Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline is Japan's most hairpin-dense mountain road. Sixty-nine numbered corners pack into just 9.8 kilometers, climbing the slopes of Mount Iwaki—an iconic volcanic peak in Aomori Prefecture. For driving enthusiasts seeking the ultimate challenge, this road demands respect and delivers memories. Each turn has a number plate. You will remember them all.

The road opened in 1965 as a tourist route to Mount Iwaki's eighth station. At 1,247 meters elevation, the endpoint offers panoramic views across the Tsugaru Plain to the Sea of Japan. The engineering required to create this many switchbacks in such a compact vertical climb remains impressive. Ambition carved into mountainside.

Driving technique matters here more than power. The constant cornering, steep grades, and tight radii reward smooth inputs and proper line selection. Momentum preservation becomes an art form. Many corners are blind, requiring cautious commitment. Brakes cool rarely; concentration fades never.

The surface quality varies with maintenance cycles and seasonal damage. As a toll road with limited traffic volume, Tsugaru Iwaki Skyline doesn't receive the same attention as major routes. Check conditions before visiting; expect imperfections. Remote roads require adaptable expectations.