Irohazaka Winding Road

Nikko Irohazaka Winding Road is the nickname of National Highway 120, which goes from Lake Chuzenji to Umakaeshi of Nikko Town. The name Umakaeshi means "returning a horse" and it refers to the steep mountain road that was so steep, they had to turn their horses around. It was in 1954 that Irohazaka was developed as a highway and at that time, there were 48 sharp curves in the road, which is referenced in the song "Iroha 48 Words."

However, with economic growth, the number of cars and sightseeing buses passing through increased rapidly and caused serious traffic jams on the hill. In 1965, a second Irohazaka road was created, branching off from the Umakaeshi and the original road was restricted to in-bound traffic. In addition, even with the rebuilding of the original Irohazaka, the total number of curves remained at 48. The road is still a one way with the signs "I, Ro, Ha" displayed at each curve. You can cruise around the hill and spot these character street signs that can be found nowhere else. Nevertheless, because of the seasonal high traffic congestion problems especially during national holidays and the changing of leaves in the fall, there are rest areas now available mid-route. At the Akechidaira Observatory, a visitor favorite, located on the second Irohazaka, you can see Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.