The Conscious Traveller: Stay and play amid art that rejuvenates Japan’s rural countryside

Kiyotsu Gorge is home to Tunnel of Light, one of more than 200 artworks on display in Niigata prefecture as part of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale. PHOTO: JACLYNN SEAH
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

NIIGATA – Thumping heartbeats in an abandoned school. A house engulfed in a black spiderweb. Watching a light show through a hole in the ceiling.

These are not the activities one expects on a typical trip to Japan, but are some of the unusual experiences I had on my road trip around southern Niigata.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.