.

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.
A walk through the beautiful forest in autumn is pleasant!
Image courtesy of Niigata Tourism Association
Beautiful forests with colorful autumn leaves
Image courtesy of Tokamachi City Tourism Association
The Beauty Forest shows various expressions in spring, summer, fall, and winter....
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.
You can enjoy the wonderful autumn contrast! Image courtesy of Tokamachi City Tourism Association
For more information about Bijinrinrin, visit

Tokamachi has many attractions such as modern art, natural scenery, and food nurtured by heavy snowfall!

Tokamachi, with its beautiful natural scenery that changes from season to season, has much to offer!
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

There are many terraced rice paddies scattered throughout Tokamachi City. The terraced paddy fields, which are terraced along the topography, are the result of the wisdom and hard work of our ancestors. The clean water and air from the heavy snowfall and the farmers' hands nurture the delicious rice that supports our food supply. The terraced rice paddies, which are a part of Japan's original landscape, are a true treasure of the region, displaying their beauty in spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Terraced paddy fields at Hoshitoge with a view of the morning sun in the distance Image courtesy of Tokamachi City Tourist Association
The Hoshitoge terraced rice paddies are one of the most popular spots among the terraced rice paddies in Tokamachi City, with about 200 paddies of various sizes spread out on the slopes like fish scales, showing various faces from season to season and from morning to afternoon. In 2022, the area was recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as a "Linking Rice Terraces Heritage Site.
Please come and see for yourself! Image courtesy of Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association
The glowing terraced rice paddies are a fantastic world! Image courtesy of Tokamachi City Tourism Association

Echigo Matsudai Terraced Rice Field Group There is also a map of terraced rice fields!

This map shows rice terraces in the Matsudai area of Tokamachi City and is available at tourist information centers.
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.
Echigo Matsudai Terraced Rice Paddy Fields Terraced Rice Paddy Fields Map
For more information about "Echigo Matsudai Rice Terraces, Hoshitoge Rice Terraces", visit
For train + accommodation reservations in Niigata area, please visit [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
Tags related to this article
Previous post Back to list Next
related articles