[Niigata, Echigo Yuzawa] A trip to visit the snow-covered Kiyotsu Gorge and Carl Bengs Old House Cafe

[Single person only! Transportation included] Enjoy a modern take on local cuisine for lunch at Kiyotsu Gorge, a popular spot even in winter. Afterward, visit the traditional Japanese cafe, designed by German architectural designer Karl Bengs, whose work has been featured on television. Kiyotsu Gorge's majestic columnar jointed rock faces and emerald-green clear streams inspire visitors. In 2018, the restaurant was featured in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, and at the end of the tunnel, the Panorama Station, a fantastical art space where the valley scenery is reflected in the water. Afterward, enjoy lunch at Echigo Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo, also featured in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. (Note: The restaurant is closed from December 22nd to January 8th, so it will serve hegi soba noodles instead.) The light blue interior, with its wall-to-wall glass windows and mirrored tables, is an art space where the seasonal scenery seen from the windows of Matsudai residents' homes is reflected. Enjoy a modern take on local cuisine. On weekends, we offer cheese fondue and a food buffet, while on weekdays we offer Satoyama rice or Satoyama curry. (The restaurant we introduce varies depending on the day. Depending on the situation, we may offer Hegi soba.) After lunch, we'll visit a traditional Japanese cafe located on the first floor of the building that houses the office of Karl Bengs, a German architectural designer whose work is featured on educational channels. Our certified guide will take you around popular spots in a private car. [Meeting Point] JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station West Exit Rotary [Course] Echigo-Yuzawa Station → Kiyotsu Gorge → Lunch (Echigo Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo or Hegi soba lunch restaurant) → Traditional Japanese Cafe "Shibui" → Echigo-Yuzawa Station [End Point] JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station West Exit ・Who is this experience recommended for? ○ Nature lovers, including valleys and geoparks ◯ Art lovers ◯ People interested in life and culture in snow country ◯ People who enjoy listening to the guide's stories ・Why is this experience being held? Kiyotsukyo Gorge and the old-style cafe are very popular, but there are only a few buses per day from Echigo Yuzawa, so it's not easy to access without a car. That's why we've created a small-group tour where a certified guide will take you around in their own car. Why not tour the tourist spots while listening to local stories that only locals can tell? [Notes about fees] *Entry fees to Kiyotsukyo are to be paid by each individual. Adults: 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 400 yen *Lunch is to be paid by each individual. Weekends and holidays: Cheese fondue and buffet - Adults: 2,000 yen, children: 1,000 yen