History of the Irohazaka Winding Road
Irohazaka is a sightseeing road connecting Nikko city and Lake Chuzenji / Oku-Nikko. The first Iroha Saka on the northern side and the Second Iroha Saka on the south are divided where the Kegon Valley and the Kegon Waterfall is located. The total of both slopes are 48, which also features a sharp curve.
This place was opened in 1982. It was believed to be a sacred place of mountain beliefs since ancient times, but it is said that Iroha Zaka opened at that time. In the Taisho era (1912 – 1926) the road was improved, and became the first Iroha slope roots made. After that, the road improvement was repeated, and in 1965 the second Iroha slope was completed.
Facilities
There are two parking lots that serve as a resting place called Kurokami Plain and Akechi Plain in the middle of the second Iroha slope.
The Akechira Panorama Rest House is installed in the Akechi Plain. There is also Akechira ropeway, which serves as a station building, and you can see Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji from the observation stand at the end of the ropeway.
Best time to visit the Irohazaka Winding Road
Irohazaka is known as the most beautiful spot of autumn leaves in sunlight, and in autumn, it is a magnificent drive course. Also, the spring fresh green season is also known.
Visiting guidelines
The spring sightseeing season is pretty heavy, so go out when you have plenty of time. Also on the roadside, a wild Nihonzaru or Japanese Monkey appears. Lastly, attention to belongings is required because the damage of depriving souvenirs and so on has been continuing.
How to get there
From JR · Tobu Nikko station, take Tobu bus for approximately 45 minutes and get off at Akei Hirayu bus stop. It is approximately 15 minutes by car from Nikko Utsunomiya Road Kiyotaki IC.
