What to know
Akechidaira Plateau (明智平) sits near the top of the ascending Irohazaka Winding Road. It features a free observation area with a parking lot, offering lovely views of the winding road and the valley below. In autumn, the plateau becomes a popular spot for fall colors as the landscape transforms.
Next to the parking lot, a rest house houses a souvenir shop, cafeteria, and the lower station of the Akechidaira Ropeway. The ropeway takes visitors up to an observation platform in three minutes, providing spectacular views of Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenjiko. Outside winter, you can also hike to the upper deck from Lake Chuzenjiko in about two hours (one way). The trail also connects to Mount Hangetsuyama.
The plateau is on the ascending road of Irohazaka and cannot be reached from the descending road. Two-way traffic between Chuzenji Onsen and Akechidaira Plateau was discontinued in 2019.
From JR or Tobu Nikko Station, take a Tobu bus bound for Chuzenji Onsen or Yumoto Onsen and get off at Akechidaira bus stop (35 minutes, 1250 yen one way, 3-4 buses per hour). Buses going the opposite direction do not stop at Akechidaira.
Akechidaira gets very crowded during autumn color season in October and early November, with traffic jams and limited parking, especially on weekends and national holidays.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Out of operation through August 2027!
- Admission
- English name
- Original name
- Akechidaira Plateau
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.