Highlights

  • Gradient foliage on the Irohazaka switchbacks
  • 97-m Kegon Falls amid red maples
  • Lake Chuzenji shoreline color

Background & story

The 48-curve Irohazaka roads connect lowland Nikko to the highland lake; their elevation drop spreads peak color over two weeks.

Good to know for visitors

Getting there
Bus from Tobu/JR Nikko Station toward Chuzenji Onsen Open directions in Google Maps ↗
Booking & entry
Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
Language
Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
Good for
date night, solo-goers

Good to know

Roads jam on autumn weekends — go on a weekday or stay overnight and start at dawn.

Getting there

Irohazaka Road, Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Falls, Nikko — Chugushi, Nikko, Tochigi

Japan-Event Editorial
  • Japan-based editorial team
  • Primary sources, cited
  • Variable facts dated

The Japan-Event editorial desk. We work from primary sources and date every claim that can change.