“MF Ghost” is a popular racing manga and anime work by Shigeno Shuichi, the author of “Initial D.” The story is set in “MFG,” a public road race in near-future Japan, and many of its courses are modeled after actual roads in Kanagawa Prefecture. This article provides a detailed introduction to sacred sites in Kanagawa Prefecture that MF Ghost fans should visit.
What is MF Ghost? Overview of the Work and Its Connection to Kanagawa Prefecture
“MF Ghost” began serialization in “Young Magazine” in 2017 and was adapted into a television anime in 2023. It tells the story of the protagonist Kanade Katagiri (Kanata Rivington) returning to Japan from Britain and participating in the public road race “MFG (MFG).”
The “MFG” setting of the work is a public road race centered around the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture, featuring numerous real mountain passes and scenic roads. As a spiritual successor to “Initial D,” it includes characters from the previous work, making it a must-see for long-time fans.
Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly the Hakone area, is a treasure trove of some of Japan’s finest winding roads and has long been cherished by street racers and motorsports fans. MF Ghost creates realism and immediacy by faithfully depicting these actual roads.
Major Sacred Sites in the Hakone Area
Hakone Turnpike (Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone)
One of the most important sacred sites in MF Ghost is the Hakone Turnpike (official name: Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone). This 15.752 km toll road connects Odawara City and Hakone Town.
In the work, it appears frequently as “Turnpike” and is depicted as part of the MFG race course. When you actually visit, you can experience the sharp curves and elevation changes depicted in the series. In particular, the views from the Taikan-yama observation deck are spectacular, and on clear days you can see Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay.
Access Information:
- Toll: 930 yen for standard vehicles (as of 2024)
- Business Hours: 7:00-19:00 (varies by season)
- Entrance: Odawara Main Line Toll Plaza (along National Route 1)
- Note: Please observe speed limits and drive safely
Ashinoko Skyline
The Ashinoko Skyline is a 10.75 km scenic toll road running along the ridge of the Hakone outer caldera. In MF Ghost, it appears as the setting for important racing scenes.
This road, which runs at elevations around 1,000 meters, is also known as a scenic spot for viewing Mount Fuji. The views near Mikuni Pass are particularly wonderful, allowing you to see both Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji simultaneously.
Points of Interest:
- Shakushi Pass Observation Deck: A spectacular viewpoint of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko
- Restaurant House Lake View: A facility where you can take a break and eat
- Connection point with Hakone Skyline
Access Information:
- Toll: 860 yen for standard vehicles
- Business Hours: 7:00-19:00 (varies by season)
- The road may be closed due to snow and ice in winter
Hakone Skyline
Hakone Skyline is a free scenic road running along the border between Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefectures. At approximately 5 km long, it connects with the Ashinoko Skyline. In MF Ghost, this area is also depicted as part of the race course.
Features:
- Free to use
- Spectacular views of Mount Fuji
- Winding road from Mikuni Pass to Lakesuga Pass
- Popular as a night view spot
Ashinoko Vicinity Area
Lake Ashinoko is the center of Hakone tourism and appears as an important location in MF Ghost. Pre-race scenes and daily life scenes of characters may depict the area around Lake Ashinoko.
Visit Points:
- Hakone Shrine: Famous as a power spot
- Lake Ashinoko Sightseeing Boat: Enjoy Hakone scenery from the lake
- Hakone Checkpoint: A historical facility reconstructing an Edo-period checkpoint
- Tokinomori: A ropeway station where you can access Owakudani
Sacred Sites in the Shonan and Odawara Areas
Odawara City Center
Odawara City serves as the gateway to Hakone and appears frequently in MF Ghost. Daily life scenes of the protagonists and pre-race preparation scenes are set in the city center.
Points of Interest:
- Odawara Castle: A historical structure and tourist attraction
- Odawara Station Vicinity: Urban scenery that may appear in the work
- National Route 1: Main road heading toward Hakone
Shonan Coast Area
The Shonan Coast appears in MF Ghost as the hometown of some characters and as background for the story. In particular, Shonan scenery is depicted in seaside driving scenes and daily life scenes.
Major Spots:
- Nishi-Shonan Bypass: Automobile expressway running along the coast
- Area around Oiso Long Beach
- Ninomiya and Oiso Town Area
Practical Model Courses for MF Ghost Sacred Site Tours
Day Trip Course (by Car)
Estimated Time: About 8 hours
- 9:00 Departure from Odawara Station
- Rent a car or depart with your own vehicle
- Brief visit to Odawara Castle (30 minutes)
- 10:00 Hakone Turnpike Drive
- Enter from Odawara toll plaza
- Rest and photo shoot at Taikan-yama observation deck (30 minutes)
- 12:00 Lunch near Lake Ashinoko
- Eat at a lakeside restaurant
- Visit Hakone Shrine (1 hour)
- 14:00 Ashinoko Skyline Drive
- Mount Fuji photography at Shakushi Pass observation deck
- Rest at the restaurant house
- 16:00 Hakone Skyline Drive
- Stroll around Mikuni Pass area
- 17:00 Begin Descent
- Head back to Odawara area via Hakone Turnpike or National Route 1
1 Night, 2 Day Course
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Odawara, explore the city center
- Afternoon: Drive on Hakone Turnpike, visit Taikan-yama observation deck
- Evening: Check into a hotel near Lake Ashinoko
- Night: Enjoy Hakone hot springs
Day 2:
- Morning: Drive on Ashinoko Skyline and Hakone Skyline
- Lunch: Eat in the Hakone area
- Afternoon: Visit Hakone tourist spots (Owakudani, Gora, etc.)
- Evening: Head back toward Odawara Station
Precautions and Etiquette for Sacred Site Tours
Strict Safety Driving
While MF Ghost is themed on public road racing, conducting actual racing on public roads is absolutely prohibited. Please be mindful of the following:
- Strictly observe speed limits
- Be cautious of excessive speed on sharp curves
- Lane crossing and oncoming traffic driving is strictly forbidden
- Many motorcycles and bicycles use these roads, so overtake carefully
- Drive appropriately according to weather and road conditions
Consideration for Local Residents
The Hakone area is both a tourist destination and a residential area:
- Be mindful of noise during early morning and late night hours
- Parking on streets is prohibited
- Always take your trash with you
- Avoid entering private property
- Ensure photography does not inconvenience other tourists or vehicles
Using Toll Roads
- Hakone Turnpike and Ashinoko Skyline are toll roads
- They are not accessible outside business hours
- They may be closed due to snow and ice in winter
- Check the latest road information on official websites
Photography Etiquette
- Never photograph while driving; it is dangerous
- Take photos in safe locations such as parking lots and observation decks
- Be considerate of other tourists appearing in photos
- Note that drone photography requires permission in many areas
Best Times to Visit and Seasonal Attractions
Spring (March-May)
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
- Mild climate makes driving pleasant
- Cherry blossom season (early April) allows for viewing in Hakone
- Golden Week is crowded, so it’s better to avoid
- Beautiful contrast between snowy Mount Fuji and fresh greenery
Summer (June-August)
Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
- Higher elevations make it cooler than lowlands
- Be cautious of poor visibility during rainy season (June)
- Peak summer vacation period is crowded
- Early morning drives are recommended
Fall (September-November)
Recommendation: ★★★★★
- Most suitable season for sacred site tours
- Autumn leaves are beautiful (late October-mid November)
- Clear air provides excellent views of Mount Fuji
- Comfortable temperature for driving
Winter (December-February)
Recommendation: ★★☆☆☆
- Road closures due to snow and ice are frequent
- Snow tires or chains are necessary
- Fewer tourists, making it quieter
- Winter Mount Fuji is particularly beautiful
- A season for experienced drivers
Ways to Enjoy the MF Ghost World More Deeply
Previewing the Work
Reviewing relevant scenes in the manga and anime before the tour will make it more enjoyable:
- Read the manga to confirm which locations appear in which scenes
- Compare actual scenery with the anime
- Watching “Initial D” as well deepens understanding of the Hakone area
Vehicle Preferences
Various vehicles appear in MF Ghost. If possible, driving a vehicle similar to those in the work will enhance the atmosphere:
- Protagonist Kanata’s car: Toyota 86 (ZN6)
- Consider renting a sports car
- However, safe driving takes absolute priority
Photography Tips
Take commemorative photos recreating the work at sacred sites:
- Prepare screenshots from manga and anime
- Find the same location and angle
- Landscape views from observation decks are especially easy to recreate
- Matching lighting conditions at sunrise/sunset enhances the atmosphere
Enjoying Nearby Tourist Spots
Hakone is one of Japan’s premier tourist destinations. Enjoy more than just the sacred sites:
- Hakone Hot Springs: Many day-trip hot spring facilities
- Hakone Museum of Art, Pola Museum of Art: Art appreciation
- Hakone Ropeway: Spectacular views of Owakudani
- Hakone Mountain Train: Especially popular during hydrangea season
- Hakone Gora Park: Ideal for strolling
Access Methods and Transportation
Access by Public Transportation
Train:
- From Tokyo area: JR Tokaido Line/Odakyu Line to Odawara Station (about 1 hour)
- From Shinjuku: Odakyu Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 1.5 hours)
- From Hakone-Yumoto: Hakone Tozan Bus to various locations
Note:
You cannot drive on Hakone Turnpike or Ashinoko Skyline using public transportation. Consider using sightseeing bus tours or renting a car.
Access by Car
From Tokyo area:
- Tomei Expressway → Atsugi IC → Odawara-Atsugi Road → Hakone direction (about 1.5 hours)
- Tomei Expressway → Gotemba IC → National Route 138 → Hakone direction (about 1.5 hours)
From Nagoya area:
- Tomei Expressway → Gotemba IC → National Route 138 → Hakone direction (about 3 hours)
Rental Car Information
Car rental is most convenient for sacred site tours in the Hakone area:
Major Rental Car Companies:
- Around Odawara Station: Toyota Rental, Nissan Rental, Orix Rental, etc.
- Around Hakone-Yumoto Station: Times Car Rental, Nippon Rent-a-Car, etc.
Estimated Rates:
- Compact car: 6,000 yen-/day
- Sports car: 15,000 yen-/day (limited locations)
Reservation Tips:
- Book early for weekends and holidays
- Choose vehicles with navigation
- Bring ETC cards for smooth expressway payments
How to Choose Accommodations
Hakone-Yumoto Area
The gateway to Hakone with many hot spring inns:
Features:
- Convenient access near the station
- Enjoy the hot spring resort atmosphere
- Price range: 10,000-30,000 yen/night
Lake Ashinoko Area
Close to the center of sacred site tours and convenient for sightseeing:
Features:
- Enjoy views of Lake Ashinoko
- Many luxury resort hotels
- Price range: 15,000-50,000 yen/night
Odawara City Center
Lower prices compared to the Hakone area:
Features:
- Primarily business hotels
- Can depart early to Hakone area the next morning
- Price range: 5,000-15,000 yen/night
Car Camping
Available Locations:
- Rest areas and some parking areas
- 24-hour parking lots
Precautions:
- Idling is prohibited (noise and exhaust)
- Always take trash with you
- Long-term parking may be prohibited in some locations
- Prepare for cold in winter
MF Ghost Related Goods and Souvenirs
Work-Related Merchandise
Stores carrying official MF Ghost merchandise in the Hakone area are limited, but can be obtained through:
- Specialty stores like Animate (around Odawara Station)
- Online shops with advance purchases
- Event-exclusive goods (check the timing)
Hakone Souvenirs
Hakone souvenirs are recommended as mementos of sacred site tours:
Popular Souvenirs:
- Hakone Yosegi Woodwork: Traditional crafts
- Hot Spring Buns: Specialties of Hakone-Yumoto
- Tsuki no Usagi: Popular Japanese confectionery
- Hakone Beer: Local craft beer
- Black Eggs: Owakudani specialty (folklore says eating one adds seven years to your life)
Local Cuisine Information
Odawara Cuisine
Seafood:
- Odawara Fishing Port Morning Market (weekends)
- Seafood rice bowl at popular restaurants
- Dried local fish
Kamaboko:
- Suzuhiro Kamaboko no Sato: Factory tours available
- Sample fresh kamaboko
Hakone Cuisine
Soba:
- Hakone Soba: Branches throughout the area
- Mountain vegetable soba is recommended
Cafes:
- Lake view cafes around Lake Ashinoko
- Restaurant at Taikan-yama observation deck
Hot Spring Buns:
- Long-established confectionery shops in Hakone-Yumoto
- Eat fresh ones while walking around
Sharing Sacred Site Tours on SNS
Using Hashtags
When sharing sacred site tour records on SNS, utilize these hashtags:
- #MFゴースト
- #MFゴースト聖地巡礼
- #箱根
- #箱根ターンパイク
- #芦ノ湖スカイライン
- #聖地巡礼
- #頭文字D
Posting Precautions
- Set location information accurately
- Write captions with spoiler consideration
- Enjoy interaction with other fans
- Never forget love and respect for the work
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do a sacred site tour without a driver’s license?
A: It is possible, but with limitations. You can visit major tourist spots using Hakone Tozan Bus or sightseeing bus tours. However, you cannot personally drive on Hakone Turnpike or Ashinoko Skyline. Chartering a taxi is another option but will be expensive.
Q: Is it possible to visit all major sacred sites in one day?
A: It is possible, but the schedule will be very tight. Starting early and planning an efficient route, you can visit Hakone Turnpike, Ashinoko Skyline, Hakone Skyline, and the Lake Ashinoko area in one day. However, a 1 night, 2 day trip is recommended if you want to take photos leisurely and enjoy sightseeing.
Q: Can I do a sacred site tour in winter?
A: It is possible, but caution is required. The Hakone area experiences snow and ice in winter, and Hakone Turnpike and Ashinoko Skyline may close. Snow tires or chains are essential, and those without confidence in winter driving should avoid it. Check road information in advance.
Q: Can I rent a car in the vehicle model from the work?
A: Some models like Toyota 86 can be rented from sports car specialty rental companies. However, standard rental companies have limited options and charge higher rates. Reservations fill up quickly, so early booking is necessary. Options include Omega Rental and Phantom Rental.
Q: Is a weekday or weekend better for a sacred site tour?
A: Weekdays are recommended. Weekends, especially holidays, are crowded with tourists. Road congestion occurs, and there are also wait times at toll plazas. Weekdays allow for quieter, more leisurely sacred site tours. However, even weekdays are crowded during the fall foliage season (late October-mid November).
Q: How much budget is needed for a sacred site tour?
A: For a day trip, car rental (about 8,000 yen), toll road fees (Hakone Turnpike 930 yen + Ashinoko Skyline 860 yen), gas (about 2,000 yen), and meals (about 3,000 yen) total approximately 15,000 yen. A 1 night, 2 day trip adds accommodation costs (10,000-30,000 yen). Expressway use requires separate toll fees.
Conclusion: Maximizing Enjoyment of MF Ghost Sacred Site Tours
The MF Ghost sacred site tour is a precious opportunity to experience the world of the work in person. The Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture is appealing for its beautiful natural scenery and winding roads, and is enjoyable even for those who are not work fans.
Key points for a successful sacred site tour are:
- Prepare thoroughly in advance: Preview the work and confirm visit locations
- Prioritize safe driving: Never imitate public road racing
- Never forget consideration for local residents: Act with proper etiquette
- Consider weather and season: Fall is most suitable, but each season has appeal
- Plan a schedule with flexibility: 1 night, 2 days is recommended
- Enjoy surrounding tourist attractions: Hakone has many points of interest
Enjoy Hakone’s beautiful scenery and the world of MF Ghost simultaneously through sacred site tours. Create the best memories while respecting safe driving and etiquette. Savor the charms of Hakone with love and respect for the work.
While MF Ghost is set in near-future Japan, Hakone maintains its unchanged beauty from past to present. Please visit in person and experience the road where Kanata and others raced. Surely your understanding of the work will deepen, and you will make new discoveries.
