Text by Alex
Fans of the anime Initial D will know that Japan has more than one road with “five consecutive switchbacks.” Aside from Gunma Prefecture’s Mount Haruna (fictionally called Akina in the series), the Irohazaka Winding Road in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, is also a featured location. Legend has it that winning on this road requires the ultimate move—“cliff-jumping overtaking”!
▲ The uphill route of Irohazaka features 20 turns. (Photo by takeshi.wa @IG)
The entire Irohazaka Winding Road is built along the mountain terrain, resulting in its winding path with a total of 48 turns. The road is divided by the Kegon Valley into two one-way sections: the northern part is the first route, which is a one-way downhill, and the southern part is the second route, a one-way uphill. The first route has 28 turns, while the second route has 20. The elevation difference along the road is about 440 meters.
▲ (Photo by marutsubame @IG)
The Irohazaka Winding Road is a vital route leading from Nikko City to popular tourist spots such as Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. It offers breathtaking views of Nikko’s rich natural scenery and is a favorite driving spot for locals. Among them, the Chuzenjiko Onsen Viewpoint (reachable via a cable car) on the uphill section is an ideal spot to admire Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls.
▲ (Photo by marutsubame @IG)
Additionally, Irohazaka is also known as Momiji-zaka (Maple Slope) and is one of the country’s premier spots for autumn leaf viewing. The previously mentioned Chuzenjiko Onsen Viewpoint, perched high above, provides sweeping vistas of both Irohazaka and the Kegon Valley, making it extremely crowded on holidays during the fall foliage season. Those planning a self-drive trip should be prepared and allow ample time.
▲ (Photo by oguriblackmusic @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by kuuto1469 @IG)
▲ (Photo by tochiginod5 @IG)
▲ The downhill route of Irohazaka features 28 turns. (Photo by marutsubame @IG)
▲ The downhill route of Irohazaka (Photo by yashi0816 @IG)
▲ Irohazaka often experiences heavy traffic during the autumn foliage season (Photo by 0hana613 @IG)
▲ View of Kegon Falls from the Chuzenji Ropeway Observation Deck (Photo by kytnc1397706 @IG)
▲ Kegon Falls (Photo by tobu_nikko_trip @IG)
▲ Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai (Photo by michikusa_guide @IG)
▲ Hakkei Island in Lake Chuzenji (Photo by kuuto1469 @IG)
Source: Ikidane Nippon, Live Japan