Irohazaka road near Nikkō, Japan
© LightRecords/Shutterstoc
Reading and riding on Irohazaka road. Irohazaka road
If you've ever wanted to learn written Japanese, a joy ride on this undulating road offers an unexpected tutorial. The hairpin turns in our photo are just a few of the 48 curves you'll negotiate on your way up one part of Irohazaka road and down another—together they make a scenic loop in the highlands outside the city of Nikkō. That's one switchback for each of the 48 hiragana symbols in an ancient Japanese writing system, with each marked by a sign showing one symbol. Not a bad visual aid for the still-learning visitor!
Related Images
Grapes on the vine in Mendoza, Argentina, for the National Grape Harvest Festival
Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival, which begins today
Lake Dobson in Mount Field National Park of Tasmania
Vinicunca Mountain in the Cusco Region of Peru
The village of Aguerd Oudad and the larger town of Tafraout in Morocco
Sap-collecting buckets in Brome-Missisquoi, Quebec, Canada
Wildflowers in bloom at Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona
Circular agricultural fields in Morgan County, Colorado
Bing Today Images
Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan, China
Nov 22, 2025
Castle of Zafra, Guadalajara province, Spain
Nov 22, 2024
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Nov 22, 2023
Common cranes in the Drömling wetland, Germany
Nov 22, 2020
Powys County in Mid Wales
Nov 22, 2017
Salina Turda salt mine in Turda, Romania
Nov 22, 2016
