Gunma Touge Circuit — Haruna & Akagi Initial DRoads.

Distance

185 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

2,100 m

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

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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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

6 stops

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.

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