Manga & Anime fans know that Mount Haruna (Akina Mountain), the model for the setting of Initial D, is a must-visit, but Shibukawa City in Gunma Prefecture is also one of the top anime pilgrimage spots! Here, you’ll find seven special manhole covers featuring characters from Initial D, including the main character Takumi Fujiwara. These manholes were specially illustrated by Ai Yokoyama, the animation director for the anime, under the supervision of the original creator Shuichi Shigeno, making them a must-see for fans!

This time, we’ll introduce a unique treasure-hunt-like experience in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, where you can search for each manhole cover one by one. Enjoy an anime pilgrimage trip to Gunma, where the world of anime comes to life♪

The Setting of Manga & Anime "Initial D": Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture

The hugely popular manga and anime "Initial D" tells the story of Takumi Fujiwara, who hones his driving skills while delivering tofu for his father’s shop and races his beloved AE86 Trueno (Hachiroku) against local street racing teams on public roads. In 2005, a live-action film was released in Hong Kong, and the series gained popularity throughout Asia, especially in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The main setting, "Akina Mountain," is modeled after Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture. While there are several locations in Gunma that appear in "Initial D," many of them are concentrated in Shibukawa City. For example, the famous Ikaho Onsen hot spring area appears in the series, making it a perfect location to enjoy both an anime pilgrimage and hot spring sightseeing at the same time.

Since 2020, Shibukawa City has collaborated with "Initial D." Seven original manhole covers with special designs illustrated by Ai Yokoyama, the animation director for the New Theatrical Edition series, have been installed throughout the city. Collaboration goods are also available for purchase, and the city has become a new anime pilgrimage spot attracting many fans from Japan and abroad.

A Complete Guide to Exploring the "Initial D" Manholes!

Manhole Card

Searching for all seven Initial D manhole covers in Shibukawa City is a special experience that feels just like a treasure hunt. One of the highlights is looking back on the scenes featuring different characters and iconic cars depicted on each cover! Here are some tips to help you enjoy spotting the manholes even more.

Check the Manhole Map!

The first step in your manhole tour is to check the map showing the installation locations. You can download a PDF file with the "Design Manhole Placement Information" from the special "Initial D × SHIBUKAWA" page on the Shibukawa City website. The map clearly marks all seven locations, and if you save it to your smartphone, you can check it anytime while you’re there. The sense of accomplishment when you find them all is truly special! The map also includes information on nearby sightseeing spots and parking, making it useful for sightseeing as well.

‘Initial D’ Manhole Cover Related Map: https://initiald-shibukawa.com/eg/

Get Your Manhole Cover Card!

Manhole cover cards are collectible cards planned by the Gesuido Koho (sewage publicity) Platform group (GKP) that introduce local manhole covers from all over Japan. Manhole covers in Japan have different designs depending on the region, depicting the local culture, history, landmarks, and specialty products.

The manhole cover card distributed at the Shibukawa Area Specialty Products Center “Shibusan” features a design of Takumi Fujiwara and his beloved AE86 with the Shibukawa Ekimae Plaza in the background. The card also explains the origin of the design. It is a popular item as a travel souvenir.

In addition, “Shibusan” sells original frame stamps and collaboration goods. Be sure to stop by when you visit Shibukawa City!

Gunma Prefecture Shibukawa City × Initial D Collaboration Project

  • Manhole Cover Card Distribution Location: Shibukawa Area Specialty Products Center “Shibusan” (Shibukawa Ekimae Plaza)
  • Address: 1832-27 Shibukawa, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, 1st Floor, Shibukawa Ekimae Plaza
  • Business Hours: 09:00–19:00
  • Closed: New Year’s holidays (except New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)
  • Special Page: https://initiald-shibukawa.com/eg/

From here, we will introduce all seven types of manhole covers one by one.

Manhole Cover ①: Takumi Fujiwara & AE86

This design welcomes fans with the main character, Takumi Fujiwara, and his beloved AE86 (Hachiroku) in front of the Shibukawa Ekimae Plaza. Takumi’s serious expression is cool, and he is impressively depicted alongside the Hachiroku. After receiving your manhole cover card at “Shibusan,” you can immediately take a commemorative photo at this spot. The area in front of Shibukawa Station also appears in the original story, making it a place where you can feel the world of the series.

  • Location: In front of Shibukawa Ekimae Plaza
  • Nearby Spots: “Shibusan” (manhole cover card distribution and Initial D goods sales), Shibukawa Station

Manhole Cover ②: Takumi Fujiwara & Fujiwara Tofu Shop

This manhole cover features Takumi Fujiwara and his family’s Fujiwara Tofu Shop. At first glance, it looks like only Takumi is standing in front of the “Fujiwara Tofu Shop,” but if you look closely, you’ll notice, “Wait, Takumi’s father Bunta Fujiwara is there too!” I was happy to spot this kind of subtle detail. It’s playful and fun!

This special design expresses the bond between father and son and the beginning of the story. It is installed in front of the municipal parking lot on the way to Ikaho Onsen, making it convenient for those arriving by car.

  • Location: In front of the municipal parking lot
  • Nearby Spots: Entrance to Ikaho Onsen, inns, restaurants, and more

Manhole Cover ③: Mako Sato & Sayuki & SilEighty (Impact Blue)

This design features Mako Sato and Sayuki, the female street racing duo known as "Impact Blue," who are called the fastest on Usui Pass, along with their beloved car, the SilEighty. The beautiful blue and white body color of the SilEighty and the charm of these female characters, who are among the most popular in the series, are expressed in this design.

The manhole is installed in front of a public restroom along the "Path of Literature," a walking trail where you can trace the footsteps of literary figures connected to Ikaho. While searching for the manhole, be sure to enjoy the literary atmosphere as well.

  • Location: In front of the public restroom (文学の小径, Alley of Literature)
  • Nearby Spots: Alley of Literature, Ikaho Onsen Ropeway, Ikaho Stone Steps Street

Manhole ④: The Takahashi Brothers (Ryosuke Takahashi & Keisuke Takahashi)

This manhole features the Takahashi brothers, important characters who had a major influence on Takumi Fujiwara’s growth and lead the "Akagi RedSuns," relaxing in a hot spring. The older brother, Ryosuke, and the younger brother, Keisuke, are Takumi Fujiwara’s main rivals and are just as popular as the protagonist. The manhole is installed in a rewarding location at the top of the 365 steps of Stone Steps Street, just before Ikaho Shrine. It is a perfect spot where you can enjoy both visiting the shrine and searching for manholes at the same time.

  • Location: Below Ikaho Shrine
  • Nearby Spots: Ikaho Shrine, upper part of Ikaho Stone Steps Street, Kajika Bridge

Manhole ⑤: Takumi Fujiwara & Natsuki Mogi

This design features Takumi Fujiwara and his girlfriend, Natsuki Mogi, who is an important part of the story. The motif is a scene reminiscent of the two on a date at Ikaho Onsen. The manhole is installed in a prime location at the plaza at the entrance to the hot spring and Stone Steps Street, a popular starting point for sightseeing in Ikaho. Be sure to look carefully so you don’t miss it!

  • Location: Plaza at the bottom of the Stone Steps
  • Nearby Spots: Ikaho Stone Steps Street, Ikaho Onsen Tourist Information Corner, Bus Stop

Manhole ⑥: AE86 & RX-7 (FD) & RX-7 (FC) & SilEighty

This luxurious design brings together four iconic cars from the series: Takumi Fujiwara’s AE86, Keisuke Takahashi’s RX-7 (FD), Ryosuke Takahashi’s RX-7 (FC), and Mako Sato’s SilEighty. This manhole will remind you of the street races between Takumi Fujiwara and the racing teams "Akina Speed Stars" and "Akagi RedSuns" that appear in the original story. The four cars are arranged in a well-balanced composition that highlights each of their unique characteristics. The detailed depiction of the cars, drawn by Ai Yokoyama, is truly impressive.

  • Location: Inside the north parking lot of Irwin Park
  • Nearby spots: Former Villa of the Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii, Ikaho Stone Steps Street

Manhole ⑦: AE86 & RX-7 (FD)

A powerful scene featuring Takumi Fujiwara’s AE86 and his rival Keisuke Takahashi’s RX-7 (FD) driving side by side. The design recreates the start of their battle, with both cars depicted in dynamic, energetic forms. The mountain pass on Mount Haruna, which served as the model for the “Akina Mountain Downhill Start Point” in the series, is truly a sacred place for fans. The scenery perfectly matches the original manga, and any fan is sure to get excited!

  • Location: Former Yaseone Pass Toll Booth Site
  • Nearby Spots: Haruna Mountain Drive Course, Lake Haruna, Harunasan Ropeway

Take a Break on Your Manhole Pilgrimage! Sacred Spot Cafe “RacingCafe D`z-garage”

If you’re touring the manhole covers, be sure to stop by “RacingCafe D`z-garage,” a must-visit cafe for Initial D fans. The interior is filled with Initial D merchandise and displays, and features a stylish garage-inspired design. Official Initial D goods from Shibukawa City are also available for purchase. In addition, there are cars on display in the garage next to the cafe, making it an irresistible spot for both Initial D fans and car enthusiasts!

RacingCafe D`z-garage

  • Address: 3715-1 Shibukawa, Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture
  • Access:
    • About 10 minutes by car from JR Shibukawa Station, on the way to Ikaho Onsen
    • Take the bus bound for Ikaho Onsen from Shibukawa Station and get off at “Orihara Junisha”
    • About 15 minutes by car from Shibukawa Ikaho Interchange toward Ikaho and Haruna
  • Business Hours: 10:00–17:00
  • Closed: Wednesdays
  • Official Website: http://dzgarage.com/

Access to Shibukawa City and Ikaho Onsen

It takes about 2 to 3 hours from central Tokyo, making it a perfect day trip destination from the city.

If you take the highway bus, the “Joshu Yumeguri” or “Tokyo Yumeguri” run from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal or Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit. You can get there in about 2 hours and 30 minutes without transfers, making for a comfortable and easy journey.

If you take the train, it’s about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Takasaki Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen or Hokuriku Shinkansen. From there, transfer to the “Ikaho Liner” bus and arrive at Ikaho Stone Steps Street Entrance in about an hour. Combining the Shinkansen and bus can get you there faster than the highway bus.

After enjoying the Initial D manhole cover tour in Shibukawa City, be sure to relax and unwind at Ikaho Onsen. The “Kogane no yu" and "Shirogane no yu" hot springs and the gourmet food along the stone steps are waiting for you!

For more details on Ikaho Onsen:

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