Autumn Foliage on Irohazaka — A Scenic Drive of 48 Curves in Inner Nikko

Around each hairpin curve unfolds a panorama of blazing autumn color. Irohazaka in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a mountain driving route known across Japan as a place to view fall foliage. Linking the town of Nikko with Inner Nikko, where Lake Chuzenji lies, the road turns entire hillsides red and yellow in autumn, drawing many visitors in search of the spectacle. Driving it while the scenery shifts at every curve is a truly special experience.

Highlights

Irohazaka is a steep mountain road connecting the town of Nikko with the higher elevations of Inner Nikko, with a combined elevation difference of about 440 meters. Its name comes from the number of curves, said to correspond to the 48 characters of the old iroha syllabary. The one-way uphill Second Irohazaka toward Lake Chuzenji has 20 curves, while the one-way downhill First Irohazaka has 28, and each curve is marked in order with a syllable of the iroha. Partway up the Second Irohazaka lies Akechidaira, where a ropeway rises to an observation deck offering a sweeping panorama of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. The drive through the continuous hairpins is itself an experience.

Enjoying the Seasons

The greatest draw of Irohazaka is the autumn foliage. Because the elevation change is large, you can sense the color deepening as you climb, so the viewing period lasts for a good while. At each curve the mountains dressed in red, yellow, and orange spread before you in breathtaking beauty. Peak color is typically from mid to late October. The fresh green of spring is refreshing too, and a drive up the road wrapped in deep green is invigorating.

Access and Basic Information

Access is by bus from JR or Tobu Nikko Station, or by car. At the top lies Inner Nikko, brimming with sights such as Kegon Falls, one of Japan's three great waterfalls, the mystical Lake Chuzenji, and the Senjogahara marshland. Pairing the drive with the World Heritage shrines and temples of Nikko below makes for a full day.

Practical Travel Notes

• The foliage season is very crowded and prone to traffic jams, so an early morning visit helps you avoid congestion.
• Traffic restrictions are sometimes in place, so check the latest road information in advance.
• Because the First and Second Irohazaka are each one-way, follow the signs so you do not head the wrong direction.
• The view from the Akechidaira ropeway is a must, and since the observation deck can be chilly, a jacket is reassuring.

A Word of Advice

Irohazaka is a road too good to simply pass through. Stop the car once at Akechidaira, take in the view from the observation deck, and then continue to Inner Nikko. Such a detour deepens the memory of the trip. Set out early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the grand nature of Inner Nikko to your heart's content.

📚 Sources

This article is based on sightseeing guidance published by the Nikko City Tourism Association and public information on the Irohazaka road and the Akechidaira Ropeway. Notes on the number of curves, the elevation difference, and the one-way first and second Irohazaka roads refer to road signage and public materials. Traffic controls in the foliage season, ropeway operation, and road conditions may change, so please confirm the latest road information and official guidance before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1 to 2 hours for the drive and the Akechidaira view, or a full day adding the inner Nikko sights.
• What to bring: A jacket, as the Akechidaira Ropeway observation deck can be chilly.
• Route tips: The foliage season is very crowded and jammed, so an early-morning visit works best.
• Driving note: The first and second Irohazaka roads are each one-way, so follow signs and mind your direction.
• Check ahead: Traffic controls may be in place, so check the latest road information in advance.