Kiyotsu Gorge is one of the three biggest valleys in Japan along with the Kurobe Gorge (Toyama Prefecture) and the Osugidani Gorge (Mie Prefecture). Known for its visually striking igneous rock formations created by a volcanic eruption around 16 million years ago, Kiyotsu Gorge was registered on the list of National Places of Beauty and Natural Monuments in April 1941, and officially became the Joshin-etsu Kogen National Park in September 1949. (more…)