Beyond the Neon: Taming the Touge of Hakone and Izu
- Daikoku Legends
- Feb 4
- 2 min read
While the world knows Japan for the bright lights of Shinjuku and the organized chaos of Shibuya, enthusiasts know the real Japan begins where the expressway ends. Last week, I joined the team at Drivers Lounge in Kawasaki for a deep dive into the mountain passes—or "touge"—of Hakone and Izu.
The Ascent: Hakone Turnpike
Our journey began at the base of the Hakone Turnpike (the "MAZDA Turnpike"). Often referred to as Japan’s Nürburgring, the Turnpike is a privately owned toll road that serves as a high-speed playground for manufacturers testing their latest prototypes.
Climbing the elevation in the Godzilla, the R32 Skyline GTR, you immediately feel the difference in the asphalt. The sweepers are wide, the elevation changes are dramatic, and as you crest the final hill toward the Anest Iwata sky lounge, the clouds often part to reveal the most iconic view in Japan: Mt. Fuji standing sentinel over Lake Ashi.
The Skyline Rhythm: Izu and Ashinoko
From Hakone, we transitioned onto the Izu Skyline. If the Turnpike is about power, the Izu Skyline is about flow. The road surface here is meticulously maintained, allowing you to settle into a rhythm. With Drivers Lounge’s unique car rotation system, I had the chance to swap keys and experience how different JDM engineering tackle the same corners. Switching from the sure-footed AWD grip of a GTR to the twin-turbo, rotary-powered RX7 FD3S mid-route is a masterclass in automotive character.
Technical Mastery: Nagao Touge
As the afternoon light peaks, we hit the technical peak of the trip: Nagao Touge. This is the "Initial D" road—narrow, tight, and demanding absolute focus. It’s where the power of a car matters less than the intuition of the driver. Navigating the hairpins where legendary fictional battles took place reminds you why these cars were built the way they were: compact, balanced, and communicative. From this route onward, I was driving Drivers Lounge's Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R (for the first time).
More Than Just a Drive
What makes the experience with Drivers Lounge special isn't just the cars—it’s the culture. Stopping for a coffee at a 7-Eleven or a quick lunch at a local mountainside spot, you’re surrounded by fellow enthusiasts and truly great people. You’ll see everything from pristine "Kenmeri" Skylines to modern track builds, all there for the same reason: the love of the drive.
Returning to The Lounge in Kawasaki as the sun set, the mechanical heat radiating from the cars and the scent of cooling brakes served as a reminder of a day well spent. The streets of Toronto are home, but a piece of my heart will always be left on the ridgelines of Izu.
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