We will first go to Shibukawa, follow signs for Ikaho Onsen and then Mount Haruna/Lake Haruna (榛名湖).

Initial D Spot: We'll be on Prefectural Route 33, which is the real-life "Akina Downhill" course. Even on the ascent, you'll get a feel for the winding nature of the road.

Lake Haruna (榛名湖): This beautiful caldera lake is at the top of Mount Haruna and is the "Akina Lake" from the anime.

Initial D Spot: Haruna Fuji (榛名富士): The distinctive cone-shaped peak rising from the lake is instantly recognizable from the anime.

Activity: Park your car and take some time to walk around Lake Haruna. You can rent pedal boats (including swan-shaped ones!) if you're feeling whimsical.

Haruna Ropeway: For stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, take the Haruna Ropeway up Mount Haruna Fuji. It's a short but scenic ride. You can walk around the summit a bit at the top. You can see Skytree from there. It's a must see site!

The Akina Downhill Experience

Initial D Spot: The Real Akina Downhill Course: This is the highlight for Initial D fans! Drive the winding Prefectural Route 33 downhill from Lake Haruna towards Shibukawa.

The Five Hairpins: Pay attention to the series of tight turns, the famous "five hairpins" that Takumi mastered. While they aren't as extreme as in the anime, you'll definitely feel the spirit of the race.

Photo Options: We will pull over safely at Takane Observatory (高根展望台) to take photos of the road and the scenery.

Welcome to Racing Cafe D'z-garage:

This isn't just any cafe; it's a vibrant tribute to the world of Initial D, created by Shuichi Shigeno.

When you arrive, you'll feel like you've stepped right into the anime! You'll often see awesome real-life Japanese sports cars on display, like the iconic AE86 Sprinter Trueno and the RX-7s, just like the ones Takumi and his rivals drove. These cars bring the anime's exciting races to life right before your eyes.

Step inside, and you'll find a treasure chest of Initial D goodies. The cafe is decorated perfectly to make you feel part of the story. You can browse tons of official merchandise, from cool clothes and accessories to model cars and unique souvenirs. Don't miss their famous Initial D-themed pudding! It comes in cute bottles that look like the "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" delivery car, with flavors named after characters like Takumi and Keisuke.

Beyond the cool cars and souvenirs, D'z-garage is a lively spot for car lovers. They often host events and car meet-ups, attracting fans and car enthusiasts from all over Japan and beyond. You might even catch live shows or see professional drivers, and sometimes can even their own amazing cars.

Basically, Racing Cafe D'z-garage is a must-see spot that perfectly blends the excitement of car culture with the amazing world of Initial D. It's your chance to truly connect with the series, right in the heart of the mountain roads that inspired all those thrilling, high-speed adventures!

Shibukawa City - initial D manhole search

Shibukawa City is a prime spot for Initial D fans, and they've gone all out with Initial D-themed manhole covers!

Here's what you need to know for your manhole cover hunt in Shibukawa:

How many? There are seven unique Initial D manhole covers scattered around Shibukawa City. They feature various characters and scenes from the series.

Where are they located?

Ikaho Onsen Area: The majority of the manhole covers (five of them) are located within the charming Ikaho Onsen town, particularly around the famous 365 stone steps. You'll be doing some walking to find these!

Shibukawa Station: At least one manhole cover is situated outside Shibukawa Station.

Mount Haruna Road: One cover is placed on the road heading up Mount Haruna itself.

Manhole Cards: To make the hunt even more fun, Shibukawa City distributes "manhole cards" for these special covers. You can usually pick these up at Shibukawa Ekimae Plaza (Shibusan), which is right in front of Shibukawa Station. Note: They typically limit it to one card per person.

Anime Tourism Initiative: These manhole covers are part of Shibukawa City's efforts to promote "anime tourism," encouraging fans to visit the real-life locations of their favorite shows.

Keep your eyes peeled: Manhole covers are on the ground, so make sure you're looking down as you explore.

Happy hunting! Finding all seven will be a great way to experience Shibukawa's dedication to Initial D.