The Holy Trinity
Jomo no Sanzan. Gunma's three sacred mountains: Akagi-yama, Haruna-yama (Akina), Myogi-yama. For centuries, pilgrims climbed all three to prove spiritual dedication. The Jomo Triple Crown modernizes that pilgrimage — 110 kilometers of asphalt connecting the peaks, completing the circuit in single day proving automotive and human endurance.
This isn't just long distance. It's sacred geography. Each mountain holds Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, centuries of religious significance. The route links them in traditional pilgrimage order: begin at Akagi (east), move to Haruna/Akina (center), finish at Myogi (west). Complete the circuit and you've traced the spiritual boundary of Gunma — not as tourist, but as participant in tradition older than internal combustion.
Initial D showed individual battles on these mountains. The Triple Crown shows their relationship. How Akagi's fast straights contrast Myogi's technical rock sections. How Haruna sits between them — balanced, central, the spiritual anchor. Drive all three in sequence and you understand Gunma's automotive culture didn't emerge randomly. It emerged from terrain that demanded skill, respect, and commitment long before cars existed.
The Three Peaks
Peak 1: Akagi-yama (0-38km) — The route begins at Akagi Shrine, requesting safe passage from the mountain kami. Then: 38 kilometers of what Initial D's RedSuns called home. Fast elevation roads, technical lake circuit, long straights punctuated by sharp corners. This section establishes physical baseline — if you struggle here, the remaining 72km will break you. Summit stop at Akagi Onsen (hot spring bath recommended before continuing — traditional pilgrims purified between peaks).
Peak 2: Haruna-yama / Akina (38-73km) — Transition from Akagi to Haruna via connector roads through cedar forests. Arrive at Haruna Shrine (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site). The Akina downhill section Initial D made famous becomes meditation at sustainable pace — you're not racing, you're traversing. Five hairpins, 6km descent, then climb back to Haruna lake circuit. This middle section tests mental endurance: can you maintain focus when body wants rest?
Peak 3: Myogi-yama (73-110 km) — Final leg. The road narrows. Rock formations close in. Myogi's vertical cliffs and knife-edge ridges create consequence — guardrails disappear, drop-offs appear, mistakes have gravity. Summit at Myogi Shrine (1400 years old, carved into cliff face). The final 15km descent back to start point feels eternal — legs cramping, arms heavy, but you're finishing what you started. That's the pilgrimage lesson: completion matters more than speed.
Route Specifications
Pilgrimage philosophy: This route combines physical endurance (110 km mountain driving), cultural respect (shrine protocols), and spiritual reflection (why are you doing this?). Completing the Triple Crown isn't about bragging rights. It's about proving to yourself that you can commit to something difficult, maintain focus across hours, and finish what tradition asks you to finish.
Shrine Protocol (Required)
Akagi Shrine (Start): Bow twice at torii gate. Purify hands and mouth at temizuya. Offer coin (¥5 traditional). Request safe passage: "Kotsu anzen o negaimasu" (I pray for traffic safety). Bow twice, clap twice, bow once. Purchase omamori (traffic safety amulet, ¥500) — attach to rearview mirror for route duration.
Haruna Shrine (Middle): Brief stop. Offering and prayer. Light incense if available. This shrine represents center point — acknowledge you've completed half, request strength for remainder.
Myogi Shrine (Finish): Climb the stone steps (200+ stairs, park car below). This physical effort honors completion. Offer gratitude: "Kansha shimasu" (I am grateful). Leave second offering. Remove omamori from mirror — keep it as completion proof or return it to any shrine (traditional after safe journey).
Why this matters: You're driving roads locals consider sacred. The shrines aren't tourist stops — they're active religious sites. Following protocol shows respect. More importantly, it gives the route structure beyond just driving. You're participating in something larger than personal achievement.
What This Route Demands
Physical endurance: 110 km of mountain driving isn't just long — it's taxing. Arms absorb steering inputs. Legs work pedals thousands of times. Core stabilizes body through corners. By kilometer 80, everything hurts. Finishing requires pushing through discomfort. No different than traditional pilgrimage: the difficulty is the point.
Mechanical reliability: Your car must complete 110 km without failure. Cooling systems, brakes, suspension, drivetrain — everything gets tested. This route exposes preparation quality. Well-maintained cars finish. Marginal cars don't. Respect the distance: pre-run inspection mandatory.
Mental commitment: Hardest part isn't driving skill. It's maintaining focus when tired, bored, uncomfortable. Myogi's final section (kilometer 95-110) is where most people make mistakes — fatigue plus "almost done" overconfidence. The route teaches consistent attention matters more than peak performance.
Waypoints Along the Route
Recommended Cars
GT endurance machines: Nissan GT-R, Lexus LC, BMW M5. Comfortable over distance, powerful enough for elevation, reliable cooling systems. The Triple Crown isn't sprint — it's grand touring at mountain pace.
Classic pilgrimage cars: Air-cooled Porsche 911, early Corvette, Jaguar E-Type. Cars that make 110 km feel like occasion rather than ordeal. Mechanical involvement keeps you engaged. Character provides motivation when legs cramp.
Traditional Japanese sedans: Toyota Century, Nissan President, Honda Legend. Luxury sedans designed for long-distance comfort. Completing Triple Crown in one proves the route isn't about performance — it's about completion.
Practical Information
Start time: Dawn (5-6am). Provides 10-12 hours of daylight. Shrines open by 6am. Finishing before dark means you maintained decent pace.
Required gear: Full tank (start), emergency supplies, phone, first aid, water (3L minimum), energy food. This is remote mountain driving — self-sufficiency critical.
Checkpoint timing:
- → Akagi Shrine (start): 6:00am
- → Akagi Onsen (KM 38): 8:00-8:30am
- → Haruna Shrine (KM 60): 10:30-11:00am
- → Myogi Shrine (KM 95): 2:00-3:00pm
- → Return to start (KM 110): 4:00-5:00pm
Completion certificate: Collect shrine stamps (goshuin) at all three peaks. Present to us afterward — we provide official Triple Crown completion certificate (suitable for framing, proves you did it).
Guided Triple Crown Attempts
We organize quarterly Triple Crown group runs with support vehicles, mechanical backup, cultural guides for shrines, and post-completion onsen celebration. Earn your Crown properly.