Irohazaka Winding Road

Connecting central Nikko to Lake Chuzenji, this 15.8 km scenic road is a renowned tourist route. It consists of two separate roads: the "First Irohazaka" for descending and the "Second Irohazaka" for ascending. The road features 48 hairpin turns, named after the 48 characters of the ancient Japanese syllabary "Iroha." The origins of Irohazaka trace back to the mountain worship of Mt. Nantai, dating to the Nara period. Due to its sacred nature, the Okunikko area, which begins at Irohazaka, was considered holy, and women were prohibited from entering until the Meiji era. The area was developed and opened in the Showa era.

Both sides of the road are lined with Nikko’s lush natural beauty, with autumn foliage offering a spectacular display. With a 440-meter elevation difference, the best time to view the fall colors varies depending on altitude, allowing for an extended period of vibrant scenery. A highlight is Akechidaira, located midway along the Second Irohazaka. From here, you can take a ropeway to the Akechidaira Observation Deck, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji, Mt. Nantai, and Kegon Falls, all beautifully framed in autumn colors.

While the journey typically takes about 20 minutes, during the peak autumn season, the road can become congested with visitors seeking the scenic views, and it may take 2–3 hours. To avoid traffic, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or plan for a relaxed schedule.