Kiyotsu Gorge is in Niigata and it is approximately 3 hours drive from Tokyo.
It is also 35 mins drive from the House of Light (opening hours are limited so please check ahead of your visit.)
Please note that you will need to check access and safety directions for driving in this area in the winter months.
It IS possible to visit the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel using public transport but, with small children, I recommend renting a car as it is complicated and you’ll need to be watching the clock the whole time for timetables. Also, if you drive, you can park pretty much at the entrance to the tunnel -whereas, if you take a bus – you need to still walk along the road for 30 mins. I’ve written about what it is like to drive in Japan here.
What to read before driving in Japan
The Japan Automobile Federation has a detailed guide on road safety in Japan here.
Here is the link to the National Police Agency’s Traffic Safety Guidelines in Japan.
And here is the National Police Agency’s brochure for international drivers in Japan.
And here are my personal tips for driving in Japan.
If you still decide to take public transport then, from Tokyo, take the shinkansen (bullet train) for 80 mins to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Take an express bus for Morimiyanohara for 25 mins to Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi Bus Stop and then walk for 30 mins.
If you are looking for a high-end place to stay in this area and your children are 12 or older, I recommend staying at Satoyama Jujo.
If visiting the Gorge tunnel as a family, I recommend making sure you bring a stroller for smaller children as it is a slow 750 metre walk to the end (with a gentle incline.) There are a handful of strollers to borrow but they do get snatched up quickly.
The opening hours at Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is open from 8:30AM-4:30PM (The tunnel closes at 5pm)
Please take note that the winter hours are shorter (December – February) from 9am-3:30pm (the tunnel closes at 4pm.) The tunnel may close after or during heavy snow days.
Admission prices at Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
Adults (high school students and older): 1,000 yen
Children (elementary and junior high school students): 400 yen
Preschool aged children: free
Please make sure you bring cash to pay then entrance fee. In busy periods, I recommend making a reservation ahead of time. You can do so by using this Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel booking site in English.
There is a stamp station just inside the entrance (after ticket purchase.)
How long does it take to visit the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel with kids?
I recommend setting aside a full hour (may take a little longer if you add in a bit of wriggle time and toilet time etc.)
Can I take snacks into Kiyotsu George Tunnel for kids?
Sure. I think it’s a good idea to take crackers etc. There are a few places to sit and rest on the way in. I, personally, wouldn’t take anything super smelly or a full bento or anything. Just something to crunch on quickly while you take a rest.
What is it like inside the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel?
It is like a beautiful installation art walk actually. So unique! An amazing mix of nature and art!
Read all about art installations within the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel here.
The second floor of the tunnel entrance also has a foot bath!
Are there restrooms inside the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel?
Yes.
Is there anywhere to change a baby at Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel?
There is but it is in the restrooms near the carpark outside the entrance (at the toilets in carpark 1.)
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS NEAR KIYOTSU GORGE TUNNEL?
Just outside the tunnel entrance is a cafe called Periscope. It is open 9am-6pm. They also accept most major credit cards. This is a walk-in cafe only (no reservations). Menu options include various flavours of soft-serve ice-cream, lots of different juices (carrot, pear, mango), tea, coffee, cocoa.
Sasagoya is a little cafe/souvenir shop just outside the tunnel entrance next to the carpark. They sell soft-serve ice-cream and oyaki (wheat buns with savoury fillings.)
Usually open until 4pm.
