Gunma Drift Experience｜The Initial D Triangle, High-Altitude Spa Towns, and Skyline Roads That Breathe

Gunma is the mountain-shaped heart of the Kanto car myth. In one day you can trace the “Initial D” triangle—Myogi, Akagi, and Haruna—then sink into onsen steam at Ikaho, Kusatsu, or Minakami. Add the historic Usui Pass and the volcanic ridge of the Shiga–Kusatsu route, and you get a prefecture where roads feel like architecture.

Why Gunma for Car & Drift Travelers

Close to Tokyo yet genuinely alpine once you leave the plain. The draws are steep, disciplined switchbacks, high-elevation lakes, and onsen towns that reset your head between runs. Grassroots motorsport venues sit just outside the border (Saitama/Tochigi), while Gunma itself offers iconic closed-course locations used in media—great to know about, not for casual entry.

Myogi — Cliffs, Stone, and Short-Horizon Precision

West of Takasaki, Myogi wraps around sheer rock faces with tight hairpins and sudden views. Sightlines are short; rhythm matters more than horsepower. Plan daylight runs, use posted turnouts, and respect weekend traffic to and from the shrine and hiking trailheads.

Akagi — Long Grades and Lake-Top Cooldowns

North of Maebashi, Akagi rises in long, disciplined grades to the crater lake. Corners are clean and repeatable; the descent teaches braking discipline and weight management. At the top, Lake Onuma gives you a flat, cool reset before the next pass.

Haruna — The Spirit of “Akina”

Mount Haruna is the real-world echo of “Akina.” The approach to Lake Haruna blends medium-speed arcs with short, stacked switchbacks; surfaces change with season and altitude. Nearby Ikaho Onsen (stone steps, brown iron-rich baths) turns a hard-morning drive into a soft-afternoon soak.

Usui Pass — History, Tunnels, and Etiquette

Between Annaka (Gunma) and Karuizawa (Nagano), Usui mixes historic alignments with modern bypasses. Expect speed enforcement and mixed traffic (tour buses, cyclists). Treat it as a heritage road: no drifting, no loud pulls; the story here is line-reading and restraint, not spectacle.

Shiga–Kusatsu Route & Snow Walls (Seasonal)

When open, the Shiga Kusatsu Kōgen Route climbs above Kusatsu into a high volcanic plateau with spring snow corridors and summer clarity. Seasonal closures are common—always check status—but pairing a morning crest with an afternoon Kusatsu Onsen soak is peak Gunma.

Circuits & Closed Courses (How to Actually Slide)

• Gunsai (Gunma Cycle Sports Center): legendary closed-road course seen in media tests; typically not open for public lapping—access is by permission or private events only.

• Practical drift days nearby: consider Honjo Circuit (Saitama) or Nikko Circuit (Tochigi) for accessible practice and spectator-friendly paddocks. Build your Gunma mountain itinerary around a booked track session across the prefectural line.

Getting There & Practicalities

From Tokyo by car: ~2–3 h to Takasaki/Maebashi via the Kan-Etsu Expressway; local routes climb to each pass.Fuel & services: Dense in the plain; thin after dark at elevation—top up before climbing.Parking: Lakes and shrines have signed lots; arrive early on weekends/holidays.Tolls & nav: ETC rental is worth it. Many mountain segments are one-way or restricted—watch signage.

Car Rental & Driver Essentials

Bring an IDP (1949 Geneva) plus your home license (or the required Japanese translation by nationality). On descents, use engine braking to spare pads. Keep headlights on in forest shade and mist; horn is for safety only.

Where to Base Your Stay

• Takasaki / Maebashi: central hub for Myogi–Akagi–Haruna; plentiful hotels and late food.

• Ikaho Onsen: immediate access to Haruna and a classic onsen townscape.

• Kusatsu / Minakami: high-altitude or river-valley bases if you’ll add Shiga–Kusatsu or Tanigawa.

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When to Visit

• Autumn (Oct–Nov): dry grip, foliage, peak visibility.

• Spring (Apr–May): clear air; snow corridors on high routes when open.

• Winter (Dec–Mar): snow/ice possible—seasonal tyres/chains and closures to be checked.

• Summer (Jun–Sep): afternoon showers; schedule climbs early and onsens late.

Safety & Courtesy for Drift Fans

Public roads in Gunma are for scenic, safe driving. Keep any sliding to closed courses (bookable track days in Saitama/Tochigi). Use turnouts to let locals pass; respect cyclists and buses on heritage climbs. Paddocks run on courtesy and clear signals—arrive early, watch first, then drive.

Quick Itineraries

• Classic Triangle Day: Takasaki → Myogi (AM) → Akagi (midday lake stop) → Haruna (PM) → Ikaho Onsen stay.

• Track + Passes Weekend: Sat Honjo Circuit practice (Saitama) → Maebashi stay → Sun Akagi → Usui → return via Karuizawa.

• High-Route & Hot Spring: Kusatsu base → Shiga–Kusatsu crest (if open) → afternoon onsen → evening stroll.

  
  

Useful Combos & Next Stops

• East to Tochigi for Nikko Circuit and Irohazaka.

• North to Fukushima for Ebisu Circuit and skyline roads.

• West to Nagano for Karuizawa loops and highland plateaus.

FAQ

Can I drive the exact “Initial D” roads?

• You can drive Myogi, Akagi, and Haruna as public roads, but they are for lawful, safe driving only—no drifting or street racing.
  

Is there a drift circuit in Gunma I can book?

• Iconic Gunsai is generally not open for casual booking. For practice, use nearby Honjo (Saitama) or Nikko (Tochigi) and pair them with Gunma mountain runs.

What tyres do I need?

• Three-season/summer tyres are typical; bring winter-ready equipment if visiting Dec–Mar or aiming for high routes early/late in the day.