Sacred Mountains Drive | Nikko to Takasaki, Japan

This journey from Nikko to Takasaki follows National Route 120 through the mountains between Tochigi and Gunma. Leaving historic Nikko behind, the road ascends Irohazaka to Lake Chuzenji and continues into the quieter landscapes of Oku-Nikko. Beyond the lake, forests, highlands, and small mountain communities accompany the route westward before it descends toward Numata. From there, the journey continues south to Takasaki, as the mountain roads gradually give way to the towns and open plains of Gunma. With the road and landscape at its heart, the film brings together the natural rhythm of the drive, carefully selected music, and occasional narration—a view of Japan experienced through the distance between places. Route: Nikko → Irohazaka → Lake Chuzenji → Numata → Takasaki Chapters: 00:00 Nikko 03:38 Irohazaka 08:35 Lake Chuzenji 12:09 Senjogahara Marshland 15:51 Into Gunma 23:42 Numata City 27:54 Katashina River Bridge 30:23 Shibukawa City 35:16 Takasaki City