Spring Echigo-Tsumari Course 2025

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This is a digest tour showcasing the masterpieces of Echigo-Tsumari. Enjoy art amidst the lush greenery of the satoyama landscape. Lunch is served at the Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo, featuring seasonal ingredients. In May, the menu will be rich with dishes made from fresh mountain vegetables.

Details

9:30 Departure from Echigo-Yuzawa Station (East Exit Bus Terminal)

30min.

10:00 An entire tunnel transformed into art

”Tunnel of Light” Ma Yansong / MAD Architects

The first stop of this tour is Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, which has been popular since its opening to the public.
Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan, created by 16 million years of earth history. Visitors can view the fusion of the beauty of the gorge and art in the 750-meter-long tunnel. The spectacular natural scenery, which changes with the seasons, is also a must-see.

Tunnel

Details

15min.

11:15 Experiencing the nature of Satoyama

"For Lots of Lost Windows" Utsumi Akiko

Seasonal views through the windows deepen appreciation for Echigo-Tsumari’s nature. Swaying curtains reflect sunlight and breeze, drawing visitors into the stunning landscape.

public art

Details

15min.

11:45 The place evokes memories that have accumulated over time

”The Last Class” Christian Boltanski＋Jean Kalman

Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman's work, which unfolds at the former Higashikawa Elementary School, allows you to experience the artwork with your entire body through faint light, the scent of straw grass, and the sound echoing in the corridors. Let's trace the history that has been accumulated in the school building, which is covered in snow for a long period of time.

Closed School

Details

20min.

12:30 A luxurious and gorgeous playground appears.

”Golden Playroom” Toyofuku Ryo

Once you step through the tatami mats and white walls, you enter an unexplainable, luxurious and gorgeous space. In this playground, visitors can actually play with retro invader games and others.

abandoned house

Details

10min.

13:00 Savour the season inside artworks

[Lunch] Echigo Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo

A buffet featuring fresh vegetables from local farmers and wild mountain greens nurtured by Echigo-Tsumari’s rich nature, all crafted into dishes with a regional twist. Savour the deep flavours of Echigo-Tsumari while taking in the breathtaking view of terraced rice fields and satoyama.

Lunch

Details

Matsudai NOHBUTAI

Matsudai NOHBUTAI is the base facility for the Matsudai Nohbutai Field Museum. A new work will be added to the "Kabakov's Dream" project by Ilya & Emilia Kabakov, one of the artists who have come to symbolize the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. A short walk from the Nohbutai, visitors can also visit the Matsudai History Museum and artworks in the Joyama area.

Matsudai Cafe

Details

30min.

14:20 Spatial picture book museum in an abandoned school

Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art

This museum, set in a closed school, brings a picture book world to life. Through driftwood artworks and various creatures, it weaves a story centered on "the last three students," creating an immersive, storybook-like experience.

accommodation

Details

20min.

15:20 A representative museum of Echigo-Tsumari.

Museum on Echigo-Tsumari, MonET / Akashinoyu

This is the main facility of the "Echigo-Tsumari Art Field," featuring artworks by renowned contemporary artists such as Nawa Kohei, Nakatani Michiko, and 目[mé]. You can also choose to leave the tour here and relax at Akashinoyu to ease the fatigue of your journey.
*If you wish to leave the tour, please inform us when making your reservation.

Museum

Details

60min.

17:00 Arrival/Disbanding at Echigo-Yuzawa Station

Notice

・Itineraries are subject to change or cancellation due to natural disasters or road conditions.
・We will select your seat on the bus. If you have a companion for another application, please enter them in the remarks column. There is also a possibility that you may share seats with other passengers.
・Some art works require a short walk after getting off the bus. Please bring shoes that are easy to walk in and take off, a hat and drink on hot days, and rain gear in case of rain.
・The arrival time at the final destination may be earlier or later. Please make your return Shinkansen reservations well in advance.

Booking On-line

Summary

Dates	Every Saturday from 4/26 to 7/12 & 4/28 (Mon), 29 (Tue, Holiday), 5/1 (Thu), 5/3 (Sat), and 5/5 (Mon)
Admission	Travel Price: Adults (High school age and above) ¥14,000 Elementary and Junior High School students ¥12,000 Infants ¥3,000 *Includes bus fare, lunch, guide fee, artwork viewing fees, and consumption tax.
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	15-25 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. Please read the terms and conditions of this tour, including the cancellation policy, before participating. Travel Conditions Standard Conditions of Travel 【Inquiries】 Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Information Centre TEL : +81 (0)25-761-7767 (9:00-18:00, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday) MAIL : officialtour@tsumari-artfield.com

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