Why Rent a Car to Drive Mount Haruna?
Mount Haruna — known worldwide as the real-life inspiration for Mount Akina in the legendary anime Initial D — is one of the most iconic touge roads in Japan. While visiting the mountain by bus or taxi is possible, renting a car is the only way to truly experience the hairpin-laden roads that made Takumi Fujiwara a household name among automotive enthusiasts. A Mount Haruna car rental lets you drive the exact same switchbacks at your own pace, stopping wherever you want for photos, scenic overlooks, and Initial D pilgrimage spots.
Located in Gunma Prefecture, Mount Haruna sits roughly 150 kilometers northwest of central Tokyo. The journey by car takes approximately two to two and a half hours via the Kan-etsu Expressway, making it a perfect day trip or overnight road trip from the capital. Without your own set of wheels, reaching the mountain's most famous corners and viewpoints is extremely difficult — public transport options are limited and inflexible.
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Mount Haruna Japan: The Real Initial D Mountain and Ultimate Touge Driving Guide
What Is Mount Haruna in Japan? Mount Haruna (榛名山, Haruna-san) is a dormant stratovolcano located in the western part of Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Standing at 1,449 meters above sea level, it is one of the three famous mountains of Jōmō (上毛三山), alongside Mount Akagi and Mount Myōgi. While it has long been revered as a sacred peak with a beautiful caldera lake at its summit, Mount Haruna gained global fame for an entirely different reason — it is the real-life inspiration for "Mount Akina" from the legendary anime and manga series Initial D. For automotive enthusiasts visiting Japan, Mount Haruna ...
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Car Rental Options Near Mount Haruna
There are several strategies for securing a rental car to drive Mount Haruna. Each has its pros and cons depending on your starting point, budget, and what kind of driving experience you want.
Renting from Tokyo
The most common approach for international visitors is to pick up a rental car in Tokyo. Major rental chains such as Toyota Rent a Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, and Nissan Rent a Car all operate multiple branches in central Tokyo and around major train stations. Renting from Tokyo gives you the freedom to combine Mount Haruna with other road trip destinations in Gunma, such as Ikaho Onsen at the mountain's base or even nearby Mount Akagi.
A standard compact car rental in Tokyo starts from around ¥5,000–¥8,000 per day (approximately $35–$55 USD), while midsize or sports-oriented vehicles can cost ¥10,000–¥25,000 per day. Keep in mind that expressway tolls from Tokyo to Shibukawa IC (the nearest interchange to Mount Haruna) will add roughly ¥4,000–¥5,000 each way.
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Tokyo to Ikaho Onsen by Car — Complete Self‑Drive Guide (2025)
Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture is one of the easiest hot spring towns to reach from Tokyo by car. This guide covers the fastest route, realistic drive times, parking, seasonal tips, and a 1–2 day itinerary—everything overseas visitors need for a smooth, scenic self‑drive. Why Drive from Tokyo to Ikaho Onsen? Driving lets you stop at viewpoints around Mt. Haruna and Lake Haruna, bring luggage comfortably, and combine Ikaho with other onsen towns in northern Kanto (e.g., Kusatsu or Kinugawa) without juggling train/bus schedules. It’s a straightforward expressway run with plentiful Service Areas (SA) for breaks. Fastest Route Overview (Kan‑Etsu ...
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Renting from Takasaki or Maebashi
If you prefer to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Gunma and then rent locally, Takasaki Station and Maebashi Station both have rental car offices. This approach saves on expressway tolls and driving fatigue, letting you focus your behind-the-wheel time on the mountain roads themselves. The drive from Takasaki to the base of Mount Haruna takes only about 40 minutes via Route 406.
JDM Car Rental for the Ultimate Experience
For true Initial D fans, renting a standard economy car may not satisfy the fantasy. Several specialty JDM car rental services in Japan offer vehicles like the Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mazda RX-7, and Subaru WRX STI — the exact cars featured in Initial D and other JDM legends. Driving an AE86 up the same touge that inspired the anime is a bucket-list experience that no car enthusiast should miss.
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JDM Car Rental in Japan: The Complete Guide for Overseas Enthusiasts
Japan is the spiritual home of JDM—where iconic nameplates like Skyline, Supra, RX‑7, and Silvia were born and bred. If you’re visiting and want to experience authentic Japanese roads behind the wheel of a well‑maintained, street‑legal performance car, renting locally is the most practical and legal way to do it. This guide explains how to rent a JDM car in Japan, what to expect on the road, and the best routes and meet‑ups to plan around your trip. Why Rent a JDM Car in Japan? Renting in Japan gives you access to cars in their natural environment—tight city streets, spotless ...
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Requirements for Renting a Car in Japan
Before you book your Mount Haruna car rental, make sure you have the proper documentation. Japan has specific requirements for foreign drivers that differ from many other countries.
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Visitors from countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention must obtain an IDP from their home country before arriving in Japan. The IDP must be based on the Geneva Convention format — Vienna Convention IDPs are not accepted.
- Valid home country driver's license: You must carry your original driver's license alongside the IDP at all times.
- Passport: Rental agencies require your passport for identification.
- Minimum age: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 18 years old, though some specialty JDM rental services may require 21 or older, especially for high-performance vehicles.
- Credit card: A credit card in the renter's name is typically required for the deposit and payment.
Drivers from certain countries — including Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Taiwan, and others — may use an official Japanese translation of their license instead of an IDP. Check with the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) for the latest list of qualifying countries.
Driving the Mount Haruna Touge: What to Expect
The main touge route on Mount Haruna follows Gunma Prefectural Route 33, which climbs from the lowlands near Ikaho Onsen up to Lake Haruna at the summit. This is the road that inspired the downhill and uphill battles in Initial D, and it features everything that makes a touge legendary: tight hairpin turns, elevation changes, narrow lanes flanked by dense forest, and breathtaking views.
Road Conditions and Safety
The Mount Haruna touge is a well-maintained public road with two lanes (one in each direction). However, it is narrow in places, and there are no guardrails on some of the outer curves. The road sees regular traffic from local residents, tourists, buses heading to the lake, and cyclists, so safe driving is absolutely essential. Speed limits are typically 30–40 km/h on the mountain sections, and local police do enforce them.
In winter (December through March), the road can be icy or snow-covered, and winter tires or chains may be legally required. Many rental car companies in Gunma offer studless winter tires as an optional add-on during the colder months. If you are not experienced with winter mountain driving, it is strongly recommended to visit between April and November.
Key Spots to Stop Along the Route
- The five consecutive hairpins: The most famous section of the route, these tight switchbacks are directly recognizable from Initial D. Pull over safely at the designated turnouts to take photos.
- Lake Haruna (Haruna-ko): The caldera lake at the summit offers stunning views, pedal boat rentals, and lakeside restaurants. It is the perfect place to rest after your drive.
- Haruna Shrine: An atmospheric Shinto shrine near the lake, set among towering cedar trees.
- Ikaho Onsen: Located at the base of the mountain, this historic hot spring town is famous for its stone staircase main street and iron-rich "golden waters." It makes an ideal stop before or after your touge drive.
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Mount Akina: The Real Initial D Mountain Pass in Gunma, Japan
What Is Mount Akina? The Fictional Name Behind a Real Japanese Mountain Mount Akina is one of the most iconic locations in anime and automotive history, serving as the home mountain of Takumi Fujiwara in the legendary manga and anime series Initial D. However, Mount Akina does not exist on any official map of Japan. It is a fictional name created by manga artist Shuichi Shigeno to represent a very real place: Mount Haruna (榛名山), located in Gunma Prefecture, approximately 150 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. For fans of JDM culture, touge driving, and the iconic AE86 Sprinter Trueno, Mount Akina ...
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Combining Mount Haruna with Other Gunma Touge Roads
One of the biggest advantages of renting a car for Mount Haruna is the ability to create a multi-touge road trip through Gunma Prefecture. The region is home to several other famous mountain passes that featured prominently in Initial D and the broader Japanese car culture scene.
- Mount Akagi: Only about 30 minutes east of Mount Haruna, Mount Akagi (Akagi-yama) is another legendary Initial D location. Its wide, sweeping corners offer a different driving character compared to Haruna's tight hairpins.
- Usui Pass: Located to the west near the Gunma-Nagano border, Usui Pass is another classic touge with rich automotive history.
- Irohazaka: A bit further north in Tochigi Prefecture near Nikko, the famous Irohazaka winding road features 48 named curves — one for each character in the Japanese alphabet.
A well-planned two-day road trip could include Mount Haruna, Mount Akagi, and a soak in Ikaho or Kusatsu Onsen, creating the ultimate JDM pilgrimage through Gunma.
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Mount Akagi (Mt. Akagi) Travel Guide: Best Views, Access, and Things to Do
Mount Akagi — The Sacred Mountain of JDM Culture and Initial D Mount Akagi (赤城山, Akagi-yama) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Japanese car culture. Rising to 1,828 meters in Gunma Prefecture, this dormant volcano is far more than a scenic hiking destination — it is a place of pilgrimage for JDM enthusiasts, drift fans, and anyone who grew up watching or reading Initial D. The winding touge (mountain pass) roads of Mount Akagi served as the home course of protagonist Takumi Fujiwara, making it arguably the most famous driving road in all of anime and manga history. ...
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Cost Breakdown: Mount Haruna Car Rental Road Trip from Tokyo
To help you plan your budget, here is an approximate cost breakdown for a one-day Mount Haruna car rental road trip departing from Tokyo.
- Compact car rental (1 day): ¥6,000–¥8,000
- CDW insurance: ¥1,000–¥2,000 (highly recommended)
- Expressway tolls (round trip Tokyo–Shibukawa IC): ¥8,000–¥10,000
- Gasoline (approximately 300 km round trip): ¥3,000–¥4,000
- Parking at Lake Haruna: Free to ¥500
- Total estimated cost: ¥18,000–¥24,500 (approximately $120–$165 USD)
If you opt for a JDM specialty rental (such as an AE86 or GT-R), the car rental portion alone can range from ¥25,000 to ¥60,000 per day, significantly increasing the total cost — but also significantly increasing the experience.
Tips for a Safe and Memorable Mount Haruna Drive
Driving a touge in Japan is an incredible experience, but it comes with responsibilities. Here are essential tips to ensure your Mount Haruna car rental adventure is both safe and unforgettable.
- Drive on the left: Japan drives on the left side of the road. If you are from a right-hand-drive country, take extra care on tight mountain curves.
- Respect speed limits: The touge is a public road, not a race track. Speeding is dangerous and illegal, and Japanese police use unmarked cars and speed cameras.
- Use turnouts for photos: Never stop in the middle of the road. Use designated pull-off areas or parking spots.
- Fill up before ascending: Gas stations on the mountain are scarce. Fill your tank in Shibukawa or Ikaho before heading up.
- Download offline maps: Cell signal can be weak on certain sections of the mountain. Having offline navigation is a smart precaution.
- Return the car with a full tank: Most Japanese rental agencies require a full tank upon return, or they charge a premium refueling fee.
Why a Guided JDM Tour Might Be the Best Option
While self-driving Mount Haruna is an amazing experience, it is not for everyone. If you are unfamiliar with Japanese roads, do not have an IDP, or simply want a stress-free experience with expert local knowledge, a guided JDM tour is the ideal alternative. Our company operates guided tours from Tokyo that cover the best JDM car culture spots, including Daikoku Parking Area — Japan's most famous car meet venue — and can arrange custom itineraries that include Gunma's legendary touge roads.
With a guided tour, you get the insider experience without the hassle of navigating expressways, dealing with rental paperwork, or worrying about Japanese road rules. Your guide handles everything while you focus on soaking in the JDM atmosphere and snapping the perfect photos.
If you're going to Daikoku PA, leave it to us
Experience an unforgettable JDM tour — ride in a legendary Japanese sports car and drive from Tokyo to Daikoku Parking Area, cruising Tokyo’s iconic roads along the way. Choose from favorites like the GT-R (R35 / R34 / R32), RX-7, Supra, and more.
We offer one of the highest-quality JDM driving experiences in the industry, at a fair and reasonable price.
Want to know more details or check availability?
Message us on WhatsApp for quick replies and easy booking.
Spots often sell out, so we recommend booking early.
Duration: about 3 hours
Meeting Point: Shibuya Station
Language: Beginner-level English & Japanese
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Daikoku PA Video: What It’s Really Like
Important Information
- This is a drive tour where you drive your rental car, and our guide navigates from the seat.
- This is a self-drive tour where you drive your rental car, and our guide navigates from the passenger seat.
- The tour begins and ends at the same location (Shibuya).
- If the Daikoku Parking Area is closed, we will instead guide you to another car meet further away.
- The consultant is a cultural expert and navigator, not a taxi service.
