TOKAMACHI, Niigata -- An observation area of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel, a roughly 750-meter-long tourist attraction in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, has been given a stripy makeover. The tunnel's new black-and-white stripes create an artistic atmosphere that is capturing the hearts of its visitors.
The tunnel was painted for the triannual Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale festival, which was scheduled to be held this summer. Although this year's festival has been postponed, the tunnel was opened to the public as planned. It is said that the black and white stripes represent the way the wind and rivers flow.
"The design is so bold and interesting," said a 46-year-old visitor from Niigata City. "It feels like I'm going to be sucked into the tunnel itself."
For the 2018 festival, water was pooled at the end of the tunnel to create a spherical image of the surrounding gorge scenery. According to the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel Management Office, this renovation has boosted the spot's popularity, bringing about 500,000 visitors over the span of two years.
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