Echigo-Tsumari Art Tour Satoyama and Modern Art Experience
Active
6h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This 1-day guided tour offers an immersive experience at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, one of the world's largest international art festivals. Explore a unique fusion of art and nature in the picturesque satoyama region.
Highlights include the mesmerizing "Tunnel of Light" at Kiyotsu Gorge and evocative installations like "For Lots of Lost Windows" and "The Last Class." Visit the Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum and MonET, a contemporary art museum featuring works like Leandro Erlich's "Palimpsest: Pond of Sky."
Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients. With convenient round-trip options from either Tokyo or Echigo-Yuzawa, this tour is ideal for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking unique cultural insights.
Available options
Round-Trip from Tokyo
Meeting Point: Midtown Yaesu B1F Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu in front of Information<br/>Starting point:<br/>Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, Japan, 104-0028 Tokyo, Chuo City, Yaesu, 2-chōme2１ 7F
Round-Trip from Echigo-Yuzawa
Meeting Point : In front of Echigo-Yuzawa Visitor Center in the EchigoYuzawa Station Concourse (2F)
What's included
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter
Lunch
Admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Detailed itinerary
1
The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, reborn as MAD Architects' "Tunnel of Light," reflects the grand scenery of one of Japan's great gorges. The final observation deck offers a kaleidoscopic view
2
"For Losts of Lost Windows": This window frame artwork on an Echigo-Tsumari hill offers seasonal views through swaying curtains. It subtly references windows lost in the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake, conveying local memories
3
"The Last Class": Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman's Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale work in the former Higashikawa Elementary School expresses human absence
4
Enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring plenty of rice from the rice terraces and fresh vegetables
5
After lunch, you'll have free time until 3 PM at the MVRDV-designed building, an artwork in itself, featuring works by world-renowned artists like Ilya & Emilia Kabakov and Yayoi Kusama
6
Reopened in 2021, this is the main facility for the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, showcasing art integrated with local nature and culture, including Leandro Erlich's "Palimpsest: Pond of Sky"
What's not included
Fees other than those listed in Includes
Drink charges during lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Depending on vehicle availability, several vehicles may be provided
Cancellation may occur due to traffic obstruction caused by heavy snowfall or inclement weather in the Echigo-Tsumari region
The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
Specific seats on board the bus cannot be requested
The Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is 750 meters long and takes about 30-40 minutes to walk round-trip
The Panorama Station ("water mirror") at the end of Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel is walkable with a depth of about 0.5-2 cm, but as it is easy to get wet, please bring extra shoes, socks, towels, etc. In addition, as it is possible for multiple groups to take photos simultaneously without waiting in line at the Panorama Station, customers may freely enter and enjoy taking photos
[About Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum] The paid area artworks/facilities that can be viewed on this tour are as follows.- Blackboard Classroom, Art Drawers, 10 Albums, Labyrinth, The Artist's Library, The Palace of Projects, How to Make Yourself Better, The Rice Fields, Rotating Absence. *Customers will be viewing on their own. Please be mindful of the allotted viewing time
[Rules and Etiquette for Visiting Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET] Flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the artworks. Please confirm with staff members in advance as some artworks can be photographed. The artworks on display will be changed regularly, and some areas may not be open to the public during the exhibition change period. Please do not touch the artworks. Please view the museum exhibits in silence. Please leave large luggage in a locker. Eating and drinking are prohibited outside designated areas
[Lunch: Echigo Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo (Japanese/Western-style buffet)] This buffet-style meal uses plenty of rice from the rice terraces and fresh vegetables. The menu lineup has about 20 kinds of local flavors and homemade dishes. Drink charges are not included. As lunch is a buffet, requests for vegetarian meals cannot be accommodated
[What to Wear/Bring] Please wear shoes and clothing which are easy to walk in. This tour involves walking outdoors. Please take measures against heat depending on the season. Summer: Temperatures can reach up to 35°C. Please bring items that protect from the heat such as sunglasses, hat, parasol, neck cooler, etc. As there may be a lot of mosquitoes in June to August, please bring insect repellent. In rainy weather, using a raincoat is recommended as it offers better visibility than an umbrella, won't break in strong winds, and keeps the hands free
Large luggage such as suitcases cannot be brought during the tour. Please have them delivered in advance, or leave them in a locker or at your hotel before participating
[For Round-trip from Tokyo Option] Please check the tickets and final itinerary for the train number and times. Changes may not be made to the scheduled Shinkansen
[For Round-trip from Tokyo Option] The Shinkansen schedule may vary slightly due to unforeseen conditions
[For Round-trip from Tokyo Option] No refunds will be issued even if the Shinkansen tickets are not used. In such cases, please use public transportation to the destination on your own
[For Round-trip from Tokyo Option] If you must cancel your tour after receiving the Shinkansen tickets, please send the tickets back to JTB Sunrise Tours
[For Round-trip from Tokyo Option] Changes may not be made to the scheduled Shinkansen. Customers who miss the designated Shinkansen may board a later departing Shinkansen in the non-reserved car section only (same day only)
[For Round-trip from Tokyo Option] Customers will carry their own baggage. Please be aware that there is not much space on board the Shinkansen
Meeting point
Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu B1F Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu in front of Information. Access: About a 3-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exist
Important notes
• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (Operated between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.
• In case bookings have been made separately, you may be assigned to be on separate tour buses.
About Niigata Prefecture
Niigata Prefecture, located on the northwest coast of Honshu, is renowned for its high-quality rice, fresh seafood, and stunning natural landscapes. With its long coastline along the Sea of Japan, hot springs, and the famous Echigo-Yuzawa ski resort, Niigata offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.
Top Attractions
Sado Island
Sado Island, located off the coast of Niigata, is known for its rich history, gold mines, and traditional performing arts. It offers stunning natural landscapes and cultural experiences.
Nature/Historical/Cultural
1-3 days
Moderate to Expensive
Echigo-Yuzawa
Echigo-Yuzawa is a popular ski resort area known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. It also offers hot springs and scenic beauty.
Adventure/Relaxation
1-2 days
Moderate to Expensive
Niigata City Aquarium
The Niigata City Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction featuring a variety of marine life, including dolphins, penguins, and fish native to the Sea of Japan.
Nature/Education
2-3 hours
Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Noppe
A traditional Niigata dish made with grated daikon radish, fish, and other ingredients, served with a dipping sauce.
Dish
Contains fish and seafood
Hegisoba
A local noodle dish made with flat soba noodles, grilled fish, and vegetables, served with a savory sauce.
Dish
Contains fish and seafood
Koshihikari Rice
Niigata is famous for its high-quality Koshihikari rice, known for its sweet and sticky texture.
Staple
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Onsen (Hot Springs)
Yoga
Meditation
Scenic Train Rides
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)
These seasons offer mild weather, beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, and are ideal for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
10°C to 25°C
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (GMT+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Niigata is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and verified tour operators.
- • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Niigata Airport • 15 km from Niigata City
By train
Niigata Station
By bus
Niigata Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Niigata, with frequent services connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Bandai City
Furuichi
Minamichito
Day trips
Sado Island
1.5 hours by ferry • 1-3 days
Sado Island offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. It's known for its gold mines, taiko drumming performances, and scenic hiking trails.
Echigo-Yuzawa
1 hour by train • 1-2 days
Echigo-Yuzawa is a popular ski resort area known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding facilities. It also offers hot springs and scenic beauty.
Nagaoka
30 minutes by train • 1 day
Nagaoka is a city known for its historical sites, including the Nagaoka Castle and the Nagaoka Park, which hosts the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in August.
Festivals
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival • Early August
Sanno Festival • Mid-August
Niigata Matsuri • July
Pro tips
- Visit Niigata during the cherry blossom season (late April to early May) for stunning scenery and pleasant weather.
- Try local specialties like Noppe, Hegisoba, and Koshihikari rice for an authentic Niigata culinary experience.
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak seasons and festivals.
- Consider renting a car for exploring rural areas and scenic spots at your own pace.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your interaction with locals and show respect for the culture.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
