Irohazaka Route
Irohazaka Route
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
344 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
169
Average
103
Poor
6
Terrible
4
wireless_in_CA
United States4,902 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We rode the public bus in Nikko and enjoyed the route since we were one of the lucky ones that secured seats when boarding. This was around 7AM ish on a Saturday morning.
The bus did not struggle at all with any of the curves and the schedule was maintained up until the rope way stop where it got stuck for at least 10 minutes behind a line of cars waiting to enter the rope way parking lot. Other than that I soon lost track of all the switchbacks and turns that we drove through. I agree that a car would likely be more fun on this road as long as there was no traffic.
Coming back to Nikko I recommend sitting on the left side of the bus for better views from the windows. The trees were starting to turn in mid-October so that added some. vibrancy for the fall drives on this road.
The bus did not struggle at all with any of the curves and the schedule was maintained up until the rope way stop where it got stuck for at least 10 minutes behind a line of cars waiting to enter the rope way parking lot. Other than that I soon lost track of all the switchbacks and turns that we drove through. I agree that a car would likely be more fun on this road as long as there was no traffic.
Coming back to Nikko I recommend sitting on the left side of the bus for better views from the windows. The trees were starting to turn in mid-October so that added some. vibrancy for the fall drives on this road.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim buay p
Singapore, Singapore11,324 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The traffic jam on Sunday was quite bad. We stopped at Akechidaira Ropeway on the way there. Coming down on a Monday was much better. We noticed the many turns but had no problem with it.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter S
Brookfield, CT28 contributions
Dec 2019
As a car enthusiast on this trip to Japan I convinced my wife (pretty easily) to travel up to Nikko for Irohazaka first and everything else second. We had rented an EK9 Civic Type R for a small road trip and we ended up staying at a ryokan at the top of the mountain next to Lake Chuzenji. I did this purposely to maximize the number of times we'd need to drive up and down the mountain. What an amazing road - it's an absolute work of art. Even going rather slowly you are still bound to run into traffic on the way down unless you go during off-peak hours when nothing around is open anyway.
The uphill side is 2 lanes, so that was easier to travel up and almost as fun as the downhill. There are quite a few spots you can pull off safely and take pictures/take in the view. The uphill side also has a cable car to bring you up higher for views of Kegon falls, Irohazaka, and the valley below. It takes maybe 15-20 minutes to go up or down but you can do a continuous loop pretty easily! There are also some nice hiking trails, water falls, and small businesses to enjoy at the top of the mountain before heading back down for some more fun and views.
Just watch out for the monkeys! We saw one at the top (awesome), then coming back up later in the day there were maybe 8-12 right at the bottom of the uphill. It made for some great extra character to the area but definitely keep an eye out for them!
The uphill side is 2 lanes, so that was easier to travel up and almost as fun as the downhill. There are quite a few spots you can pull off safely and take pictures/take in the view. The uphill side also has a cable car to bring you up higher for views of Kegon falls, Irohazaka, and the valley below. It takes maybe 15-20 minutes to go up or down but you can do a continuous loop pretty easily! There are also some nice hiking trails, water falls, and small businesses to enjoy at the top of the mountain before heading back down for some more fun and views.
Just watch out for the monkeys! We saw one at the top (awesome), then coming back up later in the day there were maybe 8-12 right at the bottom of the uphill. It made for some great extra character to the area but definitely keep an eye out for them!
Written 19 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveS1970
Coventry, UK7,305 contributions
Mar 2020
This road is famous for the amount of hairpin bends it has. Each band is numbered, probably to let the driver know when it will be over, and there are amazing views. Part of the tour when seeing the lake and the falls.
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jk-liu
Taichung, Taiwan1,976 contributions
Oct 2019
There is lots of Z shape of the route in the mountains. What exciting route. If you have a sports car then you can drive fast and race with nature.
We rode the city bus between Nikko and Lake Chuzenji several times.
In the beginning, my family doubts the city bus could drive on the Z shape route to get the mountain? It was, the driver let the bus fast and safe to arrive at tourists’ destinations many times every day.
That looks very exciting. But don't forget to buy a Nikko pass ticket before visiting Nikko. Because of all the areas of Nikko, bus and train fares are expensive.
We rode the city bus between Nikko and Lake Chuzenji several times.
In the beginning, my family doubts the city bus could drive on the Z shape route to get the mountain? It was, the driver let the bus fast and safe to arrive at tourists’ destinations many times every day.
That looks very exciting. But don't forget to buy a Nikko pass ticket before visiting Nikko. Because of all the areas of Nikko, bus and train fares are expensive.
Written 13 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dhanushka Wijerathna
Kandy, Sri Lanka101 contributions
May 2019 • Family
This is one of highlights of our tour. Had an exiting ride on the way up and down with 48 sharp bends. It was great that we drove ourselves where we got the opportunity to capture picturesque view of surrounding mountains by stopping at certain places. View is really breathtaking under canopy. Do not miss this route if you are visiting Nikko. But take care of selecting the route on google map to return back since you may trap with narrow route lay on forests which is really horrible in the evening.
Written 14 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EarlyRetirementAbroa
Princeton, NJ3,059 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
We had an entertaining ride on the Irohazaka Route. Our tour guide explained the story behind the name and bends associated with the 48 letters of the Japanese alphabet.
Some part of the road produced an interesting sound. Hope your guide explains you where it is so you can enjoy a little entertainment on a way up and down. Great views!
Some part of the road produced an interesting sound. Hope your guide explains you where it is so you can enjoy a little entertainment on a way up and down. Great views!
Written 14 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DSelase
Reston, VA31 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
You must really take this route. All the better if you are driving because you can stop at certain places just to take in the view of the scary deep drop below!!!
Written 18 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian M
Montrose, UK1,554 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This road up from Nikko to Lake Chuzenji is incredible. there are 48 hairpin bends up and down. This is mainly a one way system with two lanes in each direction which is very handy for the buses having to navigate the route. You get some amazing views.
Written 3 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeffreyHartono
Singapore, Singapore45 contributions
Nov 2018 • Family
This windy road at the outskirt of Nikko - Tochigi prefecture, was definitely the highlight of our trip. We drove in a rental car from Tokyo, stayed a couple of nights at Nikko. The view was simply breathtaking, under a canopy of trees, at the peak of autumn colours, first few days of November. Lots of lookout points to take in sceneries of mountainous areas. On the way back to Nikko, the lookout overlooking the three waterfalls was simply out of this world. Highly recommended for visitors with their own rental car. The best part: it’s free.
Written 20 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingIrohazaka Route (Nikko) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Irohazaka Route
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Irohazaka Route:
- Nikko Tour from Tokyo with Guide and Vehicle (From ₹ 1,08,282.76)
- Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.) (From ₹ 18,191.90)
- Private tour: Chartered car from Tokyo to Nikko, Toshogu, Edo Wonderland etc (From ₹ 95,289.26)
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (From ₹ 12,127.38)
- Nikko Scenic Spots and UNESCO Shrine - Full Day Bus Tour from Tokyo (From ₹ 9,413.14)
- Hotels near Irohazaka Route:
- (1.60 km) The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
- (1.79 km) Hoshino Resorts KAI Nikko
- (6.44 km) Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa
- (1.59 km) Hotel Hanaan
- (1.86 km) Hatago Nagomi
- Restaurants near Irohazaka Route:
- (1.49 km) Sushi Kurosaki
- (1.23 km) The Dining Nantai
- (1.17 km) Kegonnotakitsumikko
- (1.19 km) Shizen Shokuno Mise Kiribana
- (1.10 km) Restaurant Nikko Kojoen
- Attractions near Irohazaka Route:
- (0.87 km) Akechidaira Observation Area
- (1.30 km) Kegon Falls
- (1.72 km) Lake Chuzenji
- (0.97 km) Akechidaira Ropeway
- (1.08 km) Kegon Shrine