【Initial D Pilgrimage】The place where the Fujiwara Zone appeared! Driving on "Nagao Pass" in the Kanagawa area, fighting against Kaikan Obaki

A pilgrimage to the final season of "Initial D" in the Kanagawa area. This time, we drove to Nagao Pass in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where the second round takes place. Not only can you see the locations featured in the work, but you can also enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji at this pass.

At Nagao Pass, which connects Hakone and Gotemba

The Nagao Pass featured in the story is a mountain pass route located between Gotemba City in Shizuoka Prefecture and Hakone City in Kanagawa Prefecture. There are spots where you can see Mount Fuji.

In the narrative, it serves as the battle ground with Kai Kogashira, who has a rivalry with Takumi and his father, and is also the stage for the second round in the Kanagawa area.

The site of the former Fujimi Tea House, located at the downward battle start point. This route is the most landmark-like spot, impressively giving off a nostalgic Showa era atmosphere. Heading to the left in the image above leads to the Gotemba-Hakone Line and the Hakone Skyline.

The emergence of the Fujiwara Zone by the Takumi and Hachiroku duo

Takumi and Hachiroku sync in a state of extreme condition, transcending the limits of specs and physical laws to create the "Fujiwara Zone." Here is the scene where they enter the corner with overspeed, accelerating in a manner reminiscent of a 4WD, creating afterimages. Kogashira, who is trailing behind, feels a sense of discomfort with Hachiroku's movements and is left behind, ultimately spinning out and losing in a dive battle. By the way, the footage from the author's in-vehicle camera depicts the ascent.

The central figures of the Kanagawa area, Sidewinder's "Go Hojo" and chief mechanic "Eiji Kubo," were watching from this place. For some reason, both of them often find themselves on the stairs during the Kanagawa area battle. Sidewinder is scheduled to appear in the final match, and the three teams in Kanagawa, which are allied, seem to be using this for data collection.

Along the way, there is a scenic spot called Surugadai, which is a beautiful view.

It is unclear if it appeared in the work, but there was a spot with a torii gate at Surugadai. There was a sign for "Shirukoya," and it seems it used to operate as a tea house.

Somehow, when I framed Mount Fuji within the torii gate, I was able to capture a photo that looks great. Since the trees are thick, I personally recommend crouching down to take the shot from this angle.

The wheel lift revealed a side ditch with no grooves.

What is characteristic about Nagao Pass is the gutter without a cover, and in the story, there is also an in-wheel lift that shortcuts the gutter. When actually driving, the road is narrow, and in cases where oncoming cars do not move to the side, I felt quite a bit of fear regarding the gutter.

Arriving at the parking lot at the finish point

This is the parking lot at the finish point. The parking lot at the nearby campsite is also a pilgrimage spot depicted in conversation scenes. Since the author did not use the campsite, I refrained from stopping there.

At the free Otome parking lot, you can enjoy a view of Mount Fuji, allowing you to relish both the pilgrimage site and Mount Fuji at the same time. There are also toilets and benches, making it seem like a suitable rest area, so it’s a perfect spot for drives around Hakone or Gotemba.

The long-running Initial D pilgrimage has also entered the climax with the Kanagawa area, just like the work itself. I would like to drive the Jimny to the next pass.

Interview and text / Kazuma Tanaka

Search Initial D on Amazon