The Iroha-zaka: A Scenic Route to Lake Chuzenji

The name Nikko is synonymous with iconic landmarks like the Shinkyo Bridge and Lake Chuzenji. However, nestled between these two attractions lies a hidden gem: the Iroha-zaka, a winding road considered one of Japan's most scenic routes.

Forming part of the Nihon Romantic Highway, the Iroha-zaka ascends the mountainside, offering breathtaking views as it snakes its way towards Lake Chuzenji. This one-way road, designed for safety, ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for those traveling from Nikko to the lake.

The leaves had not yet changed color when we first left Nikko, so we drove with anticipation, wondering if the scenery above would be beautiful.

The first stop was a breathtaking viewpoint. The leaves were at their peak of autumnal splendor, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors.

The winding road is comfortable to drive on as it is one-way and has two lanes.

The ascent will pass through the ropeway station, leading to a scenic viewpoint with breathtaking views that make the 730 yen round-trip cable car fare seem like a steal.

The ropeway, also known as the **Akechidaira Ropeway Station**, is conveniently located along the uphill road. Visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid backlight when taking photos. The journey from the station to the top viewpoint takes only 5 minutes. Additionally, the area around the lower station offers a picturesque view of the Irohazaka slope and the cascading waterfall.

Cable car parking lot

The queue for the cable car is incredibly long, even though it's a weekday.

While waiting in line, they took photos to pass the time.

The cable car is approaching, please prepare to board.

The observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Suwa, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai.

To reach Lake Chuzenji, you can take a bus from Nikko City. However, the downside is that you will have to wait for the bus, and some viewpoints do not have bus stops. Therefore, if you want to fully enjoy the beauty of the Irohazaka Road, you should rent a car. In addition to driving on this road, you can also drive further to see the beautiful scenery above. ... I rented a Nissan March for four people from Nikko City. The rental fee was 5,400 yen per day, and the fuel cost was about 800 yen. The total cost was about 500 baht per person, which is very worthwhile and allows you to see "Nikko" from a new perspective that you can choose at your own pace.

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