Japan, Nikko
Forty eight lettered hairpins climb to Lake Chuzenji, one way in each direction.
Length
16 km
In miles
9.9 mi
Driving time
30 min
Atlas rating
9.3 / 10
The run
Nikko to Chuzenji, following the R120. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
Very busy in autumn colour season
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Every road in the library carries a driving and scenery score set by the same method. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 22 March 2026
Nearby
13 km away
Kirifuri Highland Road
Fast open highland curves above Nikko, a favourite of touge regulars in autumn.
128 km away
Bandai Azuma Skyline
A volcanic moonscape crossing with sulphur vents beside the tarmac.
135 km away
Venus Line
A high grassland ridge road with volcano views and long open curves.
162 km away
Fuji Subaru Line
Around and up Mount Fuji through five climate zones to 2300 metres.
172 km away
Hakone Turnpike
The toll road every Japanese car magazine uses, fast sweepers with Fuji ahead.
187 km away
Norikura Skyline
Japan's highest paved road climbs above 2700 metres on the Norikura volcano.
Drive here from
Plan around it
Longer journeys