Art in the Wild Echigo Tsumari Tour

Comfortable Sightseeing by Car! Special Tour of Tokamachi and the Earth Art Festival with a Dedicated Guide Efficiently explore the artworks scattered throughout the vast satoyama landscape while enjoying the feel of a leisurely drive! Experience the highlights in luxury, without the stress of getting around. Comfortable Travel and Sightseeing: Since you’re traveling by car, you can enjoy the artworks without worrying about the weather or getting tired! A Deeper Connection to the Art: The fun of viewing the art doubles with behind-the-scenes stories and commentary from your dedicated guide. Discover Hidden Gems: Follow a route crafted by locals who know the area inside and out, taking you to hidden gems and Instagram-worthy spots! This isn’t just about viewing art—it’s a special journey that captures the joy of exploring. Let’s cruise through Tokamachi’s art together!

1. 1

   Kiyotsu Gorge

   1 hour

   A guide will accompany you into the tunnel and provide commentary. Plastic shoe covers will also be distributed free of charge to anyone who needs them to keep their shoes dry. Kiyotsu Gorge—one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges—offers a magnificent, natural spectacle created by the earth itself. Particularly famous is the sight of the water pooled on the floor, which acts like a mirror, beautifully reflecting the gorge’s scenery. This breathtaking view, unique to Kiyotsu Gorge, blends the grandeur of nature itself with a space reminiscent of modern art. You’ll discover completely different charms depending on the season: fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and a fantastical world blanketed in snow in winter. Ma Yansong / MAD Architects,"Tunnel of Light"(Echigo-Tsumari Art Field)

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   A work by Akiko Utsumi that invites visitors to quietly engage with nature. When you gaze at the satoyama landscape of Echigo-Tsumari from the window-like spaces, the familiar scenery takes on a slightly different appearance. It is a delicate work created by the interplay of light and curtains swaying in the breeze. Akiko Utsumi, “For Lots of Lost Windows” (Echigo-Tsumari Art Field), photo by Osamu Nakamura

3. 3

   The Last Class

   30 min

   A work by Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman set in the former Higashikawa Elementary School, now a closed school. Through darkness, light, sound, and scent, it evokes memories of the school that once stood here and the presence of people who once lived there. It is a slightly mysterious and deeply memorable art experience. Christian Boltanski and Jean Kalman, et al., “The Last Class,” Photo by T. Kuratani

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1.5 hours

   We’ll have lunch here. The guide will join us. Lunch is billed separately. The guide will handle the payment, and you’ll pay in cash after lunch. You’ll also have the opportunity to view works by Yayoi Kusama and others. A leading art hub in Echigo-Tsumari where satoyama and contemporary art converge. A variety of artworks are scattered along the approximately 2-kilometer stretch from the building’s surroundings to Matsudai Castle, allowing you to enjoy art while walking through nature. In addition to the artworks, the lifestyle of this snowy region and the satoyama landscapes are also major attractions. Yayoi Kusama, “Tsumari in Bloom” (Echigo-Tsumari Art Field), photo by Osamu Nakamura Jean-Luc Vilmouth, “Cafe Reflet” (Echigo-Tsumari Art Field), photo by Ayumi Yanagi

5. 5

   Stop 5

   55 min

   A former elementary school has been transformed into an interactive art museum that feels like stepping into the world of a picture book. The world depicted by Seizo Tajima features former students, teachers, and even school ghosts. It’s a popular spot enjoyed by children and adults alike. Photo by Rintaro Kanemoto

6. 6

   Stop 6

   1 hour

   This contemporary art museum serves as a hub for exploring the art of Echigo-Tsumari. Visitors can enjoy the distinctive architecture designed by Hiroshi Hara + Atelier Fai Architectural Research Institute, as well as permanent installations by artists from Japan and abroad. It is a museum unique to Echigo-Tsumari, where the satoyama landscape and contemporary art intersect. Ryota Kuwakubo_Photo by Osamu Nakamura Ilya & Emilia Kabakov, “16 Ropes,” photo by Keizo Kioku

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.