Discovering Japan's Alphabetical Ascent: The Iroha-zaka Winding Roads
Japan, asia
N/A
396 m
hard
Year-round
# Iroha-zaka: Japan's Legendary Mountain Switchback
Tucked away in Tochigi Prefecture's mountains, Iroha-zaka is a pair of beautifully winding roads that connect the charming lower elevations of central Nikko to the misty heights of Okunikko. What makes this route truly special? Each curve is labeled with a letter from the ancient Japanese alphabet, and you'll encounter them in perfect alphabetical order as you climb.
Here's how it works: this one-way system features two separate roads—the newer Second Iroha-zaka handles all the uphill traffic, while the classic First Iroha-zaka (now downhill-only) takes you back down. Together, these asphalted roads showcase an impressive 48 hairpin turns, which is exactly where the name comes from. "Iroha" refers to the first three syllables of the ancient 48-letter Japanese alphabet, and "zaka" simply means slope. Brilliant naming, right?
The road climbs over 1,300 feet (396 meters) through dense forest, gaining popularity back in the early Showa era when locals started referring to it by its now-famous name. Originally used by Buddhist pilgrims heading to Lake Chuzenji at the summit, this route carries serious cultural weight in Japanese history.
Both roads were built in the 1950s and '60s as some of Japan's pioneering toll roads, though thankfully they're now free to drive. The journey is stunning—especially on the older downhill road, where you can pull over to admire two beautiful waterfalls. And if you're heading up the newer route, you'll eventually reach the gorgeous Akechidaira Plateau near the summit.
Where is it?
Discovering Japan's Alphabetical Ascent: The Iroha-zaka Winding Roads is located in Japan (asia). Coordinates: 36.3566, 137.6171
Road Details
- Country
- Japan
- Continent
- asia
- Max Elevation
- 396 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.3566, 137.6171
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