Hey guys!

It's my first trip ever since I moved here.

Since Gunma is really famous for Mount Haruna, featured in the anime Initial D, how can I resist going to that? 😍

Although I didn't watch the entire anime, I really do enjoy the eurobeat song done for it a lot.

Let's begin!

Trip to Mount Haruna!

Well, to be honest. This is an unplanned trip and I went there with no items or luggage other than my phone. I even wake up at 6 o' clock and thinking about where should I go, and I somehow decided to go there.

The first thing to do is to go to Takasaki Station as I have no other transportation than the bus.

What I love about Japan is that their public transportation is soo good! You can go anywhere with it.

The bus costs you around 3,000 JPY, but trust me, it's really worth it. It took 1 hour and 45 min just to get there. There are many seats option available, but I chose the seat next to the windows and on the raised ground. The seat was wide enough for two people. (Even though I look fat, I still manage to fit on only one seat.)

I sat in the seat that is next to the window to enjoy the view. When the time passes for a few station, there was a handsome man who came and sat right beside me while there are many other available seats. I wonder what's on his mind. 🫢

Then, the bus will stop for a break on the hill, but if no one else is coming, it will take off not very long after. Then for another 10 stations, you would finally reach the 榛名湖 (Haruna Lake)

At the lake

There are so many activities for you to do at the lake. There are also pedal boat and the electric boat for you to rent. However, I am the type that enjoys hiking, so I went to the mountain peak first 😎

Actually.... I didn't notice there was a boat for rent. I only acknowledge its existence when I'm about to return...

In order for you to go to the mountain top, you need to walk along the path to you right. Treat that as a nature-admiring time. It may take around 10 minutes.

It's quite a long walk until you reach the sign that says "Ropeway", then turn left and you will meet the main part of it

It was one of the most amazing view I have ever seen for sure. The scenery of a sapphire-colored lake along with the bright, vibrant clear blue sky with the shy cloud that hides behind the mountain. This place is also featured in the Initial D anime scene, too!

The Mountain Top

There is also a Ropeway Service where you can go up to the top of the hills with a reasonable price. The top of the mountain is very beautiful on a clear sky day and there is also a shrine on the mountain!

Time to go back!

After coming down the top, I sat and relaxed in front of the lake for a while then decided to head back to Takasaki. I took the Ikaho line back as it will pass the infamous Initial D's Parking Lot. If you are an Initial D fan, you would really love it!

If you have a chance to travel to Mount Haruna, I really recommended it. I would give it 5/5 stars without any problems. During the trip, it costs around 4,000 yen for transportation back and forth, which can be translated into 800 THB, which is, um, maybe a little bit expensive for Thai like me. However, considering all the living cost and income, it does really worth it!

See you in the next trip!