Frequently Asked Questions

Touge Town Corporation (株式会社峠町)

Everything you need to know about our services

General Questions

What is Touge Town?
Touge Town is a tourism company based in Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. We specialize in mountain pass (touge) driving experiences and Initial D themed tourism. We offer accommodation rentals, performance vehicle rentals, and guided route experiences in the legendary mountain passes made famous by the Initial D anime and manga series.
Where are you located?
We are located at 2110-34 Shibukawa, Gunma 377-0008, Japan. Our base is at the foot of Mount Haruna (Akina in Initial D), providing direct access to some of Japan's most iconic mountain driving roads.
Is this a racing service?
No. We are a cultural tourism platform focused on respectful and safe exploration of historic mountain routes. We strictly prohibit street racing, drifting on public roads, and any illegal driving activities. Safety, legal compliance, and respect for local residents are our core values.

Booking & Reservations

How do I make a booking?
Currently, all bookings are handled through direct contact. Please email us at contact@tougetown.com with your desired dates, services, and any special requests. We will respond within 24 hours with availability and booking instructions.
What is your cancellation policy?
Accommodation:
  • 30+ days before check-in: Full refund minus ¥5,000 processing fee
  • 15-30 days: 50% refund
  • 7-14 days: 25% refund
  • Less than 7 days: No refund
Vehicle Rental:
  • 14+ days before pickup: Full refund of deposit
  • 7-14 days: 50% refund
  • Less than 7 days: No refund
See our Terms of Service for complete details.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB credit cards, and debit cards with major network logos. Bank transfers are available for bookings made more than 14 days in advance. All prices are in Japanese Yen (¥JPY).

Accommodation

What types of accommodation do you offer?
We offer self-check-in lodging units ranging from traditional Japanese-style rooms to modern apartments. All units are located in Shibukawa with easy access to mountain pass routes. Units accommodate 2-6 guests depending on the property.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Standard check-in is 3:00 PM (15:00) and check-out is 11:00 AM (11:00). Early check-in and late check-out may be available for an additional fee, subject to availability. Self-check-in instructions are sent via email 24 hours before arrival.
Are your accommodations pet-friendly?
No, pets are not permitted in our accommodation units, with the exception of registered service animals. A ¥50,000 cleaning fee applies for violations of this policy.

Vehicle Rentals

What vehicles do you offer for rent?
We offer a curated selection of performance and specialty vehicles including iconic Japanese sports cars featured in Initial D. Our fleet includes models like the Toyota AE86, Mazda RX-7 FD, Subaru WRX STI, and others. Availability varies by season.
What are the requirements to rent a vehicle?
  • Minimum age 21 (25 for high-performance vehicles)
  • Valid driver's license from your home country
  • Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) - required for non-Japanese licenses
  • Minimum 2 years driving experience (5 years for high-performance vehicles)
  • Clean driving record
  • Valid credit card for security deposit (¥50,000-¥500,000)
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
Yes, if you hold a non-Japanese driver's license, you MUST have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive in Japan. IDPs must be obtained in your home country before traveling to Japan. We cannot rent vehicles to drivers without proper documentation.
Is insurance included?
Basic insurance is included in rental rates, covering third-party liability, collision damage (¥100,000 deductible), and theft protection (¥100,000 deductible). Optional full coverage insurance is available for an additional fee. Insurance is void if the vehicle is operated illegally or in violation of our terms.
What if I damage the vehicle?
You are personally liable for all damages up to the insurance deductible amount (¥100,000 standard, ¥0 with full coverage). Damage caused by illegal driving, racing, or gross negligence is not covered by insurance and you will be liable for full repair costs plus penalties. All accidents must be reported immediately.

Vehicle Setup & Care

Tasteful, period-correct enhancements — focused on sound, feel, and longevity.

Are the cars modified?
Some vehicles feature light, period-correct modifications designed to enhance sound and driving feel. These are not high-stress performance upgrades — all setups prioritise reliability, longevity, and public-road enjoyment.
Are the cars tuned for performance?
No. Our vehicles are configured conservatively to protect mechanical components. The focus is on authentic feel and character, not chasing power figures.
Why do some cars sound louder than stock?
Certain cars use subtle intake or exhaust components to bring out the iconic sound they're known for. This is about experience and atmosphere, not aggressive driving.
Is the Delica modified?
The Delica features a mild lift and larger wheels to improve stance, visibility, and everyday usability. It's set up for relaxed exploration — not extreme off-road use.
Are the vehicles monitored or tracked?
Like most specialist and heritage car rentals in Japan, our vehicles include standard safety and recovery systems. These are used for vehicle protection, incident review, and theft recovery — not for policing normal driving.
Is speed monitored?
We don't encourage aggressive driving or competitive behaviour. Our focus is smooth, respectful use on public roads, in line with local laws and safety expectations.
Why is there a bond?
Classic vehicles require a higher level of care. A refundable bond helps ensure the cars remain in good condition for everyone.
Why is bond release 48–72 hours after return?
With older vehicles, some mechanical issues can appear after a drive. A short post-return window allows us to confirm everything remains healthy and protects both the guest and the vehicle. This is standard practice for classic and performance rentals.
Can I drive the car like it's meant to be driven?
Absolutely. These cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed. We simply ask that they're treated with mechanical sympathy and respect.
What happens if something goes wrong during my rental?
Contact us immediately. We're here to help and will guide you through the next steps — calmly and professionally.
Who are these rentals best suited for?
Drivers who appreciate classic Japanese cars, value authenticity over aggression, and want a memorable, respectful driving experience. If that sounds like you, you'll feel right at home.

Driving & Safety

Is mountain driving dangerous?
Yes, mountain pass driving involves inherent risks including narrow roads, steep grades, sharp curves, blind corners, changing weather conditions, and wildlife. You must have appropriate driving skills and experience. We strongly recommend driving defensively, maintaining safe speeds, and exercising extreme caution. See our Terms of Service for complete risk disclosures.
What are the speed limits on mountain passes?
Speed limits on mountain roads typically range from 30-50 km/h. ALWAYS obey posted speed limits. Speeding is illegal, dangerous, and will void your insurance coverage. Local police actively patrol these routes.
Can I drift or race on the mountain passes?
Absolutely not. Street racing, drifting, and illegal driving activities are STRICTLY PROHIBITED. These activities are illegal under Japanese law and will result in immediate termination of your rental, arrest, heavy fines (up to ¥1,000,000), license suspension, and potential deportation. Our rental agreements explicitly prohibit these activities.
When is the best time to drive the mountain passes?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer the best conditions with mild weather and beautiful scenery. Summer can be crowded with tourists. Winter (December-March) brings snow and ice, making roads dangerous or closed. Many passes close during winter months. Always check road status before driving.
Are the roads closed at certain times?
Yes, many mountain passes close overnight (typically 5:00 PM - 8:00 AM) and during winter months. Road closures are enforced by barriers and police patrols. Violating closure restrictions is illegal and extremely dangerous. We provide current road status information with all bookings.

Initial D & Culture

Can I visit the locations from Initial D?
Yes! Our location provides access to Mount Haruna (the real-world inspiration for Mount Akina), Lake Haruna, and other iconic locations featured in Initial D. We can provide route guidance to filming locations, the tofu shop inspirations, and scenic viewpoints. However, please remember these are real working communities - be respectful and follow all local rules.
Do you offer guided Initial D tours?
We provide route information and self-guided experiences. Due to licensing and safety considerations, we do not currently offer official "Initial D tours," but we can recommend routes, viewpoints, and cultural sites related to the series. Contact us for customized itinerary recommendations.

Practical Information

How do I get to Shibukawa from Tokyo?
  • Train: JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takasaki (50 min), then JR Joetsu Line to Shibukawa (20 min). Total: ~70 minutes, ¥3,500-4,500
  • Highway Bus: Direct buses from Tokyo to Shibukawa (2-3 hours, ¥2,500-3,000)
  • Car: Kan-Etsu Expressway from Tokyo (90-120 minutes depending on traffic)
Do you speak English?
Yes, our staff speaks English and Japanese. All communication, booking confirmations, and documentation are available in both languages. We understand that most of our international guests are English speakers and we're here to help.
What should I bring?
Essential:
  • Valid passport
  • Driver's license and International Driving Permit (for vehicle rentals)
  • Credit card for deposits
  • Confirmation emails with check-in instructions
Recommended:
  • Comfortable driving shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers for mountain weather)
  • Phone with Google Maps or navigation app
  • Portable WiFi or international data plan
  • Travel insurance documentation
Is there mobile phone coverage in the mountains?
Mobile coverage is generally good on main roads and populated areas, but can be limited or absent in remote mountain areas. We recommend downloading offline maps before driving. Emergency phone numbers (110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance) work even without signal if you're near a cell tower.

Contact & Support

How can I contact you?
Email: contact@tougetown.com (preferred method, response within 24 hours)
Website: https://tougetown.com
Address: 2110-34 Shibukawa, Gunma 377-0008, Japan

For emergencies during your stay, check-in instructions will include an emergency contact number.
What if I have an emergency during my stay?
Medical/Fire Emergency: Call 119
Police Emergency: Call 110
Vehicle Breakdown/Accident: Contact us immediately via the emergency number provided in your rental agreement

For non-emergency issues with accommodation or vehicles, contact us via email or the phone number provided in your booking confirmation.
My question isn't answered here. What should I do?
Please email us at contact@tougetown.com with your question. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. For booking-specific questions, include your booking reference number if you have one.
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