Because Japan is in a temperate climate zone, the four seasons are clearly delineated.
Trees that are radiant with fresh green leaves in the spring begin to turn red and yellow when the fall comes.An autumn leaves front crosses the island of Japan, starting in northern Japan where the temperatures are low and moving down to southern Japan.
The best time for enjoying the fall foliage at popular spots for autumn leaves in Japan differs slightly depending on the region.
While there are many popular spots for fall foliage in Japan, one of the most widely known spots is Nikko’s Irohazaka Road.
The area becomes especially full of people from across Japan hoping to see the fall foliage every year during the peak season from mid-October to early November.
The Irohazaka Road links Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture with the scenic Lake Chuzenji at the foot of Mount Nantai.
The Second Irohazaka Road is used to go up and the First Irohazaka Road is used to go down, and both of these roads are one-way, two-lane winding mountain roads.
The name “Irohazaka” comes from the fact that the First Irohazaka Road and the Second Irohazaka Road combined have a total of 48 curves, which is the same number as the number of sounds in the traditional Japanese alphabet, the first three sounds of which are “Iroha.”
The steep slopes and curves of the Irohazaka Road continue for a total length of 15.8 km.
Both sides of the road that is part of National Highway 120 are surrounded by the Nikko National Park, and you can enjoy the colors of the seasons that include fresh green leaves in the spring and fall foliage in autumn.
This mountain road gets particularly crowded during the peak fall foliage season.
While it can be frustrating to be stuck in traffic in the city, the Irohazaka Road is surrounded by nature. It can be a feast for your eyes if you relax and take the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the fall foliage to the left and right.
If you visit outside of the peak season it is possible to enjoy a comfortable drive while skillfully steering through these hairpin curves on this road surrounded by greenery.
There are two rest areas at Kurokamidaira Plateau and Akechidaira Plateau on the road.
If you go up to the observatory using the ropeway from Akechidaira Plateau, you can see a 360-degree view of the Kanto Plain.
Information Nikko Irohazaka http://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/9/
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