This is a one-day tour where you can experience winter in the unexplored region of Akiyamago, one of the world's heaviest snowfall areas.

This plan is available only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Winter Program “Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Winter 2025”.

Even in Echigo-Tsumari, Akiyamago is difficult to get to on your own in winter. It's a bus tour that departs from and arrives at Echigo Yuzawa station, so it's safe.

You can also see the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, a popular spot, and ≪Akeyama≫, an art center in Oakasawa Village of Akiyamago, which gained popularity at last year's Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. For lunch, ≪Katakuri house≫ will prepare a heart-warming meal using plenty of local ingredients.

Would you like to experience the harsh yet beautiful world of the unexplored Akiyamago in winter?

[Tour itinerary]

10:00 Meet by the vehicle of Morimiya Kotsu at Echigo Yuzawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal (parking lot on the right just outside the East Exit)

*Morimiya Kotsu driver will be waiting for you with a board marked “To Akiyamago”.

10:30-11:30 Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel (admission fee to be paid by individual)

12:40-13:30 Lunch at Katakuri House (Tsumari Sugoroku, an artwork, can be viewed.)

14:00-15:00 Akeyama (admission fee to be paid by individual)

15:30 Katakuri House (toilet break)

　★You can get off at In front of the Tsunan town hall.

17:00 Returns to Echigo-Yuzasa Sta., the tour completes.

*During heavy snow, the stop at Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel/Akeyama may be canceled and the itinerary and stop locations may be changed.

Ma Yansung MAD Architects “Tunnel of Light” Photo: Nakamura Osamu

Yui Inoue “Yamanokuchi” Photo: Kioku Keizo

Tour overview

Schedule

2025 (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)

January 25th, 26th

February 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 11th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th

March 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th

Travel fee

Adults (high school students and above) 10,000 yen

Elementary and junior high school students 9,000 yen

Infants 3,000 yen

*Includes bus fare, lunch fee, and tax.

*Admission to each artwork is not included.

Deadline：18:00 two days prior to the date of operation, or as soon as capacity is reached.

Origin / Destination：Echigo Yuzawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal

Transportation：Chartered bus (Morimiya Kotsu)

Capacity：min. 1 person

Host

Travel planning and execution: Niigata Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agency Region 2-440, NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization

3743-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Travel Agents Association regular member 025-761-7749 / officialtour@tsumari-artfield.com

Note

No tour operator or guide will accompany the tour.

There are no interpreters on the tour.

Please read the terms and conditions of this tour, including the cancellation policy, before participating.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel your participation in the tour due to customer's convenience, the following cancellation fee will be charged per customer. From 10 days before the start date of the trip (for overnight trips, from 20 days before the start date of the trip): 20% of the travel fee Up to 7 days before the start date of the trip: Travel 30% of the tour fee The day before the start of the trip: 40% of the travel fee On the day of the trip: 50% of the trip fee Cancellation after the start of the trip or non-participation without notification: 100% of the trip fee

NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization Travel Terms and Conditions

NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization Standard Travel Agency Terms and Conditions

Notice

 *Itineraries are subject to change or cancellation due to natural disasters or road conditions.

*No refunds will be made in case of itinerary changes.

*Please be advised that junior high school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

*When viewing the artworks, visitors will be walking on snow. Please wear snow boots or boots at least ankle-length.

*Arrival time at the final destination may be changed. Please make sure to reserve your return Shinkansen train with enough time to spare.

Inquiry

Katakuri House Contact/Access

TEL: Katakuri House 025-761-5205 (9:00-18:00/Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

MAIL: katakuri@tsumari-artfield.com