About the Circuit
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.
Track Layout
Real name: Irohazaka (いろは坂)
Technical Specifications
Length
9.5 km
Elevation
440 meters
Corners
48 hairpin turns
Surface
Excellent asphalt
Difficulty
Extreme
Type
Consecutive hairpins
History
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.
Key Points of the Route
Curve 'I' (い) - First curve, sets the rhythm
Curve 'Ha' (は) - The most technical and photographed
Nikko Viewpoint - Panoramic view
The Central Section - 20 curves without rest
Curve 'N' (ん) - Final decisive curve
Skills to Master
Emperor Drivers
Kyōichi Sudō
Líder del Equipo
Vehicle
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III GSR
270 CV
Seiji Iwaki
Piloto de Apoyo
Vehicle
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV RS
280 CV
Circuit Dangers
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
Trivia
- 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