Irohazaka Pass

Irohazaka Pass is one of Japan's most iconic roads, famous for its 48 hairpin turns named after the classic Japanese alphabet (Iroha). It's the territory of the fearsome team Emperor, specialists in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Irohazaka was built in 1954 as the only route to Lake Chuzenji and Nikko's temples, a World Heritage site. Team Emperor, led by Kyoichi Sudo, chose this location for its technical curves that favor all-wheel drive.

1. 01 Curve 'I' (い) - First curve, sets the rhythm
2. 02 Curve 'Ha' (は) - The most technical and photographed
3. 03 Nikko Viewpoint - Panoramic view
4. 04 The Central Section - 20 curves without rest
5. 05 Curve 'N' (ん) - Final decisive curve

• Absolute mastery of hairpins
• AWD traction use
• Rally techniques applied to touge
• Ultra-fast direction changes
• Mental endurance in long races

• 48 tight curves that exhaust mentally
• Heavy tourist traffic during day
• Wild monkeys crossing the road
• Snow and ice in winter
• Brake fade on descents

• The 48 curves are named after the 10th century Iroha poem
• Emperor means absolute domination
• Kyoichi Sudo studied each curve for years
• It's one of Japan's most photographed roads
• Tourist buses travel it daily