News & Updates

We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to provide greater transparency and protection for our guests. These comprehensive documents now include:

• Enhanced GDPR compliance for European visitors
• Detailed vehicle rental terms and insurance information
• Comprehensive risk disclosures for mountain driving
• Clear cancellation and refund policies
• Expanded FAQ section covering all aspects of our services

All guests are encouraged to review these documents before making a booking. Questions? Contact us at contact@tougetown.com

Key information for winter visitors:

• Mount Haruna (Akina): Main roads remain open but side routes may close. Check conditions daily.
• Overnight Closures: Many passes close from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM even when daytime driving is permitted.
• Winter Tires Required: All vehicles must have winter tires or chains from December 1st through March 31st.
• Weather Changes Rapidly: Mountain weather can change in minutes. Always check forecasts before driving.

We provide real-time road status information with all winter bookings. Stay safe and respect all closure signs and barriers.

Autumn is now at its peak in Gunma Prefecture! This is one of the best times of year to experience mountain pass driving with:

• Spectacular fall foliage (koyo) along all mountain routes
• Cool, comfortable temperatures (15-20°C / 59-68°F)
• Clear skies and excellent visibility
• Reduced tourist crowds compared to summer
• All roads open and in excellent condition

November through mid-December offers the perfect weather window before winter closures begin. Book your mountain driving experience now!

Important IDP facts:

• IDPs must be obtained in your home country BEFORE traveling to Japan
• IDPs cannot be obtained after arriving in Japan
• IDPs are valid for 1 year from issue date
• Your original driver's license must be carried with your IDP at all times
• Driving without valid documentation is illegal and will void your insurance

Check with your home country's automobile association (AAA in USA, AA in UK, etc.) for IDP application procedures. Allow 2-4 weeks for processing.

The mountain passes of Gunma Prefecture are not just tourist attractions - they are home to real communities with residents, businesses, and daily life. As visitors, we must show respect:

• Obey Speed Limits: Posted limits are for safety, not suggestions
• Keep Noise Down: Especially early morning and late evening
• No Racing or Drifting: Public roads are not racetracks
• Proper Parking: Only park in designated areas
• Leave No Trace: Take all trash with you
• Respect Private Property: Don't trespass or disturb residents

Initial D popularized these roads worldwide, but locals lived here long before and will live here long after. Their cooperation allows us to offer these experiences. Let's maintain that goodwill through respectful behavior.

Mount Haruna, known as "Mount Akina" in Initial D, is more than just a racing backdrop - it's a mountain rich in history and cultural significance:

• Sacred Mountain: Home to Haruna Shrine, a Shinto shrine dating back over 1400 years
• Volcanic Lake: Lake Haruna sits in the volcanic caldera at the summit, created by ancient eruptions
• Strategic Route: Historically important mountain pass connecting Tokyo and northern Japan
• Driving Culture: Popular with car enthusiasts since the 1970s, decades before Initial D
• Natural Beauty: Protected natural park with diverse flora and fauna

When you drive these roads, you're experiencing layers of history: ancient pilgrimage routes, wartime supply lines, economic corridors, and finally, automotive culture. The Initial D connection is just the latest chapter in a much longer story.

Real risks you need to understand:

• Narrow Roads: Most passes are 1.5-2 lanes wide with minimal shoulder
• Blind Corners: Limited visibility around curves - oncoming traffic is often invisible
• Steep Drop-offs: Many sections have sheer cliffs with minimal barriers
• Weather Changes: Conditions can deteriorate rapidly (fog, rain, ice)
• Wildlife: Deer, monkeys, and other animals cross roads unexpectedly
• Limited Services: No cell service in many areas, limited emergency response

We provide these experiences because they're incredible - but they require skill, caution, and respect. Drive defensively. Know your limits. Don't let Initial D fantasies override reality. Your life is more important than any driving experience.

Welcome to Touge Town! After months of preparation, we're excited to officially open our doors and share the legendary mountain passes of Gunma Prefecture with the world.

Our mission is simple: provide safe, legal, and culturally respectful access to the mountain driving experiences that inspired Initial D and countless car enthusiasts.

We offer:

• Accommodation units in Shibukawa at the base of Mount Haruna
• Performance vehicle rentals (AE86, RX-7, WRX STI, and more)
• Route information and guidance for all major passes
• Cultural context and local knowledge
• 24/7 support during your stay

We're honored to share this experience with you. Let's drive responsibly, respect the local communities, and keep the spirit of touge culture alive for future generations.

Contact us: contact@tougetown.com