In this article, we will provide a summary of information for those who want to go to Kiyotsukyo by local buses.
And also, we will introduce the reservation-only buses, so please read this article to the end.
Echigo-Yuzawa Station: Local buses and Where to Board
As of 2024, the most accessible bus stop to Kiyotsukyo is “Echigo-Yuzawa station” whether you are coming from Tokyo, Niigata or the others (note: that it is NOT Tokamachi station).
The bus you will board is the Minami-Echigo Kanko Bus – Line of Kiyotsukyo – Tsunan – Morimiyanohara.
Please watch the official Minami-Echigo Kanko Bus official website for bus timetables, routes, and route maps.
The bus stop is at the “East Exit” of Echigo-Yuzawa station.
After exiting the East Exit, please get the bus stop is No. 4 bus stop #5 line, bound for Morimiyanohara.
Dropping-off point and access to Kiyotsukyo.
After riding the bus for about 30 minutes, get off at the “Kiyotsukyo Iriguchi” stop.
From there, it is about 30minutes to walk to the entrance of the Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Please be careful because of the road is narrow.
Useful Information and Notes
: Advanced Reservation Required Period for the Kiyotsukyo Gorge Tunnel 2024
Advanced reservations are required for the following periods. Please apply from the official website.
Saturday, July 13 – Sunday, November 10, all Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and weekdays from August 2, August 13 to August 16, October 21 to November 8.
: If you have a lot of luggage, please use the coin lockers at Echigo-Yuzawa Station or the luggage storage at the Echigo-Yuzawa Visitor Center. Click here for a map of the Echigo Yuzawa Station premises.
Luggage storage around Kiyotsukyo is available at the Kiyotsukyo Tourist Information Center.
: The number of buses is limited, so please check the time of your return bus before you go.
: Depending on the time of year, buses other than local buses may be organized. We will provide information as needed, so please take advantage of it.
Introduction of buses with reservations as of May 4, 2024
Please contact the respective host office for application and inquiries.
“Yukiguni Sinryoku Liner” connecting Echigo-Yuzawa station, Kiyotsukyo, and Tokamachi station
Operation Dates: Saturday, May 11, 2024 – Sunday, July 7, 2024 (only Saturdays and Sundays)
The “【Tokamachi station – Kiyotsukyo】 Satoyama Art Shuttle” (sponsored by Tokamachi City Tourist Association) and the “【Yuzawa – Kiyotsukyo】 Shuttle” (sponsored by Yukiguni Kankosha) will operate from and to Tokamachi station and Echigo-Yuzawa station, respectively. This service is convenient for those who wish to travel from Tokamachi station, so please take advantage of it.
You can also purchase a one-way ticket to travel from Yuzawa to Kiyotsukyo and back to Tokamachi.
https://www.tokamachishikankou.jp/special/yukiguni-shinryoku-liner/
Yukiguni Kankosha
Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen Snow Country Tourism (snow-country-tourism.jp)
https://www.snow-country-tourism.jp/
Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale official tours (organized by NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization)
https://www.echigo-tsumari.jp/en/visit/v_category/tour/
Please enjoy Kiyotsukyo sightseeing by local buses or by reservation buses.
If you have any questions about sightseeing, please contact us as the Tourist Information.