Irohazaka Autumn Drive: Traffic, Akechidaira Parking and Ropeway Closure

Irohazaka is the winding section of National Route 120 between central Nikko and Lake Chuzenji in Oku-Nikko. Its two separate roads—the downhill Dai-ichi Irohazaka and uphill Dai-ni Irohazaka—have 48 sharp bends between them and climb about 440 m. Autumn traffic can bring the uphill road almost to a standstill. Before 7:00 on weekends and public holidays, or after 15:00 on weekdays, is usually a quieter time to climb.

The Akechidaira Ropeway is closed for rebuilding, with reopening planned for September 2027. The separate prefectural parking area at Akechidaira remains available.

Irohazaka at a glance

Map and parking areas

Leave the Nikko–Utsunomiya Road at Kiyotaki IC, follow National Route 120 west and join Dai-ni Irohazaka at Umagaeshi. It is about 12 km to Akechidaira and 14 km to Futara-bashi-mae Junction, just before Lake Chuzenji. Return from the lake on Dai-ichi Irohazaka via Umagaeshi to Kiyotaki IC, about 11 km.

Akechidaira parking and the ropeway closure

Akechidaira is near the top of the uphill road, about 20 minutes from Kiyotaki IC. Because Dai-ni Irohazaka is one-way, you cannot turn back after passing it. Enter the parking area during the climb if you want to stop.

The ropeway closed after its final day of service on 15 January 2026 for rebuilding. Reopening is planned for September 2027. Its own car park, which has 57 spaces for ordinary cars, is unavailable during the closure; the separate prefectural parking area can still be used.

The observation platform is at an elevation of 1,373 m, normally reached by a ropeway ride of about 3 minutes. Do not plan on that viewpoint while the ropeway is closed. You can still see the mountains and winding road from around the parking area.

Views and autumn colours

Akechidaira and Kurokamidaira on Dai-ni Irohazaka are places to see the road among the autumn leaves. The Akechidaira observation platform overlooks Mount Nantai, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls and the downhill road, but access by ropeway is currently suspended.

When the leaves change

The usual season is mid-October to early November. The observation dated 26 October 2026 recorded the upper slope entering its best colour and the lower slope beginning to turn; that entry was last updated on 29 October. Colour moves downhill as the season progresses. The Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls entry, observed and updated on 26 October, described the lakeside and waterfall surroundings as entering their best colour. These are dated observations, not a promise of conditions on your visit.

Taka's driving notes, October 2024: The leaves were at different stages at the top and bottom of the slope. Even on the same day, the colours changed from place to place.

Road access and restrictions

Dai-ni uphill, Dai-ichi downhill

Use Dai-ni Irohazaka toward Lake Chuzenji and Dai-ichi Irohazaka back toward central Nikko. Both are one-way. On 1 October 2019, the roughly 2 km section from Akechidaira to the junction just before Futara-bashi-mae became one-way uphill in both lanes. The uphill-only section now continues from Umagaeshi to that junction. For Lake Chuzenji, the right-hand lane is recommended.

Taka's driving notes, October 2024: Dai-ni Irohazaka has two lanes in the uphill direction. Even with the sharp bends coming one after another, I felt comfortable driving up.

The 31 October–1 November 2026 turn restriction

A trial ban on right turns at Futara-bashi-mae Junction in the Chugushi district was scheduled for 8:00–15:00 on 31 October and 1 November 2026, subject to cancellation in severe weather. The announced plan required vehicles other than scheduled buses to use the left-turn lane. The announced period has ended; it is not a permanent right-turn ban. Follow the signs and traffic staff for any restrictions in force when you visit.

Snow and ice in winter

Snow and frozen road surfaces are possible in winter. Bring chains or use winter tyres. The public toilets at Akechidaira close for winter. See the winter road guide when planning a cold-weather trip.

Best seasons and crowds

Golden Week and autumn weekends are the busiest periods, especially from mid-October to early November. At the peak of the leaf season, weekdays can be congested too. Queues usually build between 9:00 and 15:00 and can last until 17:00 on autumn weekends. Between 14:00 and 15:00, the journey can take more than 3 hours. Climbing before 7:00 on weekends and public holidays, or after 15:00 on weekdays, is usually smoother.

Taka's driving notes, October 2024: In the leaf season, the uphill traffic barely moved and the climb took more than 2 hours. On a day when I started early, by around 7:00, I got up without much of a queue.

Taka's driving notes, October 2024: I waited more than an hour to get into the Akechidaira parking area.

Live cameras covering the prefectural parking entrance, Futara-bashi-mae and the World Heritage shrine and temple area are scheduled on the Nikko traffic website from 8:00 to 17:00 on 31 October and 1, 3, 7 and 8 November 2026. Check them before departure or while parked, never while driving. If your journey would otherwise fall in the busiest period, an alternative approach to Oku-Nikko runs from Numata IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway along the Japan Romantic Road.

Free temporary parking for the World Heritage shrines and temples is scheduled on dates including 31 October and 1 and 3 November 2026, from 9:00 to 17:00, with about 280 spaces. It is around 1.6 km, or 25 minutes on foot, from the shrine and temple area. This parking serves that area rather than visitors driving up Irohazaka to Akechidaira.

Getting there and fuel

Take Kiyotaki IC on the Nikko–Utsunomiya Road and follow National Route 120 west. Check your fuel in central Nikko before climbing. Use the toilet before joining the slope too: once caught in the queue, you cannot readily make a detour.

Descending Dai-ichi Irohazaka

Taka's driving notes, October 2024: The downhill road was also congested in the evening. On the descent I selected a low gear and used engine braking rather than relying only on the brakes.

Enjoy the leaves from a parking area such as Akechidaira, or from the passenger seat. Take photographs only after stopping in a suitable place.

If you don't have a car

From JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station, take a bus toward Chuzenji Onsen and get off at Akechidaira, about 40 minutes away. The stop is next to the site. If you plan to hire a car instead, read the guide to licences for driving in Japan before booking.

Frequently asked questions

What time should I climb during the leaf season?

Before 7:00 on weekends and public holidays, or after 15:00 on weekdays, is usually quieter. Traffic is heaviest from 9:00 to 15:00; around 14:00–15:00, the journey can take more than 3 hours.

Can I ride the Akechidaira Ropeway?

No. It is closed, with reopening planned for September 2027. The prefectural parking area remains available, but the ropeway's own car park is closed.

Can I return to Akechidaira after passing it?

Not along the same road. Dai-ni Irohazaka is one-way, so enter Akechidaira during the uphill journey.

When are this year's autumn leaves at their best?

The usual season is mid-October to early November. The observation dated 26 October 2026 showed the upper slope entering its best colour and the lower slope starting to turn. Check the latest leaf report before choosing your date.

Can I drive Irohazaka in winter?

It normally remains open in winter, but snow and ice are possible. Use winter tyres or bring chains, and check current road conditions before setting out.

Is there a toll?

Irohazaka is free to drive. The Nikko–Utsunomiya Road used to reach it is a toll road.

Nearby areas and guides

• Nikko driving guide: Lake Chuzenji and Oku-Nikko
• Winter road closures in Japan
• Driving in Japan: licences and permits