Haruna Shrine and "Initial D" related places in Shibukawa
Joined 2023
A day trip that travels around Haruna Shrine, Lake Haruna, and "Initial D" (manga)- related places in Shibukawa. This tour also stops at Ikaho Onsen, a renowned hot spring town.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Takasaki Station
Haruna Shrine
- A shrine and former temple complex with a history of over 1,400 years
- The approach along the pure stream is covered by ancient cedar trees, creating a sacred atmosphere
- Unique peculiar rock formations
- Architectures adorned with fine carvings
*Please note: The main hall of Haruna Shrine is currently undergoing restoration work until December 2025 and cannot be visited. However, you can see other newly-restored buildings.
Lake Haruna
Enjoy the wonderful view of Lake Haruna and Mt. Haruna that looks like a miniaturized Mt. Fuji
Yaseone Pass
The starting point of the downhill race
Ikaho hot spring town
- Walking through symbolic 365 stone steps and enjoying an atmospheric, retro hot spring town
- Locate manhole covers featuring Initial D illustrations
- Lunch
D'zgarage
*Please note: Closed on Wednesdays
Ikaho Toy, Doll, and Car Museum
Part of the car section features Initial D, including a replica of the Fujiwara tofu shop and the AE86.
Ending Point
Takasaki Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
private transportation by Suzuki Xbee
gasoline, toll, parking
meals,
admission fees
(Ikaho Toy, Doll, and Car Museum 1,300 yen per person)
Tour Important Information
- This is a walking tour and involves many stairs and slopes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.
- The main hall of Haruna Shrine is currently undergoing restoration work until December 2025. However, you can see other newly-restored buildings.
Important message from the supplier
If you'd like to change the starting point from Takasaki Station, please bear the transportation fee for the guide.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Rieko S.
Hello! I am Rieko, a licensed tour guide with a deep passion for sharing the wonders of Gunma.
Located in the center of the main island of Japan, Gunma has been a place where travelers from various parts of Japan, like Tokyo, Niigata, and Nagano, come and go. Some would relax in a hot spring, others would be encouraged by beautiful scenery. Gunma has helped them rejuvenate and keep traveling with energy.
Drawing from my experience as a local tour guide and knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and traditions, I offer you a seamless and immersive journey. Embark on an adventure with me and discover the untold stories, hidden treasures, and vibrant local communities that make Gunma a truly remarkable destination. I hope to see you soon!
Reviews
Wendy C.
“Well spent day”
Rieko is very knowledgeable about the background of the sightseeing places we went. Throughout the trip, she also told us stories in relation to Gunma, which made us more familiar with the place. Not only that, she was flexible to cater our needs. Since the day was pretty cold, she brought us to a local coffee shop to have a hot drink. Moreover, an additional place was added to our trip, which we thought was a special place. It was the Kumano Koutai Shrine, locating between Nagano and Gunma Prefectures. The other three places we visited were also in these two prefectures. That last tour spot was meaningful to our trip. We really appreciate Rieko’s thoughtful arrangement!
Rieko S.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. I’m grateful we were able to see and experience various aspects of Gunma’s beautiful nature together. The combination of blooming azaleas and Chatsubomi moss was stunning. With all the fresh greenery around, I hope you and your family enjoyed strolling through the new-leaf season not only in Gunma, but also in the other places you visited. Thank you again for spending part of your journey with me.
Jeremiah W.
“Book the Initial D Tour with Reiko!”
We were very hopeful that we could see the Initial D mountain pass when we came to Japan. We found Reiko who does tours in the Haruna area so we asked her if she could modify the tour to include Initial D stuff and she said yes! She picked us up from Takasaki Station and had already curated an amazing experience for us which combined the beauty of Mount Haruna and the sites of Initial D. She took us first to Haruna Shrine which was breathtaking and peaceful. She explained the history of the shrine and its significance. Then she drove us to Lake Haruna where Takumi delivered tofu and let us take pictures. Then we were off to the start line of the course and then the downhill run! Next she took us to D'z Garage for some snacks, pictures, and shopping. We Then went to the Shibukawa visitors office and picked up our official Initial D manhole cover cards. Reiko took us to every, single, Initial D manhole cover even the ones at the top of Ikaho Onsen! I cannot thank her enough for making my car boy dreams come true. It truly was an amazing and unique experience that my wife and I will treasure forever.
Rieko S.
I'm truly glad you enjoyed the tour. As someone from Gunma and a fan of Initial D, it was such a pleasure to share the experience with you two. Seeing your photos and hearing the low engine sound reminded me of that excitement again. Thank you for having me as your guide and for joining a slightly tougher walking tour. I hope you and your wife immerse Japanese car culture and take home some unforgettable memories. Have a wonderful trip!
Canon P.
“Highly recommended”
Only positive things to say about this tour. Some of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen in my life. English was excellent, and all arrangements were smooth. Wouldn't hesitate to use again for Gunma tours.
Rieko S.
Thank you very much for your nice review. It was my great pleasure sharing wonderful sceneries with you around Gunma. I hope you will have fun in Tokyo for the rest of the days and bring good memories back home. Thank you again for having me as a guide.
$269/ per group
