Initial D Real Locations: Mt. Haruna & Shibukawa by Car

Where are the Initial D real locations? Mt. Haruna, Ikaho and Shibukawa Station

Mt. Haruna, Ikaho Onsen and the area around JR Shibukawa Station in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, are known as places linked to *Initial D*. Shibukawa City started a collaboration with the series in July 2020 and installed manhole covers showing scenes from it around Shibukawa Station and Ikaho Onsen (information as of the announcement).

This is an unofficial guide to renting a car at Haneda Airport and spending a day, or one night, touring the manholes, Ikaho Onsen and the views of Mt. Haruna. This is not a place for driving fast over the pass: plan it as a trip to enjoy the hot spring town and mountain scenery at the legal speed.

The 7 Shibukawa x Initial D manhole covers

There are seven designs at seven spots around Shibukawa Station and Ikaho Onsen (as of the 2020 announcement; check the locations on the map PDF on Shibukawa City's collaboration site, initiald-shibukawa.com).

The manholes are on sidewalks and in squares. When taking photos, do not block pedestrians or traffic, and never step into the roadway to shoot. At Yaseone Pass, do not stop on the shoulder; use a designated parking spot.

Where can I get the manhole card?

The collaboration manhole card has been handed out at "Shibusan", the Shibukawa local products center on the first floor of Shibukawa Ekimae Plaza in front of JR Shibukawa Station. The opening hours listed in a feature article were 9:00-19:00, closed over New Year. Cards are usually one per person, and stock and conditions may change. We have not been able to confirm the distribution status as of November 2026, so check the collaboration site or with Shibukawa City before you go.

Visiting from December to February: ice and snowy roads

Go on Rent-a-Car rentals start on 1 December 2026, so the trips described here assume winter. Mt. Haruna and Ikaho are in the mountains, and road surfaces can freeze in winter, especially in the morning and evening.

• Driving on snowy roads without our prior consent is prohibited (Terms). Snowy roads require winter tyres. If you plan to go to snowy areas, talk to us before you book.
• Check road information and the weather before you leave. If snow or ice is forecast, do not plan to go up the mountain (toward Lake Haruna). The area around Shibukawa Station and the Ikaho stone steps are enjoyable on their own.
• Days are short, so drive the mountain roads in daylight and get back to the expressway before dark.
• Tips for winter driving are in our winter driving in Japan guide.

Keep to the speed limit: street racing is illegal

Even though this is where the story is set, never speed on the mountain pass or race other cars.

• Racing, reckless driving and noise such as revving on public roads are prohibited by Japanese law. They also disturb local residents and other visitors.
• Obey posted speed limits, and the legal speed limit where no sign is posted. Mountain roads have many bends; watch for ice, falling rocks, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Go on Rent-a-Car's terms prohibit use for competitions or tests, including circuit driving.
• Japanese traffic rules are explained in our road rules guide for visitors.

One-day sample plan (Haneda and back)

1. 9:00 Pick up at Haneda: 8th floor of the P5 car park at Terminal 3 (handover takes about 30 minutes).
2. To Shibukawa Station (about 2 hours): See the manhole in front of Ekimae Plaza and check card availability at Shibusan.
3. Ikaho Onsen (about 20-30 minutes from the station by car): Park and walk the stone steps, visiting the manholes. Have lunch and a day-trip hot spring bath here.
4. Yaseone Pass and Mt. Haruna (only on days with good road conditions): Go for the views only when there is no risk of ice.
5. Leave Ikaho around 15:00: Get back on the Kan-Etsu Expressway before dark.
6. Return at Haneda around 18:00-19:00: Fill up with premium petrol near the airport and return by 20:00.

If a day trip feels rushed, stay a night at Ikaho Onsen so you do not have to drive mountain roads in the evening.

Route, distance and time from Haneda

Times vary greatly with traffic and weather. For expressway tolls and ETC, see our Japan expressway tolls and ETC guide (contact us before departure about an ETC card).

The car is a Volkswagen Golf Variant TSI Lounge (5 seats, automatic, premium petrol). Prices start at 14,650 yen per day (tax and Safety Pack included; may vary by date). Check the price for your dates on the booking screen and continue via Book at Haneda.

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