Gunma Touge Circuit — Haruna & Akagi Initial DRoads.
Distance
185 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
2,100 m
Gunma Touge Circuit — Haruna & Akagi Initial D Roads.
Two of Japan's most culturally famous mountain touge back to back: Mount Haruna (the real-life Akina from the Initial D anime) and Mount Akagi's crater lake circuit in Gunma Prefecture. Both are genuine switchback passes with a passionate following among Japanese riders. The crater lakes at 1,000m+ are dramatic in all seasons and the Ikaho Onsen stone steps make an ideal midday break.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance185 km
Days1
Total climb2,100 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
TakasakiStart · Start in Takasaki, Gunma's main city — 70 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Head northwest on Route 406 toward the mountains. Start early to enjoy the touge before weekend traffic builds.
Haruna-jinja ShrineScenic Point · Ancient Shinto shrine in a rocky gorge at the foot of Mount Haruna. Tiered torii gates and towering cedar trees create a dramatic approach. Dedicated to Homusubi no Mikoto, deity of fire and the forge — fitting for motorcyclists.
Lake Haruna — 1084mMountain Pass · Crater lake on the Mount Haruna summit plateau. Prefectural Route 33's winding ascent is the real-life road for the Akina mountain pass in the Initial D anime. The lake freezes in winter and traditional ice fishing is practiced here.
Ikaho OnsenRestaurant · Historic hot spring town built on a mountain slope. The 360-step stone staircase (Ishidanmachi) is lined with ryokan and food stalls serving Ikaho manju bean cakes. The golden sulfur springs are distinctive — try a foot bath at minimum.
Lake Onuma — Mount Akagi 1350mMountain Pass · Caldera lake at 1,350m on dormant Mount Akagi (1,828m). The summit touge roads are sweeping and fast — long curves contrast with Haruna's tighter switchbacks. Clear days reveal the entire Kanto Plain below.
MaebashiEnd · End in Maebashi, Gunma's prefectural capital, descending via the Akagi mountain highway. A livelier izakaya district than expected for a prefectural capital — earned cold beers after a full day of mountain passes.
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