About Irohazaka

Irohazaka is a sightseeing road in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, and is a steep mountain road connecting downtown Nikko with Chuzenji Lake and Oku-Nikko. The slope, literally named after the 48 letters of the word “Iroha,” has 48 curves each on the uphill and downhill sides. The steepness of the road and its many curves make it a popular and thrilling course for driving and biking enthusiasts, and especially during the season of autumn leaves, it is a perfect driving spot for many tourists.

The greatest attraction of Iroha-zaka is the spectacular view that can be enjoyed while driving through its steep slopes and curves. Especially during the foliage season, the slope is covered with red and yellow trees, and driving through them is like driving through a tunnel of autumn leaves. The view from the observatory is also spectacular, and in the fall, the entire mountain is tinted in autumn colors, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the autumn foliage spreading across the entire field of view. In addition to the autumn foliage, one of the charms of Iroha-zaka is that you can enjoy the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons, such as fresh greenery in spring and snowy scenery in winter.

Iroha-zaka is also characterized by the smooth flow of traffic, as it is divided into two sections, one for ascending only (Daini-Iroha-zaka) and the other for descending only (Dai-Iroha-zaka). This division allows for less traffic congestion and comfortable driving during the round-trip drive. Along the way, there is the “Akechidaira Observatory,” from which you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Mt. Visitors can also take a ropeway from the observatory and enjoy Nikko's natural beauty from an even higher vantage point.

Iroha-zaka is the busiest season, especially during the autumn foliage season, when many tourists visit by car or motorcycle. In addition to being an enjoyable drive, the Irohazaka is also an important sightseeing route, as it provides access to Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and even Oku-Nikko via the Irohazaka. It is also a challenging yet attractive route for those who enjoy hiking and cycling as well as driving.

Each curve on the Irohazaka is assigned a hiragana letter, such as “I,” “RO,” or “HA,” and signs placed along the way indicate its progression. Following these signs gives drivers and riders a sense of accomplishment as they clear the curves one by one in a natural setting, which is a fun element for drivers and riders.

All in all, Iroha-zaka is an attractive sightseeing spot with its steep and curvy roads that make driving enjoyable, and the beautiful scenery of the surrounding nature. It is loved by many tourists as a spot where they can enjoy various activities such as driving, touring, and even viewing the autumn leaves and visiting tourist attractions.