MF Ghost Kanagawa Prefecture Pilgrimage Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of Location Sites in Hakone and Shonan Areas
“MF Ghost” is a popular racing manga and anime work by Shuichi Shigeno, the author of “Initial D.” The story is set in the near-future Japan’s public road race “MFG,” with many of its courses based on real roads within Kanagawa Prefecture. This article provides detailed information about sacred sites in Kanagawa Prefecture that MF Ghost fans should visit.
What is MF Ghost? Overview of the Work and Its Relationship with Kanagawa Prefecture
“MF Ghost” is a popular work that began serialization in “Young Magazine” in 2017 and was adapted into a TV anime in 2023. The story follows protagonist Kanata Katagiri (Kanata Rivington), who returns to Japan from England to compete in the public road race “MFG (M.F.G.).”
The “MFG” that serves as the work’s setting is a public road race centered around Kanagawa Prefecture’s Hakone area, featuring many real mountain passes and tourist roads. Positioned as a sequel to “Initial D,” with characters from the previous work also appearing, it’s a must-see for fans of the original series.
Kanagawa Prefecture, particularly the Hakone area, is a treasure trove of some of Japan’s finest winding roads and has long been beloved by street racing culture and motorsport fans. MF Ghost creates realism and presence by faithfully depicting these real 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). It’s a 15.752km toll road connecting Odawara City to Hakone Town.
In the work, it frequently appears as the “Turnpike” and is depicted as part of the MFG race course. When actually visiting, you can experience the sharp curves and elevation changes depicted in the work. In particular, the view from the Taikanzan Observatory is spectacular, and on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay.
Access Information:
- Fee: 930 yen for regular cars (as of 2024)
- Operating hours: 7:00-19:00 (varies by season)
- Entrance: Odawara Main Line Toll Gate (along Route 1)
- Note: Observe speed limits and drive safely
Lake Ashi Skyline
Lake Ashi Skyline is a 10.75km tourist toll road running along the ridge of the Hakone outer rim mountains. In MF Ghost, it appears as the setting for important race scenes.
This road, running at elevations around 1,000m, is also known as an excellent viewpoint for Mount Fuji. The view from near Shakushi Pass is particularly magnificent, offering simultaneous views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
Highlights:
- Shakushi Pass Observatory: Scenic spot for Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi
- Rest House Lake View: Facility for breaks and meals
- Connection point with Hakone Skyline
Access Information:
- Fee: 860 yen for regular cars
- Operating hours: 7:00-19:00 (varies by season)
- May be closed in winter due to snow and ice
Hakone Skyline
Hakone Skyline is a free tourist road running along the border between Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures. Approximately 5km long, it connects with Lake Ashi Skyline. In MF Ghost, this area is also depicted as part of the race course.
Features:
- Free passage
- Excellent views of Mount Fuji
- Winding road from Mikuni Pass to Kojiri Pass
- Popular as a night view spot
Lake Ashi Area
Lake Ashi is the center of Hakone tourism and appears as an important location in MF Ghost. The Lake Ashi area is depicted in pre-race scenes and characters’ daily life scenes.
Visit Points:
- Hakone Shrine: Famous as a power spot
- Lake Ashi pleasure boats: Enjoy Hakone scenery from the lake
- Hakone Checkpoint: Historical facility recreating an Edo period checkpoint
- Togendai: Has ropeway station with access to Owakudani
Sacred Sites in Shonan and Odawara Areas
Odawara City Area
Odawara City frequently appears in MF Ghost as the gateway to Hakone. The city area is depicted in scenes of the protagonists’ daily lives and pre-race preparations.
Highlights:
- Odawara Castle: Historical building and tourist attraction
- Around Odawara Station: Streetscape possibly appearing in the work
- Route 1: Main road toward Hakone
Shonan Coast Area
The Shonan coast sometimes appears as the hometown of characters in MF Ghost and as background for the story. The Shonan landscape is particularly depicted in driving scenes along the coast and daily life scenes.
Main Spots:
- Seisho Bypass: Motor vehicle exclusive road running along the coast
- Around Oiso Long Beach
- Ninomiya and Oiso Town areas
Practical Model Courses for MF Ghost Pilgrimage
Day Trip Course (by car)
Duration: Approximately 8 hours
- 9:00 Depart from Odawara Station
- Rent a car or depart in your own vehicle
- Brief tour of Odawara Castle (30 minutes)
- 10:00 Drive Hakone Turnpike
- Enter from Odawara toll gate
- Break and photo session at Taikanzan Observatory (30 minutes)
- 12:00 Lunch around Lake Ashi
- Meal at lakeside restaurant in Hakone
- Visit Hakone Shrine (1 hour)
- 14:00 Drive Lake Ashi Skyline
- Photograph Mount Fuji at Shakushi Pass Observatory
- Break at rest house
- 16:00 Drive Hakone Skyline
- Explore around Mikuni Pass
- 17:00 Begin descent
- Head toward Odawara via Hakone Turnpike or Route 1
2-Day, 1-Night Course
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Odawara, explore city area
- Afternoon: Drive Hakone Turnpike, Taikanzan Observatory
- Evening: Check in to hotel around Lake Ashi
- Night: Enjoy Hakone hot springs
Day 2:
- Morning: Drive Lake Ashi Skyline and Hakone Skyline
- Noon: Lunch in Hakone area
- Afternoon: Tour Hakone tourist spots (Owakudani, Gora, etc.)
- Evening: Return route toward Odawara Station
Precautions and Etiquette for Pilgrimage
Thorough Safe Driving
While MF Ghost is a work about public road racing, actually engaging in racing on public roads is absolutely prohibited. Please note the following:
- Strictly observe speed limits
- Be careful not to speed on sharp curves
- Never cross into oncoming traffic lanes
- Be cautious when passing as many motorcycles and bicycles also use these roads
- Drive according to weather and road conditions
Consideration for Local Residents
The Hakone area is both a tourist destination and a residential road for local residents:
- Be mindful of noise in early morning and late night
- Never park on the street
- Always take your trash with you
- Avoid entering private property
- When photographing, don’t disturb other tourists or vehicles
About Using Toll Roads
- Hakone Turnpike and Lake Ashi Skyline are toll roads
- Cannot pass outside operating hours
- May be closed in winter due to snow and ice
- Check official websites for latest road information
Photography Etiquette
- Never photograph while driving as it’s dangerous
- Photograph in safe locations like parking lots and observatories
- Be considerate of other tourists appearing in photos
- Drone photography requires permission in many locations
Optimal Seasons for Pilgrimage and Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May)
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
- Mild climate, easy to drive
- Cherry blossom season (early April) allows hanami in Hakone
- Better to avoid Golden Week due to crowds
- Beautiful contrast between snowy Mount Fuji and fresh greenery
Summer (June-August)
Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
- Cooler than lowlands due to high elevation
- Be careful of poor visibility during rainy season (June)
- Crowded with tourists during summer vacation
- Early morning driving recommended
Autumn (September-November)
Recommendation: ★★★★★
- Most suitable season for pilgrimage
- Beautiful autumn foliage (late October to mid-November)
- Clear air with good visibility of Mount Fuji
- Comfortable temperature, easy to drive
Winter (December-February)
Recommendation: ★★☆☆☆
- Often closed due to snow and ice
- Studless tires or chains required
- Quiet with few tourists
- Winter Mount Fuji is especially beautiful
- Season for experienced drivers
Ways to More Deeply Enjoy the World of MF Ghost
Prepare by Studying the Work
Before pilgrimage, checking the relevant scenes in manga or anime makes it more enjoyable:
- Read manga to confirm which locations appear in which scenes
- Enjoy comparing actual landscapes with anime
- Watching “Initial D” as well deepens understanding of the Hakone area
Attention to Vehicle Models
Various vehicle models appear in MF Ghost. If possible, driving in a vehicle similar to those in the work adds atmosphere:
- Protagonist Kanata’s car: Toyota 86 (ZN6)
- Renting a sports car is one option
- However, safe driving takes priority over vehicle type
Photography Tips
For pilgrimage memories, try photographing from the same angles as the work:
- Prepare screenshots from manga or anime
- Find the same locations and angles
- Landscapes from observatories are especially easy to recreate
- Matching morning/evening lighting with the work adds atmosphere
Also Enjoy Surrounding Tourist Spots
Hakone is one of Japan’s premier tourist areas. Enjoy not only pilgrimage but surrounding tourism:
- Hakone hot springs: Many day-use hot spring facilities
- Hakone Art Museum/Pola Museum of Art: Art appreciation
- Hakone Ropeway: Spectacular views of Owakudani
- Hakone Tozan Railway: Especially popular during hydrangea season
- Hakone Gora Park: Ideal for strolling
Access Methods and Transportation
Access by Public Transportation
Train:
- From Tokyo: JR Tokaido Line/Odakyu Line to Odawara Station (about 1 hour)
- From Shinjuku: Odakyu Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
- From Hakone-Yumoto: Hakone Tozan Bus to various locations
Note:
With public transportation, you cannot experience driving on Hakone Turnpike or Lake Ashi Skyline. Using tour buses or renting a car is recommended.
Access by Car
From Tokyo:
- Tomei Expressway → Atsugi IC → Odawara-Atsugi Road → Hakone direction (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Tomei Expressway → Gotemba IC → Route 138 → Hakone direction (about 1 hour 30 minutes)
From Nagoya:
- Tomei Expressway → Gotemba IC → Route 138 → Hakone direction (about 3 hours)
Rental Car Information
Rental cars are most convenient for pilgrimage in the Hakone area:
Major Rental Car Companies:
- Around Odawara Station: Toyota Rent a Car, Nissan Rent a Car, Orix Rent a Car, etc.
- Around Hakone-Yumoto Station: Times Car Rental, Nippon Rent-A-Car, etc.
Price Guide:
- Compact car: from 6,000 yen/day
- Sports car: from 15,000 yen/day (limited stores)
Reservation Tips:
- Early reservation essential for weekends and holidays
- Choose vehicles with car navigation
- Bring ETC card for smooth expressway payments
How to Choose Accommodations
Hakone-Yumoto Area
Gateway to Hakone with many hot spring inns:
Features:
- Close to station, convenient access
- Enjoy hot spring town atmosphere
- Price range: 10,000-30,000 yen/night
Lake Ashi Area
Close to pilgrimage center, convenient for sightseeing:
Features:
- Enjoy Lake Ashi scenery
- Many high-end resort hotels
- Price range: 15,000-50,000 yen/night
Odawara City Area
Prices more affordable than Hakone area:
Features:
- Mainly business hotels
- Can depart early next morning toward Hakone
- Price range: 5,000-15,000 yen/night
About Sleeping in Cars
Possible Locations:
- Roadside stations and some parking areas
- Paid parking (24-hour locations)
Precautions:
- Never idle (noise/exhaust)
- Always take trash with you
- Some places prohibit long-term parking
- Cold weather measures essential in winter
MF Ghost Related Goods and Souvenirs
Work-Related Goods
In the Hakone area, stores carrying official MF Ghost goods are limited, but they can be obtained through:
- Specialty stores like Animate (around Odawara Station)
- Pre-purchase from online shops
- Event-limited goods (check event dates)
Hakone Souvenirs
For pilgrimage memories, Hakone specialty souvenirs are also recommended:
Standard Souvenirs:
- Hakone marquetry: Traditional crafts
- Hot spring manjū: Hakone-Yumoto specialty
- Tsuki no Usagi: Popular Japanese confection
- Hakone Beer: Local craft beer
- Black eggs: Owakudani specialty (legend says eating one extends life by 7 years)
Local Gourmet Information
Odawara Gourmet
Seafood Cuisine:
- Odawara Fishing Port morning market (weekends)
- Restaurants popular for seafood bowls
- Local fish dried products
Kamaboko:
- Suzuhiro Kamaboko Village: Factory tours available
- Fresh kamaboko tasting
Hakone Gourmet
Soba:
- Hakone Soba: Locations throughout area
- Wild vegetable soba recommended
Cafés:
- Lake view cafés around Lake Ashi
- Taikanzan observation restaurant
Hot Spring Manjū:
- Long-established Japanese confection shops in Hakone-Yumoto
- Eat freshly made while walking
Sharing Pilgrimage on SNS
Using Hashtags
When sharing pilgrimage records on SNS, use 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
- Captions considerate of spoilers
- Enjoy interaction with other fans
- Don’t forget love and respect for the work
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do pilgrimage without a driver’s license?
A: Possible, but with limitations. Using Hakone Tozan Bus or tour buses allows visiting main tourist spots. However, you cannot experience driving Hakone Turnpike or Lake Ashi Skyline yourself. Chartering a taxi is another option, but costs are higher.
Q: Is it possible to visit all major sacred sites in one day?
A: Possible, but the schedule will be quite tight. Departing early in the morning and efficiently planning routes allows visiting Hakone Turnpike, Lake Ashi Skyline, Hakone Skyline, and Lake Ashi area in one day. However, for leisurely photography and sightseeing, 2 days/1 night is recommended.
Q: Can I do pilgrimage in winter?
A: Possible, but caution is required. The Hakone area has snow and ice in winter, and Hakone Turnpike and Lake Ashi Skyline may be closed. Studless tires or chains are essential, and those without driving confidence should avoid it. Check road information in advance.
Q: Can I rent a car of the vehicle type from the work?
A: Some vehicle types like the Toyota 86 can be rented from sports car specialty rental companies. However, regular rental companies have limited availability and higher fees. Also, reservations fill quickly, requiring early booking. Options include Omega Rent-a-Car and Phantom Rent-a-Car.
Q: Which is better for pilgrimage, weekdays or weekends?
A: Weekdays are recommended. Weekends, especially weekends and holidays, have many tourists and road congestion. Also, waiting times occur at toll gates. Weekdays are relatively empty, allowing leisurely pilgrimage enjoyment. However, even on weekdays, autumn foliage season (late October to mid-November) is crowded.
Q: What budget is needed for pilgrimage?
A: For a day trip, rental car (about 8,000 yen), toll road fees (Hakone Turnpike 930 yen + Lake Ashi Skyline 860 yen), gasoline (about 2,000 yen), meals (about 3,000 yen), totaling about 15,000 yen. For 2 days/1 night, add accommodation (10,000-30,000 yen). Separate expressway fees required when using expressways.
Summary: To Fully Enjoy MF Ghost Pilgrimage
MF Ghost pilgrimage is a valuable opportunity to actually experience the work’s worldview. Kanagawa Prefecture’s Hakone area is a tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery and winding roads that can be fully enjoyed even by non-fans.
Key points for successful pilgrimage are:
- Prepare thoroughly in advance: Study the work and confirm visit locations
- Prioritize safe driving: Never imitate public road racing
- Don’t forget consideration for local residents: Act with manners
- Consider weather and season: Autumn is most suitable, but each season has charm
- Plan a relaxed schedule: 2 days/1 night recommended
- Also enjoy surrounding tourism: Hakone has abundant attractions
Pilgrimage where you can simultaneously enjoy Hakone’s beautiful scenery and MF Ghost’s worldview. While observing safe driving and manners, create the best memories. With love and respect for the work, fully savor Hakone’s charm.
While MF Ghost is set in near-future Japan, the Hakone that serves as its setting maintains unchanging beauty now as in the past. Please actually visit and experience the roads that Kanata and others drove. Your understanding of the work will surely deepen, and you’ll make new discoveries.
