What Is Irohazaka? Japan's Legendary Hairpin Road in Nikko Irohazaka is one of Japan's most celebrated mountain roads, located in the Nikko area of Tochigi Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers north of Tokyo. Consisting of two separate one-way routes — the First Irohazaka (下り/downhill) and the Second Irohazaka (上り/uphill) — this winding mountain pass features a combined total of 48 hairpin turns, each famously named after a character in the classical Japanese iroha poem. The road connects the city of Nikko at the base with the elevated plateau of Oku-Nikko, home to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. For JDM car enthusiasts and touge fans worldwide, Irohazaka is far more than a scenic highway. It is an icon of Japanese mountain driving culture, immortalized in anime, video games, and drift culture. The road's tight switchbacks, dramatic elevation changes, and breathtaking natural scenery make it a bucket-list destination for anyone passionate about driving in Japan. The History and Design of Irohazaka's 48 Hairpin Turns The original Irohazaka road dates back centuries as a pilgrimage route to the sacred mountains of Nikko. However, the modern paved versions were constructed in the mid-20th century to accommodate vehicle traffic. The First Irohazaka, used exclusively for downhill traffic, was completed in 1954. The Second Irohazaka, reserved for uphill traffic only, opened in 1965. This one-way separation was introduced to manage the narrow, steep terrain and improve safety for all road users. Each of the 48 hairpin curves is marked with a signpost bearing a single character from the iroha poem, an ancient ...