Haruna Shrine and "Initial D" related places in Shibukawa
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.
*Please note: This tour is suspended from January to mid-March due to winter road conditions and for customer safety.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Takasaki Station, or your hotel in Takasaki or Ikaho
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
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, or your hotel in Takasaki or Ikaho
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
admission fee for Ikaho Toy, Doll, and Car Museum
meals,
admission fees not mentioned above
Tour Important Information
- This is a walking tour and involves many stairs and slopes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.
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
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
Jennifer L.
“Best guide for Gunma!”
Rieko drove out to Takaragawa onsen and took us to Takuni-no-Sato village where she helped us translate with local artisans while we did crafts. Having a guide was amazing and absolutely necessary since public transit is a beast to piece together in these mountain towns. We would have had to take a shuttle to train to cab to otherwise get there. And most of the artisans speak little or no English. The literally had to translate all the directions for us while we were sandblasting glass. She then took us strawberry picking, to the ripe way (where it was too foggy so we didn’t go up), and then down 462 steps to the far underground train station. She suggested activities and places to eat and was just lovely. She does custom tours so she shared that she has taken people cognac tasting, hiking, and to various onsens and saunas. Definitely reach out if you need a guide in the Minakami area!
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Rieko S.
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the day. Although the weather wasn’t perfect, we still enjoyed cultural experiences, good food, and even some physical activity at Doai Station with its many steps. While there is still some snow left in Minakami, cherry blossoms are blooming where you will visit, so you can enjoy different aspects of Japanese spring. I hope you take home wonderful memories along with the glasses you made. Thank you very much for choosing me as your guide.
Jeaney Y.
“Customised tour of Gunma”
From the start, Rieko is extremely responsive and attentive to detail. She gave lots of suggestions of interesting sites reachable from Takasaki on our way to Ikaho Onsen. She fetched us from the station, and drove us to the Konnyaku Park (Gunma's largest produce!) followed by a nice soba lunch near Haruna Shrine. Lake Haruna, the interesting shops (Usaburo Kokeshi, Chikyuya) and Rieko's friendly companion made the trip a very relaxing day. Gunma is a lovely prefecture with beautiful mountain scenery, great onsens and lots of fresh produce, but most of all easy access from Tokyo. Rieko is your best Gunma guide - thank you for looking after us.
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Rieko S.
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. It was truly a pleasure to guide you in Gunma, and I really enjoyed our conversations. Although it drizzled throughout the day, I believe it helped create the beautiful scenery we saw and made for a relaxing day. Thank you again for having me as your guide. I hope you have a wonderful Sakura experience.
James P.
“Subaru factory tour”
Rieko was an excellent interpreter for the Japanese-only Subaru factory tour. Her warm and friendly nature made the technical details clear and concise throughout the tour. She even went above and beyond by dropping us off at the local station afterwards. The booking process was incredibly responsive and clear, including a friendly reminder just before the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend Rieko to anyone needing interpreter services.
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Rieko S.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour, and I’m glad I could be of help. According to the tour staff, about 90% of the cars manufactured at the Yajima Factory are shipped overseas. I hope you’ll think of this tour when you see a car with Subaru’s six-star emblem. It was a pleasure accompanying you on the tour.
$258/ per group
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