Kiyotsu Gorge 清津峡

Description

Kiyotsu Gorge in Niigata Prefecture is one of Japan’s three largest gorges, along with Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture and Osugidani Gorge in Mie Prefecture. Located inside the Joshin’etsukogen National Park, the gorge was created by geological activity both above ground and below, most notably the eruption of an underwater volcano some 16 million years ago. The massive rock cliffs form a deep V-shaped cut down to the Kiyotsu River, which is a tributary of the Shinano River, the longest river in Japan. The cliff surfaces feature a columnar joint structure, in which the rock has fractured into long, tightly-packed, uniform columns; combined with the emerald green of the fast-flowing river, the gorge offers dynamic scenes of majestic beauty. A tunnel with a viewing platform was renovated in 2018 to include a pool of water that reflects the gorge’s scenery. Visitors flock here especially in spring and fall, when the melting snow and budding spring greenery, or the fiery hues of the fall foliage, contrast magnificently with the rock cliffs. However, the gorge is sometimes closed in winter due to heavy snow.