Hidden Akiyamago ［Clove Theatre Lunch Trip］
Open
Join this summer-only course showcasing Akiyamago’s art amid grand nature and living history. Enjoy seasonal dishes at Restaurant Kamigo Clove Theatre, accompanied by a performance from local women.
9:30
Departure from Echigo-Yuzawa Station (East Exit Bus Terminal)
40min.
10:10
Facing environmental issues through art
"POTEMKIN" Architect Office Casagrande & Rintala
Once plagued by illegal dumping, this riverbank has been transformed by a public–private project led by architects to restore its natural beauty. White pebbles, grand trees, the flowing river, and remnants of industrial waste blend together to create a truly unique space.
20min.
10:45
Reflect on the memories this place holds.
"The Last Class" Christian Boltanski＋Jean Kalman
Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman’s installation at the former Higashikawa Elementary School uses faint light, the scent of straw, and echoing hallway sounds to let you fully experience the history built up during long, snow-covered seasons.
5min.
11:10
Black threads awaken unseen memories.
"House Memory" Shiota Chiharu
During a two-week stay in Echigo-Tsumari, the artist stretched black yarn throughout an abandoned house, weaving in locals’ “things they no longer need but can’t let go of” along with the memories held in each object.
35min.
12:00
Enjoy a playful culinary experience.
"Restaurant Kamigo Clove Theatre" EAT&ART TARO
At this theater-style restaurant, local mothers called “Onnasho” use Tsunan’s seasonal ingredients to serve dishes in a bright, fun performance. You’ll savor both food and theater while warming your heart with their smiles.
12:50
Exchange hub of the Kamigo region
Echigo-Tsumari "Kamigo Clove Theatre"
Housed in the recently closed former Kamigo Middle School, this performing arts complex showcases mainly music-themed works.
Hong Kong House
As a gallery and lodging facility for ongoing cultural exchange with Hong Kong, it now presents “Whispers of Stone” by Hong Him & Asim. Inspired by suikinkutsu and shishi-odoshi, stones and Cantonese porcelain jars resonate to revive a 2,500-year-old tale in a modern soundscape.
20min.
13:45
Historic Temple at Akiyamago’s Gateway
Midama Fudoson
This Tendai temple in the Midama settlement is home to Fudo Myo-o, famed for curing eye ailments. Ancient cedars line the shaded path, and cool spring water flows through rocks beside the stone steps to the main hall, creating a refreshing power spot even in summer.
20min.
14:50
Learn communal land techniques and beliefs.
Akeyama Arts Center
Closed in 2021, the former Tōnan Elementary School Oakasawa Branch now shares Akiyamago’s history and culture through art. As a “school to reclaim the power of human living,” it brings together locals, researchers, and artists to learn and practice communal land skills and traditions.
15min.
15:50
A remote former school transformed into a hot spring inn
"Tsumari Sugoroku" Hara Rintaro + Hara Yu
Inside the former gym of Katakuri House, a giant Sugoroku game called Tsumari Sugoroku combines basketball hoops, an organ, and a custom ping-pong table. Inspired by Akiyama-go’s villages and snowy landscapes, this playful space lets you relive nostalgic memories while you explore.
Katakuri House (possible to get off the tour)
"This inn was once a school that watched over local children, and the old principal’s office is now a hot spring that warms you to your core.
*Accommodation is not included in the tour; please make your own reservation."
*Accommodation is not included in the tour; please make your own reservation."
60min.
17:30
Arrival/Disbanding at Echigo-Yuzawa Station
Summary
| Dates | Sundays, July 20 & 27; August 3, 10, 17 & 31; and Saturday, August 23, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Admission | Tour Fee: Adults: ¥12,500 6-15 years old: ¥11,000 3-5 years old: ¥3,000 Under 3: Free *Children under 2 years old who require meals and a bus seat select the infant fare. (Includes bus fare, lunch, guide fee, Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel admission, and consumption tax.) *A Common Ticket is required to join the tour. If you do not have one, please select the “Fee with Common Ticket” when making your reservation. |
| Deadline | 24:00 (midnight) the day before the tour. |
| Origin / Destination | Echigo-Yuzawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal |
| Transportation | Chartered Bus (Minami-Echigo Kanko Bus) |
| Capacity | 19 persons (min. 1 person) |
| Host | Travel planning and execution: Niigata Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agency Region-440, NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization 3743-1 Matsudai, Tokamachi-shi, Niigata Prefecture, Japan Travel Agents Association regular member 025-761-7749 / tour@tsumari-artfield.com |
| Note |
*Tour guides are for Japanese only. There are no interpreters on the tour. 【Inquiries】 |
Recommended Tours / Itineraries
Contact us for consultation on group tours or travel agency original plans.
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