1History and origin of "Irohazaka"

"Irohazaka" refers to a part of the national highway that connects Nikko city and Lake Chuzenji.
There is a "Second Irohazaka" for uphill traffic only and a "First Irohazaka" for downhill traffic only, and both are one-way.
The First and Second Irohazaka have 48 curves, and each curve is named after one of the 48 sounds of the Japanese alphabet, hence the name Irohazaka. The Second Irohazaka on the uphill side has 20 signs from "i" to "ne," and the First Irohazaka on the downhill side has 28 signs from "na" to "n."

The history of Irohazaka dates back to the Nara period and is rooted in mountain worship, with Mount Nantai as its sacred object.
Because it is a sacred path leading up to Mt. Nantai for worshippers, women and horses were prohibited from entering until the early Meiji period. In the Showa period, the road connecting Mt. Nantai and Nikko city was developed and improved, and it became the current Irohazaka.

2Highlights of Irohazaka's autumn leaves

The best season to visit Irohazaka is during the autumn foliage season.
The autumn leaves in Oku-Nikko usually begin to change color around the Ryuzu Falls (1,350m) in late September and continue to fall toward Nikko city over the course of about two months.
The best season to enjoy the vibrant autumn leaves on Irohazaka, located along the way, is usually from mid- to late October.

The autumn leaves of Irohazaka show different faces depending on the altitude

Irohazaka has an elevation difference between Umagaeshi at the base, which is about 800m above sea level, and Lake Chuzenji, which is about 1,260m above sea level, so the autumn foliage season varies depending on the elevation.
The leaves change color beautifully depending on the temperature difference between day and night and the altitude, and the shades of the leaves vary, so no matter how many times you visit during the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy different expressions each time.

The autumn leaves from Akechidaira are spectacular

There is a rest area at Akechidaira, near the end of the Second Irohazaka, and there is also a ropeway that goes to the Akechidaira Observatory.
From the Akechidaira Observatory, you can get a panoramic view of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, making it a truly spectacular spot to view the autumn leaves.
Akechidaira can only be reached from the uphill "Second Irohazaka" slope, so be careful not to miss the entrance once you pass the "Ne" curve.

Types of autumn leaves to enjoy on Irohazaka

At Irohazaka, you can mainly enjoy the autumn leaves of maples, rowan trees, azaleas, and katsura trees.

Maple

The fresh green leaves are beautiful, and this familiar tree, which is representative of autumn leaves that turn red and yellow, is found in large numbers along Irohazaka.

Rowan

Rowan trees bear small red berries, and in the autumn foliage season their leaves turn a fiery red, creating a striking contrast with the blue autumn sky.

Azalea

The leaves turn an almost orange red in autumn, and the gradation between them and the bright red rowan trees creates a beautiful sight.

Wig

During the autumn foliage season, the leaves turn yellow.
Depending on the season, yellow and green leaves can still be seen mixing together, and the colors of the maples, rowans, and azaleas create an exquisite natural beauty that is a delight to the eyes.

We have introduced the most common types of trees that turn red in autumn, but at Irohazaka, many trees that create a spectacular view of autumn leaves at different altitudes are preparing to change color.

3Direction by car and traffic information

Irohazaka can usually be Direction by car in about 2.5 hours from the city center, and is about a 15-minute drive from Kiyotaki IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Expressway.
The uphill "Second Irohazaka" is a 9.5 km road that can usually be traveled in 20 minutes, but during the autumn foliage season it can take 2 to 3 hours, so be sure to check the traffic information frequently.

How to avoid "Irohazaka" where heavy traffic is expected even on weekdays

Even on weekdays, the area gets crowded with autumn foliage tour buses, so we recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid traffic jams.
Also, plan your departure time so that you can start climbing Irohazaka at 7am on weekdays.
To avoid getting caught in traffic on your way back, it's best to get down Irohazaka by 3 p.m. at the latest.

Be prepared for even heavier traffic jams on weekends and holidays

According to traffic congestion forecast information, expected traffic congestion on weekends during the autumn foliage season is expected to be from 7:00 am to 8:00 am going up Irohazaka, and from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm going down.
It is no exaggeration to say that when you get stuck in traffic, you can't move.
To avoid traffic jams, it is recommended to head up Irohazaka at 6am and come down before 2pm.
Also, if there are any events taking place in Nikko city, further traffic congestion is likely, so be sure to check this as well and make sure to do your research before making your travel plans.

4Direction by public transport

If you take a bus bound for Chuzenji Lake hot spring or Yumoto hot spring from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Railway Tobu-Nikko Station, you will usually arrive at Akechidaira in about 40 minutes.
If you drive along Irohazaka during the autumn foliage season, you will have to worry about traffic jams and finding Parking, and drivers will not have time to enjoy the autumn leaves.
Consider using public transportation as a way to enjoy the autumn leaves at a leisurely pace.

The autumn foliage on Irohazaka, which was chosen as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan," is a spectacular sight.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery.