- TOCHIGI PHOTO ALBUM -
Iroha-zaka (いろは坂)
Iroha-zaka refers to a pair of sightseeing roads that connect central Nikko to the higher elevations of Lake Chuzenji and the mountainous Okunikko region. The First Iroha-zaka is used to come down while the Second Iroha-zaka is used to go up. Altogether there are 48 curves on the two roads, and each corner has been named with a letter of the ancient Japanese alphabet, which began with “I,” “Ro,” and “Ha.” There is a spectacular view from the Akechidaira observatory on the Second Iroha-zaka, and in the autumn it is such a popular spot to drive along and see the colorful leaves that traffic can become congested.
Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture Hosoo (Nikko / Kinugawa / Lake ChuzenjiArea)
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Tochigi Areas
Most visits to Tochigi revolve around Nikko, a small city home to the spectacular, lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine and Nikko National Park with its mountains, lakes, waterfalls, onsen, and wild monkeys. Neighboring Oku-Nikko is an extension of the fantastic scenery famous for its autumn leaves, while Tochigi's capital, Utsunomiya, is the only place in the world where you can find oya stone beautifully exhibited in temples and the Oya History Museum.
