manga
Initial D
Mount Haruna is Akina. A public road, a real lake, and a hard rule about how to drive it.
**Mount Haruna** in Gunma is the model for Akina, and **Lake Haruna**, the caldera lake at the top, is Akina Lake. The pass is Gunma Prefectural Route 33, under 8km long, and it is where most of the early series takes place. Say the necessary thing plainly: **this is a public road with residents, cyclists, buses and blind corners, and street racing on it is illegal and has killed people.** Drive it at the speed limit and it is still one of the best mountain roads in the Kanto region, with the lake, the lava dome of Haruna-Fuji and the autumn colour at the top. Shibukawa is about 90 minutes from Tokyo.
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Common questions
Where is Akina?
Mount Haruna in Gunma. The pass is Gunma Prefectural Route 33, under 8km long, and Lake Haruna at the top is Akina Lake.
Can I drive the pass?
Yes, at the speed limit. It is a public road used by residents, buses and cyclists, with blind corners and no run-off. Racing on it is illegal and people have died doing it.
What if I am not driving?
Buses run from Takasaki. The lake has a ropeway to a summit viewpoint, boats in season and hot springs on the far side.