🗺️ IROHA Slope (Iroha-zaka)

IROHA Slope (伊呂波坂) is a scenic road that connects the city of Nikko with Lake Chuzenji, stretching 15.8 kilometers in length. It features a downhill-only "First IROHA Slope" and an uphill-only "Second IROHA Slope," which together have 48 curves, named after the 48 sounds of the Japanese syllabary "IROHA." It is said to have originated from the mountain worship centered around Mount Nantai during the Nara period. Therefore, until the Meiji era, access to IROHA Slope and the sacred area of Oku-Nikko was prohibited for women, and it was only after the Showa era that development and improvements were completed. The road is flanked by the rich natural scenery of Nikko, which is especially enchanting during the autumn foliage season. Due to an elevation difference of 440 meters, the views vary at different heights, allowing for an extended period to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors. At the Akechidaira station along the Second IROHA Slope, visitors can take a cable car to the Akechidaira Observation Deck, where the views are spectacular. From there, one can take in the autumn colors of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai, and Kegon Falls all at once. During the autumn foliage season, a large number of self-driving tourists flock to enjoy the scenery, causing what is usually a 20-minute drive to stretch to 2-3 hours. To avoid congestion, it is recommended to arrive in the morning or to allow extra time for an earlier departure.

A scenic road connecting Nikko city and Lake Chuzenji, with a total length of 15.8 kilometers. This road is famous for its stunning autumn foliage views. During the autumn leaf season, traffic often gets congested, so it's advisable to allow extra time and set out early.