Early Morning Hakone Runners embrace freedom on Porsche sunrise drives

Porsche enthusiasts gather at dawn in Hakone for spirited drives along the Turnpike and Nanamagari, capturing the essence of driving passion in Japan.

Every morning, while Tokyo is still wrapped in silence and neon light, a ritual unfolds southwest of the city. At 3:45 a.m., as the capital begins to stir, a colorful convoy of Porsches gathers in a parking lot in Hiratsuka. They are the Early Morning Hakone Runners — a group of car enthusiasts who rise before dawn for one reason: the empty serpentines of Hakone and the feeling of true freedom.

Hakone is more than just a picturesque region at the foot of Mount Fuji. Two legendary roads run through it, revered by Japanese drivers. The Hakone Turnpike, a winding 16-kilometer route, has earned the nickname “Japan’s Nürburgring” thanks to its thrilling curves and use in major test drives by global automakers. Then there’s Nanamagari, a historic section of the old Tokaido route, with its series of sharp bends. It's become a cult destination for drifting and features prominently in the iconic Initial D series.

Photographer and writer Mark Riccioni first heard about these early drives back in 2021. It was then he caught a glimpse of the Porsche convoy in Hakone, led by a striking yellow 911 Turbo driven by Mauna Ishida — a car that would become a guiding symbol for him. Through social media, mutual acquaintances, and a bit of luck, he eventually connected with the group and got the chance to join one of their dawn runs.

The members come from demanding professional lives and have limited free time. Many are parents, for whom the early hours offer a rare window of escape. What began during the COVID lockdowns has since solidified into a cherished summer tradition.

Mauna Ishida, the owner of the “72 Outlaw,” is the central figure in this story. For 35 years, he’s remained loyal to the Porsche brand, and since 2007, he has hosted his own event — the Exciting Porsche Show in Kobe. It was at this very event that most of the current group first met. What began as a shared love for cars has evolved into a tight-knit community of like-minded enthusiasts.

On the road, there’s no race — just a respect for rhythm and the aesthetic of movement. Each driver leads the group for a short stretch before passing the lead to the next. It’s calm yet exhilarating — a ritual that keeps calling them back, morning after morning.

With Mount Fuji in the distance, empty roads beneath their tires, engines roaring, and no onlookers in sight — it feels as though sports cars were made precisely for these moments. Perhaps it’s here, on Hakone’s twisting roads, that the Porsche philosophy shines brightest: not just about speed, but about mindful, emotional driving.

Source: porsche.com