Located in the beautiful area of Matsunoyama – around 60 minutes drive for Echigo-Yuzawa Station – the ‘Echigo Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science’ was one of the first major projects of Echigo-Tsumari Art Field.

More simply known as ‘Kyororo’, the facility is designed as an ecomuseum with formal exhibition inside the main building but with a focus on outdoor, ‘hands-on’ learning. In-keeping with one of the founding principles of Echigo-Tsumari, Kyororo promotes the harmonious coexistence of people and nature under the broad banner of ‘satoyama’.

The museum is accessible in all seasons including the heavy snow of winter – at which time the distinctive main building sits deep within the snow. Surrounded by extensive nature trails, the museum is perhaps best enjoyed from spring to autumn when visitors can explore the forest and natural waterways, always full of life, colour and noise.

Kyororo is located only a short walk from Matsunoyama’s famous Bijinbayashi or ‘Beauty Forest’. The museum includes  a restaurant and gift shop.