Screen Pilgrimage Real places behind anime and film, across Japan

TV anime · 1998

Initial D — filming locations

4 places you can visit, in Gunma, Ibaraki. Every entry gives the nearest station, how long the walk is, and what to mind when you get there.

Open on the map

Many of these are shrines, schools and people’s streets. Read the conduct note before you go.

Locations · 4

Mt. Haruna (Akina)

Gunma Start here

Akina in the series is Haruna: the downhill the tofu delivery runs, hairpin by hairpin.

Getting there
Takasaki Stn + 90 min by bus · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Watch for traffic — do not step into the road
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Keep your voice down
  • Parking is for campers only
Sources
榛名山 · 頭文字D

Usui Pass

Gunma Start here

The 184-curve pass on the old Route 18 that the series' downhill runs are drawn from.

Getting there
Bus from Yokokawa Stn · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Watch for traffic — do not step into the road
  • Do not block the path or road
  • Keep your voice down
Sources
碓氷峠 · 頭文字D

Mt. Akagi (Akagi)

Gunma

The rival team's mountain, and the pass the series races down in its early arcs.

Getting there
Maebashi Stn + 60 min by bus · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Watch for traffic — do not step into the road
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Keep your voice down
  • Parking is for campers only
Sources
赤城山 · 頭文字D

Mt Tsukuba

Ibaraki

The Ibaraki mountain road of the series' eastern battles; the toll road climbs to the saddle.

Getting there
Bus + cable car from Tsukuba Stn · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Watch for traffic — do not step into the road
  • Very crowded — expect queues
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
Sources
筑波山

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