Irohazaka Winding Road
Japan, asia
15.8 km
1,270 m
moderate
October to November
The Irohazaka Winding Road is a pair of steep, switchback-laden mountain roads in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The first Irohazaka (downhill) has 28 curves and the second (uphill) has 20 curves, each named after a character in the old Japanese iroha poem. Rising from 600 to 1,270 meters, these roads connect the town of Nikko to the highlands around Lake Chuzenji.
The routes are famous for their spectacular autumn foliage, when the surrounding forests of maple, oak, and birch transform into a blaze of red, orange, and gold. The roads were originally built in the early Meiji era and have been a beloved driving destination ever since, offering tight hairpin turns with panoramic mountain views at every level.
Where is it?
Irohazaka Winding Road is located in Kanto, Japan (asia). Coordinates: 36.7381, 139.4975
Driving Tips
Visit in mid-to-late October for peak autumn colors. The uphill and downhill routes are separate one-way roads. Traffic can be heavy on weekends in autumn. Stop at the Akechidaira Ropeway viewpoint for panoramic views. Night driving is not recommended due to the tight curves.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Japan
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Kanto
- Length
- 15.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,270 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- October to November
- Coordinates
- 36.7381, 139.4975
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