🗺️ Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Modern Art Museum MonET越後妻有里山現代美術館 MonET

The "Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale," held every three years, focuses on the theme of coexistence between nature and people. The main venue is the "Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art, MonET," located in Tokamachi City. The semi-outdoor concrete corridor and glass curtain wall building is designed by Hiroshi Hara. Surrounding the building is a water basin created by Leandro Erlich, a magical work that reflects both architecture and sky. From the second-floor corridor of the museum, one can explore the reflections of the buildings on the water's surface, where the images depicted in the water basin perfectly overlap with the actual structures. In addition to the permanent exhibitions featuring works by artists like Naoya Matsumoto and Kohei Nawa, the museum also hosts various special exhibitions. Furthermore, the unique museum shop is a must-visit. It not only sells merchandise related to various artists but also offers locally produced rice and sake. Among the permanent displays in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, the "Tunnel of Light" in the Kiyotsu Gorge has gained immense popularity. Kiyotsu Gorge, known for its columnar jointing, is one of Japan's three major gorges. The "Tunnel of Light," designed by Ma Yansong/MAD Architects, is a 750-meter-long tunnel featuring three observation decks and a restroom at the second viewpoint, along with an art installation at the panoramic viewing station at the end of the tunnel. The panoramic viewing station offers a dreamlike view of the cliff gorge reflected on the water's surface, making it the perfect spot for photos.

The main venue of the "Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale." You can enjoy carefully selected contemporary artworks throughout the year. The museum shop sells locally produced agricultural products. The "Tunnel of Light" in Kiyotsu Gorge is the best photo spot that combines art and breathtaking scenery.