My plan for the day was to first visit the Hoshitouge Terraced Rice Fields and take some drone shots. Totally snowed over. I sort of had fun driving up and down mountain roads but what I really wanted to see was green…but today saw instead…..blimey! Poor planning on my part.

Then onto Echigo Hillside Park to check out some vibrant flower displays, before making my way to Kiyotsu Gorge. Closed on a Monday, doh!! Poor planning on my part again.

Well success with 1 out of 3 ain’t bad I suppose. Kiyotsu Gorge is one of Japan’s 3 great gorges and its the location of the famed “Tunnel of Light’. The towering cliffs create a V shaped grand canyon over the river. A short walk along the riverside from the parking area, leads you to the 750m tunnel entrance, drilled into the side of the mountain to allow tourists to view the gorge safely (after a deadly avalanche in the 1980’s). In 2018, the Chinese firm ‘MAD Architects’ renovated the tunnel, drawing on the five elements of wood, earth, metal, fire and water – introducing coloured lights, altering soundscapes as you walk along and three openings with different art installations, all set against the backdrop of the gorge. Delightful visual treat!

Stayed at the Yumatoya Ryoken, Niigata …..very special! A public bath house was involved. Wow, quite the experience.