japan tour kart

STREET KART Tokyo Bay

• TEL +81-80-2277-2277
• [email protected]
• OPEN 10:00-22:00

STREET KART Tokyo Bay TEL 10:00-22:00

Change Shop

• Tokyo Shinagawa #1
• Tokyo Akihabara#1
• Tokyo Akihabara#2
• Tokyo Shibuya

Tokyo Bay BBQ

• Tokyo Asakusa

Shinagawa #1

Akihabara#1

Akihabara#2

Take On A Street Go-Kart Thru Tokyo! Once in a lifetime experience and Once is Never Enough!

Thank you for your continuing support. We at Street Kart is providing our service as usual. Street Kart is fully complied through local governing laws in Japan.Street Kart is in no way a reflection of Nintendo, the game 'Mario Kart'.(We do not provide rental of costumes of Mario Series.)

Street Go-Kart Tour "Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting" in Tokyo.

Extremely exciting and a must have experience when you visit Tokyo Japan. Just imagine yourself on a custom made go kart specifically tailored to realize the Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience! Dress up in your favorite character costume, playing the music of your choice and driving through the city of Tokyo. All eyes on you guarantee! You can ride with a group or ride privately, Street Kart is fully equipped to make your experience a very important one. Don't trust us but trust our valued customers, because they say "Once is never enough"!

Street Kart's custom made go-kart is for Streets in Japan. You will need a valid Japanese driver's license, or an International Driving Permit , or an SOFA License for US Forces Japan, or your own driver's license and an official Japanese translation of the license if you are from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Estonia, Monaco. Remember! NO LICENSE NO DRIVE!! For more information .

Why You Would Love It:

Street go-karting.

No special license is needed! Just have a valid Japanese License, International drivers permit, or a SOFA license and you're ready to ride all through Tokyo! For more information

Safety and compliance

Our custom made go-karts are fully complied with local governing laws in Japan. Also company safety regulations exceeds the safety requirements by police officials therefore our street kart experience is not only exciting and fun but also very safe.

Many Awesome options!

We have all the optional gear to make you private or group karting a tailored one. Communication bands to talk to your friends while driving! Action cameras to capture that "absolute" moment of fun and excitement!

Street Kart Options

Action camera.

We have the latest and most powerful 4k action camera so you can record yourself or family/friends have the best time in the streets. You can always bring your own action camera. You can use your own microSD card or you can buy the microSD cards at the shop.

Bluetooth Speaker

All our custom-made karts is equipped with bluetooth speakers.You can create your own personal driving experience with your favorite music!

Rental Costumes

How can you say you had a “Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience” without dressed up like him! We have all the costumes you can think of to make this a “Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience”! For all those Super Hero fans, don't worry we have them all too!

Street Kart is healthy adventurous recreation service that provides our customers the opportunity to ride our custom go-cart on the street. Street Kart is in no way a reflection of Nintendo, the game 'Mario Kart'.(We do not provide rental of costumes of Mario Series.)Street Kart is a very exciting once in a life time experience tour you can enjoy in the streets of Japan. Safety is our top priority. We wish our customers to respect the safety of yourself and other while having fun. Thank you.By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.

Reservations

• 01 Check availability thorough Facebook, email, telephone, web form, and local tour companies.
• 02 Please agree to our terms and be sure to have your valid drivers license in Japan.
• 03 Please confirm our confirmation email regarding your reservation.

Activity flow

• 01 Be sure to come to our shop 15 min prior to your reservation. *We usually proceed out tour despite the weather. But if you are unsure please contact the shop.
• 02 Upon arrival, make sure to present your reservation and time to the cashier. Upon confirmation, please present your valid drives license and ID(Passport).
• 03 We will provide wrist bands according to reservation. After receiving the wrist bands, please fill out our questionnaire.
• 04 Please put all your belongings in the locker (ID and drivers license needed). Then choose your favorite costume! All costumes are washed.
• 05 When the group is ready for the tour, our guide will brief you how to drive and safety precautions of the kart.
• 06 ENJOY YOUR TOUR!

Street Kart Vehicle

User's voice, unforgettable memories.

It's one of the funniest things we have ever done in our life, we loved the course, it is safe, people are very respectful of the GoKarts on the street, and pedestrians are always amazed of seeing Street Kart on the street. We loved it so much, our tour guides where very attentive and always aware of everything. If you are in Japan and love Karting, you have to do this, it's something you will miss so much.

Wow!!! This was such an amazing experience. I can't put words to how fun this truly was. Best time I had in Japan hands down!!! such an epic experience. I'll never forget this!! Huge thanks to Street Kart and the staff that helped make this happen!!For anyone in the USA, if you're thinking of doing this, stop thinking and start booking. To get your international drivers license/permit, just go to AAA and pay $20 plus passport pictures and in 15 minutes you're a licensed international driver!

I expected to have fun, but it was so much more than that. This was an unforgettable experience. We went on Friday, it's now Sunday and we are STILL talking about how much fun we had!! The employees were so nice, fun and helpful. If you are near Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa or planning on visiting, this is a MUST DO! We did the night drive, but will be doing the daytime drive next time....YES! We are going again! Definitely money well spent . Thank you for a great experience.

High Speed Karts!

One of the best highlight of my Japan trip! Before going for this, I was worried that it might be dangerous, but on the contrary I felt really safe on the road. With us dressed up in Mario on the go kart on the streets with other vehicles, at a speed of 60km/hr, it was definitely a exhilarating experience for me.Given a chance, I would definitely go again for my next trip.

This is Japan!!

Our last day after 8 months in japan we did this and wow! What a send off! An incredible experience with non stop laughs as we go-karted our way around the city, would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to have a bit of crazy fun while dressed up. Definately one of the best experiences in japan and our guide was awesome! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting is coming true

SO much fun! A great and unique way to enjoy City! Our guide was awesome and made sure we all stayed together throughout the drive. Plenty of stops for pics and rests along the way. Our guide even took group photos and shared them with us! HIGHLY recommended! A "don't miss" during your Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa visit!

Great Service!

Had a great time driving around Tyoko and a wonderful tour the city, there is something for everyone great views of the city, a cool look into the cosplay world, and a lot of positive reactions from the people on street. There was a good selection of characters to choose from, the staff was delightful and helpful the carts are in good running shape all around good time we will be doing this again thank you Street Kart for a good day and good service.

No words can describe how awesome this experience was! This is the best way to see the city! Our guide Ryou-san was extremely nice and took some amazing pictures for us. He made sure everyone was safe and following. Though we were nervous in the beginning, we quickly gained confidence and enjoyed the drive. Thank you Street Kart staff! We will be back!✌

Felt like celebrities

This was such an amazing activity! I've been living in Japan for almost 3 years and had never had the chance to do it. During my last month here we decided we had to make a go of it. I'm so glad we did! We were able to drive around the city, seeing the sites from a whole new perspective. Getting dressed up is a must, made us feel like we were celebrities and was such a unique experience. This is an absolute MUST DO for anyone visiting Japan!!! I hope more cities in the world start this!!!!

• Regular Price JPY 17,500/pax
• SNS Review Price JPY 15,000/pax

** SNS Review Price:Just talk about your experience or share it at your SNS/Blog. We welcome reviews on TripAdvisor, but please be advised that due to our company regulations, the review itself is not valid for any discounts. ** VIP Desk:We have a concierge VIP desk for those who require exceptional care during our Kart experience. We also appreciate enthusiastic optimist to experience our cart sensation tailor made (blogers, you-tubers, instagramers, and etc.) Please fell free to contact us when such service is needed. VIP admin . ** Press Center:We treasure any press that is interested in experiening our sensational tour and we are also capable to tailor make your experience to your needs. Please contact us at Press Center .

• Regular Price JPY 23,000/pax
• SNS Review Price JPY 20,000/pax

• Regular Price JPY 29,000/pax
• SNS Review Price JPY 25,000/pax

Our each shop provide the original cource (different from each other). if you are the repeater and want to go another cource, try to visit another shop.

• ** We purchased our microSDs in a bulk from overseas therefore each microSDs are brand new but are not packaged separately)
• ** We don't charge for bringing your own Action Camera, microSD, or Costume.

Please beware We advise all customers to show up with proper attire(no heels, no sandals, or long skirt.)

Station Name: Shinkiba Station What type of train lines reach Shinkiba Station: Jr Higashi Nihon: Keiyou Line Tokyo Metro: Yurakucho Line Tokyo Rinkai Kosoku Tetsudo: Rinkai Line (around 10 to 13 minute walk from station to shop)

Other Shops

Copyright(C) STREET KART. All Rights Reserved.

Tokyo Go Kart: Best Tour, Prices & How To Book

Tokyo Go Kart Tours offers a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience that allows visitors to zip around one of the world’s most iconic cities in style.

Tour you will have an unforgettable day as they weave through some of Tokyo’s bustling streets and pass by landmarks illuminated under neon lights at night while racing other kart drivers.

Whether you’re looking for an action-filled activity or just want to see Tokyo from a different angle, these tours provide something special not available anywhere else.

What Go Kart Tour Are Running In Tokyo?

At the moment there are 2 main Tours that you can take. The Shinjuku and Shibuya Go Kart tour and the Akihabara Tour. Both are a lot of fun and have great reviews but there are a few key differences that we will run you through here before you make your decision about which to choose.

Go Kaarting In Subuya & Shinjuku

The Go-Karts Shinjuku Tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore Tokyo’s lively streets in a unique and enjoyable way. One way to make the experience even more special is by dressing up in costumes.

Whether it’s a classic anime character like Pikachu or Naruto, or a superhero like Batman or Spiderman, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. Dressing up not only creates lasting memories but also helps participants stand out from the crowd of regular go-karters.

Who knows, perhaps some friendly competition may arise between participants dressed differently. Regardless of the costume chosen, everyone is guaranteed to have an unforgettable time navigating Tokyo’s urban landscape with an added touch of excitement.

Shinjuku Go Kart: Key Points

• Enjoy a fun and quirky go-kart tour of Shinjuku in Tokyo
• Pass by the iconic Shibuya Crossing
• The tour includes a go-kart, guide, and photos at no extra cost
• Private tours are customizable to fit your needs
• Wear a cartoon character costume for the ride
• Two route options: shorter one hour or longer two hours available
• Drivers must show valid licenses (foreign driver’s licenses accepted with translation)

The Shinjuku Go Kart Tour is a must-try experience for anyone visiting Tokyo. The tour guides are exceptional, providing valuable information about each area and capturing memorable moments with their photography skills. Even in inclement weather, the guides prioritize safety and fun, ensuring that participants have an enjoyable time.

Located not far by train from downtown Tokyo, the Monkey Karts crew offers an extensive safety briefing and provides costumes and lockers to enhance the experience.

Participants must possess an international driver’s license with a passport to participate in this thrilling adventure, which is well worth the investment. The go-karts can reach high speeds, so bringing glasses and a face cover is recommended when driving at night.

Choosing the 5 pm slot is an excellent option as it allows you to enjoy the stunning Tokyo night lights and feel like a celebrity, with many people taking pictures. Of course, respecting the surroundings and others is essential, but everyone needs some time to unwind and have fun, regardless of age.

This unforgettable two-hour activity is easy to follow, with clear instructions provided beforehand, allowing maximum enjoyment. The experience is well worth trying out if you’re looking for a fantastic way to see what Japan has to offer firsthand.

Shinjuku Tokyo Go Kart Reviews

The Go Kart experience on Shinjuku Tour is the perfect way to explore the vibrant city of Tokyo. With a knowledgeable and friendly guide by your side, you’ll be able to drive through some of the most iconic sites in Tokyo such as Asakusa, Ueno, and Tokyo Sky Tower.

The best part? You get to do it all while riding a go-kart and dressing up in your favorite costume! With a wide variety of costumes to choose from, it’s a great way to let your imagination run wild and create unforgettable memories.

Safety is a top priority on this tour, with strict lead driver safety briefings conducted prior to hitting the road. Everyone is provided with clear road rules to ensure a safe and exciting journey around town. Although the karts can produce fumes, the experience is still epic and one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. Our guide was attentive and even captured over 100 moments during our night tour, making it all worth it.

Booking the tour through Klook was a breeze, with great prices and easy-to-use vouchers. They even provided hot drinks during the tour to keep us warm on a chilly night. We highly recommend this unique and affordable experience to anyone looking for something fun and different to do in Tokyo.

Akihabara Go Kart Intro

The Go-karts Akihabara tour is also  a unique experience in Tokyo, Japan. Participants can dress up in costume and enjoy sightseeing the city from an interesting perspective. It’s fun to get creative with your costumes – whether you want to go for something traditional or modern, there are endless possibilities.

Traditional Japanese kimonos offer a luxurious look while anime character cosplays will let visitors fit right into the colorful atmosphere of the Akihabara district.

Playful accessories like wigs and hats provide additional flair perfect for taking pictures along the route. There’s no better way to explore this vibrant area than by dressing up as characters that embody its spirit – so grab some friends put on those costumes and have an unforgettable day out.

Akihabara Go Kart Key Points

• Experience Tokyo by go-karting through Akihabara with a local guide
• Cheaper than the Shinjuku go-Kart Tour
• Must have a valid Japanese or International driving license
• Enjoy seeing famous attractions and views of the city while riding in your own private go-kart

Akihabara Go Kart Experience

If you’re searching for a unique and unforgettable way to explore Tokyo’s Akihabara district, look no further than the Go-Karts Akihabara Tour. With this private guided tour, you’ll zip around on a go-kart, taking in the vibrant neon-lit stores selling manga and electronics, and keeping your eyes peeled for residents dressed as anime characters.

This package includes hotel pickup and dropoff, insurance fees, food and beverages, a rental kart for a duration of your choosing, and a safety briefing. To join in on this adventure, you must have a Japanese driving license or an international driver’s permit.

With a 4.9 rating on Trip Advisor, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Similar Posts

Private cycling tour in tokyo with english or italian guide.

Discover Tokyo's treasures on a private cycling tour led by an English or Italian guide. Get ready…

[NEW]Kawaii Sushi Making and Local Tour in Asakusa ,Tokyo

While some may argue that sushi making classes and local tours are a dime a dozen in…

Tokyo Private Tour to Learn History and Shinto

Set out on a captivating journey through time as you uncover the hidden stories and ancient traditions…

Private Sedan One-Day Mount Fuji Tour

With its majestic beauty and iconic status, Mount Fuji has captivated the hearts of travelers for centuries….

Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament With a Sumo Expert Guide

By a stroke of luck, the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament in 2024 coincides with the availability of…

Tokyo Highlights, Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka Walking

As the sun rises over Tokyo, the vibrant streets of Asakusa come alive with the hustle and…

Price / Course

About vehicles, customer reviews, rental options.

• What you will need

West Tokyo Landmark Tour Imperial Palace / Tokyo Tower / Roppongi / Tokyo Station / Shibuya Scramble Crossing

With “safety and comfort” as our motto, we provide driving tours through major landmarks of Tokyo with our originally designed go-karts. Choose from either our East or West Tokyo Landmark Tour and make your trip to Japan truly unforgettable.

Our experienced tour guides will lead you through the streets of Tokyo making the drive smooth, safe and streamlined for your convenience.

Tour Route Highlights

Imperial Palace

Shibuya scramble crossing, tokyo tower, tokyo station.

Glide along the outskirts of the Imperial Palace, enjoying views of the tranquil surroundings that envelop the core of Japanese history and culture. The expansive gardens and moats create a picturesque backdrop, providing moments of serenity amidst the urban hustle.

Experience the dynamic energy of one of the world's most famous intersections at Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The harmonious flow of people crossing can be observed from the surrounding streets, offering a true taste of Tokyo's atmosphere.

Explore Roppongi's vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, where art and nightlife sparkle under neon lights, adding a unique pulse to your Tokyo journey.

As you speed along in your go-kart, take in the view of Tokyo Tower's striking red and white structure. The iconic silhouette of this landmark provides a special accent to Tokyo's skyline, instilling a sense of awe with its majestic presence.

The façade of Tokyo Station is a majestic sight, with its historic red-brick building captivating onlookers with its elegance. It continues to serve as a major transport hub in the heart of Tokyo.

West Tokyo Landmark Tour (duration: 2 hours)

Embark on a journey through West Tokyo's most iconic landmarks, including Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Station. Our knowledgeable guides will capture memorable moments and provide insightful commentary, making a mid-tour stop to appreciate the architectural beauty of these iconic sites.

*Please note that we may need to alter routes on a day-to-day basis to ensure the smooth running of any given tour.

Please go to the link below and read very carefully before booking on what is required to drive in Japan.

Large Vehicle Body

Experience the grandeur and power of our large vehicle bodies, reminiscent of F1 race cars. Riding in these authentic karts, you're sure to turn heads in the city!

Stable Design

Developed in-house, our go-karts have undergone several model changes over about 10 years of providing go-kart experiences. The current vehicles are equipped with strengthened springs, significantly reducing vibration while driving.

Lanterns that Glimmer in the Night

Lanterns are installed on the back of the seats. In night-time experiences, these lanterns are lit, creating a lingering image as you zip through the darkness. (The lanterns on Japan Kart are electrically operated, ensuring safety.)

Please arrive around 10 minutes before your scheduled reservation time.

Present a driving license valid in Japan. We will check it and explain the tour flow.

For those interested, free character costumes are available for rent at the store.

Follow the guide's lead vehicle and drive your own go-kart, visiting various landmark spots. Japan is one of the few countries that drive on the left side, enjoy this unique driving experience.

We take photos at various points along the course. The guide will take pictures of you inside the karts. We provide these images for free. (You may use your own GoPro/Action Cam if its hands free. We do not allow our guests to use smartphone when using the kart as its against Japanese law.)

After about 2 hours, the tour will return to the starting point. Please return all rented items to conclude the tour.

Since our store is located in Asakusa, there are plenty of nearby tourist attractions. Recommended spots in the vicinity can be found here .

Great staff that spoke perfect English. They made the whole experience fun and easy from start to finish and take many pictures throughout the whole journey. Plently of costumes to wear aswell

This experience was the highlight of our trip. The staff are amazing and they are really cautious when it comes to safety and keeping us on the track. Would definitely do it again. Special thanks to Aamir, Kowano and Tetsu who were in the vans leading and securing our lanes. Lastly, the service by Matt and Yuji.

A trip without Japan kart isn’t complete… An alternate way to explore Tokyo, should include this activity while travel to Japan

This is a must do experience if you are in Tokyo. The carts are new and emit very little smoke so you’re not breathing other cart’s fumes. They are easy and so much fun to drive.

I wasn’t expecting the ride to be so long (for us it was over 2 hours). They’ll take you through beautiful places. This is the best way of experiencing the city!

Everyone in the city waives at you and takes pictures. The employees (who are super friendly) take plenty of pics of you and your group through the ride and they airdropped at the end. No extra fee or hassles!

10/10 recommend!

A definite must-do in tokyo! Real life mario go-karting - Was exhilarating! Not gna lie was a bit terrified at first, some parts felt like that of a rollercoaster ride - but the team prioritises saftey first so you never feel not at ease! Would recommend 100%! The team takes such professional photos while you’re on the move. All the photos posted are from them.

Went for an afternoon 2 hr ride with the rest of the family (son, daughter and wife). Had an absolute BALL!!! Truly one of the most enjoyable experiences. It’s not often that (1) you get to ride in a go-cart, (2) traverse a major city and (3) release such a lot of adrenaline. Would recommend to everybody!!!

Awesome experience driving through the streets of Tokyo. The route starts off easy so that you can familiarise yourself with the kart before heading into heavier traffic. On this note, the staff are incredibly attentive to keep everyone safe, and do well to keep the group together, even with a large group. The karts are sturdy and larger than I expected, which means that it doesn't feel dangerous, as I assumed it would feel. They are very visible and have full lights and indicators, and jut upwards so that there is lighting almost level with the roof of a car.

It's a unique way to experience Tokyo, the staff are lovely and the karts are well maintained. Amazing!

The staff were very kind and welcoming, spoke fluent english and Japanese to accommodate foreigners. The service was also amazing as the costumes/ gloves and gear provided was all well maintained and washed immediately. After the, they provided us with snacks too. They took many pictures during the tour and shared with us too. Highly Recommend for your friends and family.

First time in Japan and this go kart experience was a something we had to do before leaving. It was so much fun and way more exhilarating than I had anticipated as you’re driving through the streets of Japan in a go kart. We booked the 5pm session to see the city at night and it was spectacular. Definitely recommend an evening time if you can. It was really cold so i was layered up under my costume which helped heaps. Only con is that as you drive in a single file, the fumes of the kart in front are extremely noticeable and kind of made me feel nauseous but when you’re driving at a higher speed and looking around, the fumes don’t bother you a whole lot. Just something to be mindful of. Will be recommending to my friends and family who are visiting Japan.

Reel Movies

Kanda Station

How to get to our shop

Get off at Asakusa Station of Toei Asakusa Line and take No. A5 exit or Ginza Line and take No. 4 exit. Cross Azumabashi Bridge (a red bridge).

Look for the sign for a kimono shop and cross the two pedestrian crossings on the right then go straight.

At the first traffic light after 7/11, turn left and walk to the end of the street.

At the crossing continue straight ahead (you will have a clear view of Tokyo Skytree).

Our shop is just after the crossing on the left side opposite a Japanese bento shop.

Address: Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Higashimatsushitacho, 42 2F Closest station: JR Yamanote Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Chuo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line A 4-minute walk from JR Kanda Station

No Driving License? We Got You Coverd

Ride Along in our Rear Vehicle

No license needed! Ride for free in the tour's rear vehicle, enjoying the course with others. Costume rentals included for photo ops at landmarks.

Attractive Nearby Spots

Our store is within walking distance of Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, and Akihabara, offering those not participating in the ride-along a chance to explore these iconic spots.

For information on what you will need to drive our karts, please click HERE . *You must be 18 or older to drive in Japan.

As much as we wish we could accommodate this; our go-karts will only hold one-person.

During the tour, we can accommodate passengers in our company vehicles free of charge. If your family or friends prefer to wait, there are plenty of tourist spots around our store for them to enjoy.

We provide a full safety briefing prior to our tours and instruct how to operate our go karts. Our tour guide will safety lead you through the streets of Tokyo and will always be attentive to your well being whilst maintaining a fun and enjoyable experience. Our go karts are built in accordance with Japanese safety regulations.

Cancellation Policy Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour start time the paid amount will not be refunded. If your tour is canceled due to bad weather, you will be eligible for a full refund. Or you have the oppotunity to reschedule depending on availability.

We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, DISCOVER, and Diners Club. For cash payment, we only accept Japanese yen.

In most cases we will continue our tours in light rain, however we may need to cancel depending on the severity of the weather. We must assess this on a case by case basis and in the event of a tour cancellation due to poor weather conditions we will provide a full refund.

Yes, as long as there is vacant time slot.

We provide a wide range of fun and wacky costumes free of charge. Due to copyright laws we are unable to provide costumes affiliated with Nintendo. However you are welcome to bring your own.

Please wear comfortable clothing that will not hinder your driving ability such as high heels or boots, no long flowing scarves or skirts. During the colder seasons please wear extra layers of clothing including gloves and thick socks.

Tokyo Go-Kart Tour Around Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

• Tokyo , Tour Reviews , Viator

The Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo Bay offers travelers a unique and thrilling way to explore the vibrant city of Tokyo. Located in Koto City, Japan, this tour allows participants to drive go-karts past iconic Tokyo landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba.

With a duration of 1 to 2 hours, the tour provides a fun and safe experience, complete with a safety briefing and guide. Suitable for English-speaking travelers, the tour ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Participants will also receive a souvenir photo at the end of the tour, creating lasting memories of their adventure.

With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, the Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo Bay offers a small and intimate setting. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, this tour is highly recommended for those seeking an unforgettable bucket list experience in Tokyo.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• Official Street Go-Kart Tour offers a fun and safe experience with a safety briefing and guide.
• The tour allows participants to drive past Tokyo landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba.
• The tour ends at the meeting point located in Koto City, Japan.
• The tour requires a minimum age of 18 and valid driving documents, including an international driving permit.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

• Private & Custom TOKYO Day Tour Toyota COMMUTER (Max 13 Pax)
• Private Transfer From Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(Hnd)
• Shinjuku Golden-Gai and Kabuki-Cho Bar Hopping With Master Guide
• Small Group Iaido Class in Tokyo

What to Expect

When participating in the official street go-kart tour at Tokyo Bay Shop, travelers can expect a fun and safe experience with a duration of 1 to 2 hours.

This tour offers the opportunity to drive past Tokyo landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba, allowing participants to soak in the beauty of the city.

Safety precautions are taken seriously, with a safety briefing provided before the tour begins.

It is recommended to wear flat closed footwear for maximum comfort and safety during the drive.

Plus, participants have the chance to take a souvenir photo to commemorate their thrilling adventure.

This tour promises an engaging and enjoyable experience, providing travelers with the freedom to explore the city in a unique and exciting way.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights include driving past iconic Tokyo landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba, as well as the opportunity to take souvenir photos.

These famous landmarks offer a glimpse into the vibrant cityscape of Tokyo and provide a unique backdrop for your go-karting adventure. As you navigate the streets, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the architectural beauty of Rainbow Bridge, the majestic presence of Tokyo Tower, and the futuristic atmosphere of Odaiba.

Along With the visual spectacle, the tour ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. Safety precautions are taken seriously, with a safety briefing provided before the tour and the requirement of valid driving documents, including an international driving permit.

These measures aim to guarantee the well-being of all travelers and promote a secure and memorable go-karting experience.

Practical Information

Practical information provided includes details about the tour duration, the availability of mobile tickets, the option to have the tour in English, the inclusion of a safety briefing and guide, and the requirement of valid driving documents. The tour duration for the Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo Bay is 1 to 2 hours, allowing participants to experience the thrill of driving through Tokyo’s streets and seeing its landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba. Mobile tickets are available, making it convenient for travelers to book and access their tickets on their smartphones. The tour is offered in English, ensuring that non-Japanese speakers can fully enjoy the experience. Safety precautions are taken with a safety briefing and guide provided to ensure a fun and safe tour. Valid driving documents, including international driving permits, are required to participate in the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any age restrictions for participating in the Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo Bay?

Participants in the Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo Bay must be at least 18 years old and possess valid driving documents, including an international driving permit. These age requirements ensure that participants have the necessary skills and experience to safely operate the go-karts. Safety regulations are in place to protect all participants, and it is important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a fun and secure experience.

Is it mandatory to have an international driving permit to drive the go-karts?

An international driving permit is required to drive the go-karts. This safety measure ensures that drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the vehicles safely. It also helps to prevent any potential accidents or mishaps during the tour.

What is the cancellation policy for the tour?

The cancellation policy for the tour includes a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance. The refund process is straightforward and ensures that customers are not penalized for unforeseen circumstances or changes in their travel plans.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as stated in the background information. There are no specific accessibility features mentioned. This may pose a limitation for travelers with mobility impairments.

Are there any additional insurance options available for the tour?

Yes, there are additional insurance options available for the tour. The coverage details may vary, but it provides an extra layer of protection for participants. It is recommended to inquire about the specific insurance options when booking the tour.

To sum it up, the Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Tokyo Bay offers an exciting and safe way to explore Tokyo’s landmarks while driving go-karts.

With a duration of 1 to 2 hours, you will have the opportunity to drive past famous attractions such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba.

The tour provides a safety briefing and guide, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience.

It is important to note that valid driving documents, including an International Driving Permit, are required.

This tour is highly recommended for travelers seeking a unique and memorable sightseeing experience in Tokyo.

Related Posts

Private Airport Transfer Kansai Airport in Kyoto Using Hiace

• December 31, 2023

Private Miyajima Oyster and Sakurao Whisky Distillery Tour

Seasonal Shuttle to Minami-Sado

Trending now.

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Go-Karting in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

The options for seeing Tokyo are varied—from busy trains to taxis , and of course cheapo-friendly feet . But what if you want something different? How about riding a go-kart through the streets of Tokyo? Yes, this is something you can actually do! Read on to find out how.

Wait, wasn’t street go-karting banned in Japan ? Nope! You can most definitely go-kart in Tokyo, Osaka and some other parts of the country. For example, you can take this go-kart tour of Asakusa, Skytree and Akihabara , slightly longer Akihabara and glitzy Ginza go-kart tour , or an epic two-hour go-kart tour around Tokyo Bay, through Headout . Availability can vary between go-kart experience providers, particularly during peak travel seasons, so we recommend checking the table below .

Go-karting in Tokyo: How it works

While go-karting around Tokyo sounds wacky and carefree, it is not the sort of activity you can just do on a whim. It takes some prior planning.

The first thing you need to do is confirm that you have the correct driver’s license (more on that below). You also need to be 18 years of age or older.

Then you need to book a tour online, in advance. Depending on the provider and time of year, you’ll need to book between 2 days and 1 month ahead!

At the shop, you’ll get a brief tutorial on driving the karts. (It’s different from a car, as you’ll use a different foot for the gas and for the brakes).

Before scorching the tarmac, you can stash your belongings in a locker at the shop and change into your costume, which is usually included in the price.

In most cases, the tour guide will set the pace and the route, so you don’t need to worry about taking a wrong turn and ending up in, say, Hokkaido .

Important: Driving is on the left side of the road in Japan.

Also make sure to show up for your tour on time — or it might leave without you!

Hokkaido . You can also try go-karting under the neon-lights of Osaka or Kyoto . -->

Tokyo go-kart tickets

One of the most popular Tokyo go-kart options is Go Karting in Akihabara (via Klook) , with a 1-hour ride costing ¥ 7,200 , or 2 hours for ¥ 13,217 (also available from Viator and Rakuten Travel Experiences ). You’ll likely need to book at least a month in advance during peak times.

Another popular option is this go-kart tour of Asakusa, Skytree and Akihabara . The tour comes with free photography and costs ¥ 18,500 .

Whatever you choose, be sure to read the fine print, especially about cancellations. There’s no reason you can’t drive a go-kart in the rain, but you probably don’t want to.

Not in Tokyo? Japan go-kart tours are also available in:

• [affiliate id="rakuten" text="Chiba (near Tokyo)" link="https://experiences.travel.rakuten.com/experiences/22064"].

Choosing your shop and tour(s)

• Short course, priced at [price amount=7000]: 35 minutes driving time, taking you around Minato Ward, including past Tokyo Tower
• "Popular" course, priced at [price amount=8500]: 90 minutes driving time, taking you around Harajuku, Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Roppongi (including Tokyo Tower)
• Quick go-kart lesson
• Fun costume
• Tour guide driver
• GPS & speakers (subject to availability)
• Fuel (and no, you don't need to fill up on the way back)
• Accident insurance

Go-kart locations in Tokyo

There’s quite a bit of choice — whether you want to cruise by Shibuya Crossing or drive through the Akiba gaming district , here’s a quick overview of the main go-karting locations in Tokyo.

Getting kitted out to go-kart in Tokyo

If you’re going to zoom through the streets, you’ll need some accessories—either for safety or fun. Rentals typically include a face-guard mask and shades, to protect you from dust or other irritants the street might kick up, plus your favorite costume.

All the operators mentioned in this article include costume rental in the price, but no all of them have Mario character costumes. However, if there’s a specific character on your go-kart bucket list, you can probably buy it yourself quite cheaply at the variety store Donki .

Depending on the shop, you can also sometimes rent LED shoes, a bluetooth speaker or a 4K action camera. Memory cards might also be available if you need one—just ask.

One great element is that the shops don’t prevent you from bringing your own cameras, costumes or anything else — and don’t charge you either, so you can use your own equipment as you please.

Go-karting in Tokyo: Safety precautions

Riding through the streets at knee-level might seem a bit dangerous when confronted with trucks, boy-racers, and never-re-tested pensioner-drivers, but the rental companies do have safety measures in place. Accident insurance is included, and there are some general rules to follow that are designed to keep you alive that little bit longer.

• No racing allowed
• Dress appropriately: no heels, sandals, or long skirts allowed
• Follow your guide’s advice and route, including hand gestures and speed

Editor’s note: I have tried this (in the name of research) and frankly found it terrifying, even though the tour I participated in was conducted responsibly. Just that, well, riding through the streets at knee-level alongside trucks is terrifying. But everyone else seemed to be having fun, so I guess it’s just me.

What license do you need to drive a go-kart in Japan?

Although it might look like a game, this adventure takes place on real-life streets and is regulated by Japanese law. Anyone wanting to drive a “Mario Kart” in Tokyo will need to have one of the following:

• A full Japanese driving license
• This permit can only be obtained outside of Japan and lasts for one year from the date of entry to Japan and/or issuance. It is easy to get, for example, it can be obtained from the AAA for around $20 in America.
• It must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention; the permit cannot be issued under the 1926 Paris Convention, the 1943 Washington Convention, or the 1968 Vienna Convention.
• An American driving license with US military ID is also acceptable.
• A foreign driving license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Taiwan, Slovenia, or Monaco. Residents of these countries are allowed to drive in Japan for one year from entry, provided they have a Japanese translation by an authorized organization. Bring these two documents and your passport with you. Pro tip: You can get your license translated here .

What about the non-drivers?

If you can’t drive, don’t have the paperwork, or just don’t trust yourself (or others) on the road, you can still take part in the fun. There is sometimes an option for a non-driver to travel in a special tuk-tuk or convertible to take photos of the team. The boarding fee of approximately ¥ 3,000 may be waived if the person travels in the same car as the staff. If that isn’t available, you can always park yourself at a cafe along the driving route and wave as the go-karts cruise past.

A word of warning before you roar off

There have been a few incidents with people driving a go-kart in Tokyo, including a hit-and-run with a cyclist and some very, very dodgy driving on very busy roads. It can’t be stated enough that you need to drive responsibly at all times. Enjoy the experience, but keep in mind that you need to be extremely careful—and also respectful of your surroundings. Some go-karts have been getting on the nerves of local residents, so try to keep the peace.

Copyright issues: A couple of years ago, Mari Mobility (the old MariCar company) found itself in very hot water with a certain video game company. Fortunately for folks wanting to rent a street kart in Tokyo, they weren’t the only provider on the block.

While we do our best to keep things current, all prices and other details are subject to change. Last updated in March, 2023.

閱讀中文版本: 去日本東京體驗高卡車 (Go-Karting) 的詳盡指南

• Cheap tours
• Weird tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo

When to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

Tokyo's Best Airport: Flying into Narita vs. Haneda

Tokyo Sumo Guide: When and Where to Experience Sumo Wrestling

Narita Airport to Tokyo

Top Things to do in Odaiba: Gundam, Museums & Tokyo Bay

Luggage Storage In Tokyo

Tokyo Events This Week: Wisteria, Gyoza, and Shoe Festivals

Tokyo events for Monday, April 22 to Sunday, April 28, 2024.

New Video: Hidden Gems — Tokyo's Most Underrated Shrines and Gardens

Tokyo is often described as busy, crowded and futuristic, but there are also traditional shrines and gardens where you can swap the hustle and bustle of the city for peace and quiet.

3 Hidden Sound, Art and Poetry Experiences in Tokyo

A different way to tune into the city.

Where To See Yaezakura: Late-Blooming Cherry Trees in Tokyo

8 perfect picks, from parks to shopping streets.

New Video: Top 20 Things to Do in Shinjuku

You'll need more than a day — there are LOTS of things to try!

International Music Artists and Bands Coming to Japan in 2024 (Updated)

Upcoming names include Baekhyun, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden — and more.

6 Spectacular Spring Flower Festivals Around Tokyo

Move over, cherry blossoms! These other blooms will take your breath away well into late spring.

English-Speaking Hospitals in Tokyo — And How To Visit Them

Absolutely everything you need to know about seeing a doctor in Japan.

Yozakura: 8 Best Nighttime Cherry Blossom Illuminations in Tokyo

Light-ups have been extended, since the blossoms were so late this year.

Close without accepting

Real-Life Mario Kart in Tokyo

Race like super mario.

Playing Mario Kart no longer has to be limited to a video game. The time has come where you can finally experience it in real life! We drove Mario Kart in Tokyo during our first visit and have to admit that it was one of our highlights. 

You'll also love this:

• Robot Restaurant Tokyo

UPDATE: Sadly, you can no longer rent Mario-Kart costumes. However, instead of Mario, Luigi, and friends, you can dress up as your favorite superheroes!

CHOOSE ROUTE

Table of Contents

How does Mario Kart in Tokyo work?

Mario Kart in Tokyo has been around for the last couple of years and even though it’s not officially “Mario Kart” it feels exactly like it! You’ll be driving Tokyo’s streets in a go-kart dressed as a Mario character ! We first tried the tour in 2017 and would surely do it again! In total, there are 7 different Mario Kart locations in Tokyo and several more across Japan. Visitors to cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa can also take advantage of this fun tour!

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment , so you can check in, store your belongings and choose your Mario-themed costume! It’s first-come-first-served. Once it’s time to start, you and your small group of max 10 travelers will head out to the go-karts, where you’ll get all important safety instructions.

Mario Kart in Tokyo is not really a race, but a tour. Considering that you are driving with regular traffic, a race would never be possible. You’ll be going fast, though. The maximum speed of the karts is about 40 mph and you’ll be driving on the left side of the road .

Mario Kart Routes

What you need to drive mario kart in tokyo.

Mario Kart in Tokyo is suited for travelers age 18+ that are between 4.9 and 6.1 feet tall. In order to drive, you further need:

• your passport
• an international driving permit (IDP)

There are absolutely no exceptions! Should you not have an international driver’s license yet, don’t worry: it’s very easy to get. It’s a paper document that is only valid in combination with your driver’s license. You can, for example, head to your nearest AAA-branch and you’ll have it within 20 minutes and it will cost you approximately $20. You’ll need to present the filled out form and present it together with two original passport pictures.

Mario Kart Prices

Tickets for participating in the Mario Kart Tour in Tokyo start at $57 per person . Prices depend on the selected location and tour length: 1 hour, 2 hours, or 3 hours.

What’s included:

• the go-kart rental
• introduction & safety precautions

Store your belongings securely in one of the provided bags!

Or else you may lose them. It’s not recommended to try to grab your phone during a traffic light or any other part of the tour. Your guide will take a few photos of you and your team during your ride. You can also opt to rent a GoPro for an additional fee to record your ‘race’.

• action camera
• photoshoot experience
• fake mustache (you get to keep it)

When you get to your locations, you can choose to add on an action camera to record your drive or, going one step further, a photoshoot experience.

CHOOSE RACE

My Review of Mario Kart in Tokyo

Mario Kart in Tokyo was easily one of our travel highlights. It’s not only fun in itself but also a different way to see Tokyo during your ride! We drove over the Rainbow Bridge and saw many other sights such as Tokyo Tower on the way. It’s a cool experience just to be driving on the left side. It’s also a cool experience to be driving a go-kart in normal traffic. Driving around like this in costumes will put smiles on people’s faces , regardless of whether Japanese or other travelers. Pedestrians and drivers alike will cheer you on everywhere you look! So would we say that Mario Kart in Tokyo is worth it? Absolutely YES, it’s an unforgettable memory! Mario Kart in Tokyo is enjoying increasing popularity, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

RESERVE TOUR

All Mario Kart Locations in Tokyo

There are several Mario Kart shops across the city, making it very convenient to get to the start of your tour. Even though there are two Shinagawa locations, please be informed that they offer identical routes, unlike Akihabara.

• Shinagawa #1 Address: 1-23-15 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Shinagawa #2 Address: 3-16-46 Higashi-gotanda Shinagawa ward Tokyo, Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Akihabara #1 Address: 4-12-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda 101-0021, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Akihabara #2 Address: 4 Chome-16 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda 101-0025, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Shibuya Address: 15-3-3, Maruyama-Cho, Shibuya, 150-0044, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Tokyo Bay Address: 2-10 Shinkiba Koutoh Ward, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Asakusa Address: 3-25-31 Nishi-Asakusa Taito Ward Tokyo Opening hours: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm

You can also drive Mario Kart in:

Is it dangerous to drive Mario Kart in Tokyo? It can be. Remember that you are driving on the left side of the road at high speeds without a helmet and with regular traffic. You should always be alert. Should you separate from the group or experience another issue, it’s always best to pull over instead of trying to catch up or drive by yourself.

Is Mario Kart in Tokyo legal? Yes, it is. The government has approved Mario Kart in Japan.

Can children drive Mario Kart in Tokyo? Drivers need to be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.

How many people can fit into one go-kart? Each go-kart can hold one person.

The Robot Restaurant in Tokyo

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name and email in this browser until I comment again.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience.

Experience Mario Kart in Tokyo: All You Need to Know!

Imagine the thrill of maneuvering a go-kart through the bustling streets of Tokyo , the cityscape rushing past you in a vibrant blur as you navigate the concrete jungle like a true road warrior. That fantasy leaps into reality with Street Karts' unique go-karting experience. Although the days of dressing as famous game characters are in the past due to copyright considerations, the excitement hasn't dampened one bit. Instead, participants now have the creative freedom to don a variety of fun outfits, from superheroes to original designs, adding a personal twist to this real-life adventure.

The essence of go-karting in Tokyo transcends the costumes; it's about the adrenaline, the roar of the engine, and the sheer joy of exploration. With the wind in your hair and the throttle under your control, every turn brings a new spectacle of the city's endless wonders. Each kart tour offers not just a ride but an unforgettable journey that stitches itself into the fabric of your memories.

As you prepare for the trip, remember: while the karts may look familiar, this isn't your everyday race track. It's Tokyo itself, a grand, sprawling, and utterly real course that awaits your exploration. So, rev up for an adventure where you're not just breaking free from the screen but racing into a world of real-life excitement!

Explore Tokyo like never before on a Go-Kart tour with a local guide from Akihabara. Experience the thrill of navigating bustling streets in costume.

The Evolution of Mario Kart in Tokyo

Tokyo's go-karting landscape has evolved dramatically since its inception by MariCar, originally allowing guests to mimic Nintendo's famous game by racing through city streets dressed as favorite characters. Legal hurdles with Nintendo led to a rebrand of Street Karts, changing the costume game but not the thrill. The experience, minus the game-themed outfits, continues to attract adrenaline enthusiasts, offering an unmatched adventure through the city's iconic arteries.

Racers still experience the high-octane excitement at renowned spots like the towering Tokyo Tower, scenic Rainbow Bridge, and bustling Shibuya Crossing. The essence of zipping down Tokyo's urban roads in a kart, feeling the city's pulse, remains a sought-after experience. Though the outfits may no longer reflect the Nintendo legacy, the joy, adventure, and connection to the city's vibrant streets endure, proving the experience is less about the attire and more about the unforgettable ride.

Legal Issues with Nintendo

Originally, Tokyo-goers were able to experience the exciting world of Mario Kart in real life through MariCar. Unfortunately for them, Nintendo believed they weren’t authorized to use their intellectual property and thus filed a lawsuit against the company. This caused MariCar to change its name to Street Karts and remove any character costumes associated with its karting activities so as not to disrupt Nintendo’s rights over those characters.

Despite this minor hiccup though, go-karters around Tokyo are still able to participate in thrilling drives that take them around iconic landmarks while wearing superhero or non-character based costumes on their carts thanks chiefly due companies such as Street Karts continuing to offer these experiences within city limits even after legal proceedings by Nintendo occurred regarding access to Mario Kart license resources for real life implementations.

Street Karts: The New Face of Mario Kart in Tokyo

Street Karts has taken up the challenge of providing the adrenaline-pumping go-karting experience in Tokyo, while no longer allowing participants to wear character costumes. Costuming remains an optional activity. Individuals may choose superhero and non-character outfits that will add a new level of enjoyment to their journey. The same car models continue to exist so riders can keep feeling just as thrilled as they did before while driving around on a kart within city limits, seeing sights at full speed!

Racing through streets with Street Karts also provides drivers with comfort knowing all laws are adhered too for safe yet still thrilling rides that everyone can take part in and enjoy.

Preparing for Your Go-Kart Adventure

To ensure a safe and pleasurable go-kart experience on Tokyo’s streets, prior preparation is essential. Book your tour ahead to secure the desired slot before it runs out. All participants require either a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit. Thus remember to take both passport and valid driving credentials when attending the session. Dress sensibly with regard to weather conditions while donning any safety equipment necessary for taking part in this kart activity.

Booking Your Go-Kart Experience

When it comes to scheduling your kart adventure, early booking is essential. This depends on the provider and time of year. Usually two days up to a month in advance should suffice for securing a spot. Weather conditions also need considered when picking tour times, aim for daylight hours during colder weather or later slots during warmer months.

Additional duration must be allotted prior to getting started with changing into costumes, storing items safely away, as well as attending safety briefings – taking approximately 1½ hrs total per one-hour tour due to potential delays etcetera.

Experience the ultimate Tokyo adventure on a guided Go-Kart tour.

Obtaining the Required Licenses

For a safe and enjoyable go-karting experience in Tokyo, it is essential to have either an official Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit. Obtaining the permit from your country before you take your trip should be easy enough if this requirement applies to you. Remember also that both documents need to be brought on the tour for verification purposes. So make sure not bring just one of them.

Karts can only operate legally around Tokyo with proof of possession of a valid driving license, whether native or foreign – which makes having these permits important when embarking on such tours within the city limits.

Exploring Tokyo's Iconic Landmarks on a Go-Kart

Go-karting in Tokyo is not just a ride; it's an adventure that lets you see the city like never before. Picture yourself driving a go-kart through the busy streets, dressed in a cool costume, and exploring famous places. You won't forget the amazing view of Tokyo Bay, with its many shops and stunning waterside scenery. It's a whole new way to experience the excitement of the city, feeling the wind and seeing sights up close.

But wait, there's more! Your go-kart trip takes you to must-see spots like the Rainbow Bridge, Shibuya Crossing, the peaceful Imperial Palace Gardens, and the tall Tokyo Tower. Each place has its own charm, making your ride even more fun. And while driving, you'll find lots of great shops around Tokyo Bay where you can stop and maybe buy a keepsake. Riding a go-kart around Tokyo is a unique trip that mixes fun, sightseeing, and the thrill of the drive. It's a special way to see the city's best sights and enjoy an amazing day

Go-Kart Safety and Etiquette

Go-karting in Tokyo is a thrilling experience, but it also requires attention to safety and etiquette. All drivers must strictly follow traffic rules as well as show respect for the other participants of the tour so that everyone can have an enjoyable time on their street racing adventure. Appropriate attire should be chosen before getting into the karts. Any clothing which may catch onto machinery should be avoided at all costs. Provided protective gear needs to be worn by each participant while they go-kart around town!

Traffic Rules and Regulations

When going karting in Tokyo, it’s imperative to keep up with the city’s road regulations. Drive on the left-hand side of the street and always follow all posted speed limits or traffic signals. Also, bear in mind that engaging in racing during your go-kart tour is not permitted for security reasons both for participants as well as other drivers present on this excursion. By abiding by these rules you will be assured of a pleasant and safe experience when enjoying your time out with friends at any Kart course available across Japan’s capital!

Respecting Other Drivers

Safety is paramount when you go on a kart ride around the city, and respecting other drivers is key. Take care to be considerate of all others sharing the streets with you at all times as you navigate through town in your vehicle.

It’s important to stay mindful that there are many rules of traffic that must be followed so everyone can enjoy their time zipping about safely. Making sure everybody has an enjoyable experience out on those same streets will ensure each karter enjoys themselves while making it back home unscathed!

Costume Choices and Restrictions

Go-karting in Tokyo can be a lot of fun when you dress up in unique costumes! Although there is no chance to don Mario Kart character outfits, plenty of exciting and varied ensembles are available, including superheroes or something different. It’s imperative to abide by any safety measures though.

Included within rental fees for most tours would usually be garments provided by tour companies, although additional items from local stores may also need purchasing beforehand as well. Lastly, dressing comfortably and with all necessary protective gear on will help make sure your go-kart experience remains enjoyable yet safe, too!

Costume Options

In Tokyo, you can make your go-kart experience even more unique by choosing from a wide selection of costumes. From superheroes to original designs, the options provide an opportunity for creativity and personalization.

Unfortunately due to legal constraints with Nintendo, Super Mario costumes have been removed as part of the choices available when karting in Tokyo. There are still plenty of other alternatives ensuring that your go-kart adventure will be one to remember!

How about a Samurai costume experience in Shibuya?

Dressing Comfortably and Safely

When planning for your go-karting excursion in Tokyo, you want to make sure that comfort and safety are the primary concerns. Wear clothes that fit snugly around the body as baggy garments can become entangled with machinery on a kart. Be certain to put on any protective equipment given by the tour company before beginning your ride.

Consider carefully what type of clothing is most suitable depending on environmental conditions. Dressing right will ensure optimal enjoyment of this thrilling experience!

Capturing Your Go-Kart Memories

Racing through the streets of Tokyo in your kart brings about a desire to capture and remember this exceptional journey. There are many ways to accomplish this. You can use photo services provided by tour guides or bring along your own action camera.

Whether it’s an option from the company organizing the trip, or personal devices brought with you, make sure these moments don’t go unrecorded so that they remain alive for years after your go-karting experience in Tokyo ends. After all, preserving these memories will be an everlasting reminders of such a thrilling expedition!

Tour Guide Photography Services

A go-kart tour gives the possibility of booking a photography service, like the Tokyo Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot by GetYourGuide or Monkey Kart Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot. The pictures taken during this experience will number between fifty to one hundred photos that can be shared via email, and social media outlets as well in print copies so you may keep your memories alive with family and friends.

Book a professional photographer on your Tokyo tours.

Using Personal Action Cameras

For a thrilling go-kart experience in Tokyo, one option is to bring your own action camera and capture the ride with stunning footage. These small cameras are made for capturing great pictures and videos, perfect for documenting your journey on the kart track.

Make sure you attach it securely to avoid losing it during any of the rides – either mount them onto helmets or chests or just simply clip them directly onto the go-karts themselves. Before getting started experiment with different angles so that all aspects of this amazing adventure can be captured!

Imagine this: You, dressed up as your favorite game character, driving a go-kart through Tokyo's busy streets. Fun, right? The Mario Kart experience in Tokyo is more than just a ride; it's your chance to live a day in a fun, fast-paced fantasy world! You'll see Tokyo like never before, and you don't have to do it alone; bring friends or make new ones on this awesome adventure.

What are you waiting for? Your very own kart is ready and waiting, and booking your spot is super easy! Just head over to TripToJapan and choose the day that works for you. Hurry, though, spaces fill up fast and trust us, you don't want to miss out on the fun. Reserve your spot, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of your life through Tokyo!

Can you still do Mario Kart in Tokyo?

Yes! Real-life Mario Kart, known as street kart, is alive and thrilling in Tokyo, Japan. You can drive past landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree, dressed as your favorite character for a unique adventure.

Is Mario Kart in Tokyo worth it?

Absolutely! It's a top-rated activity where you can view famous spots like the Tokyo Bay shop from a go-kart, making for an unforgettable personal experience in Tokyo, Japan.

Do you need a license for Mario Kart Tokyo?

Yes, you do. Participants must have an International Driving Permit or, for countries like Germany, a translated license. It's all about ensuring everyone can drive responsibly on Tokyo's public roads.

Are there any legal issues with go-karting in Tokyo?

In Tokyo, go-karting is allowed and there were no complications with it apart from a couple of copyright issues relating to Nintendo.

Uncover the magic of Tokyo in a day, seamlessly blending its illustrious past with its vibrant present.

Continue reading

Travel, Hiking, Food

Best Tokyo Mario Kart (Street Go Kart): A Complete Guide and Review

Street Kart in Tokyo is one of the Tokyo bucket list items that you have to do. This guide tells you how to drive a “Real Life Mario Kart” on the street in Tokyo and everything about this unmissable experience in Tokyo.

Tokyo is known to be the capital of cute and quirky things to do and we found just the coolest thing to do during our recent trip there: driving a Go Kart on the street of Tokyo while dressed up as super hero!

Having been to Tokyo several times already, I wasn’t all that interested in the typical touristy things in Tokyo. I was looking for unique and cool things to do in Tokyo and this real life Mario Kart in Tokyo activity came up.

Driving a Tokyo Street Kart is not only a cool experience in itself, but it is also one way for you to see the famous landmarks of Tokyo, just in a very unique way.

In this guide I will tell you everything you need to know about the real life Mario Kart in Tokyo!

Planning a Trip to Japan?

I’ve written a ton of blogs on Japan, from the popular cities like Tokyo , Kyoto , Osaka to day trips from each of these cities.

If you are traveling to Japan for the first time, don’t forget to check out my super comprehensive First Time in Japan Itinerary and Travel Guide.

To save money on Tokyo attractions (like Shibuya Sky, TeamLabs, etc), be sure to get the Tokyo attraction pass .

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

Best Street Go Kart Tours and Routes in Tokyo

Years ago there was only one street Go Kart company in Tokyo, but fast forward to 2024, there are now several different tours you can take, with different routes, karts and prices. Although you can no longer dress up as a Super Mario character, the experience of driving a Go Kart on the streets of Tokyo is unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Below are some of the most popular street Go Kart services in Tokyo to book!

Tokyo Mario Kart Tour Option 1 – Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Tokyo Tower

This Go Kart tour is probably one of the most popular routes you can book, as it goes through Tokyo Tower, Harajuku and Shibuya Crossing. This is very similar to the one I’ve done (see details below) and I cannot recommend it enough to drive through Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

This tour lasts for 1.5 hours and you start from Shinagawa location first. The tour includes instructor, costumes and photos. You can rent action camera and bluetooth speakers for additional cost.

This tour is the most comprehensive Tokyo Go Kart out there.

Book this Go Kart tour here .

Tokyo Go Kart Tour Option 2 – Asakusa, Skytree, Akihabara

This 1-2 hour Go Kart experience takes you to some of the most famous tourist spots in Tokyo, starting in the quirky electronic district of Akihabara, the towering Tokyo Skytree and through the historical Sensoji and the famous SUMO stadium.

This tour includes a guide, photo shoot, costumes and bluetooth speaker. You can pay extra to rent an action camera.

Book this Go Kart experience here .

Tokyo Go Kart Tour Option 3 – Akihabara & Beyond (cheaper)

This 1 to 2 hour Tokyo Go Kart experience takes you around the electronic town of Akihabara. The guide will help you take a lot of photos and you can rent costumes as well. With this Go Kart tour you also get to drive by Sensoji, Skytree, Ueno, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, etc.

Some of the above are seen on the 2 hour route instead of 1 hour.

Book this Tokyo Go Kart tour here .

Tokyo Go Kart Tour Option 4 – Shibuya (cheaper)

This Street Go-Kart tour is by the original street kart company that I used before. This tour is only one hour and takes you through Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya Crossing (multiple times). Honestly I don’t think anything beats driving through Shibuya Crossing, it really is once in a life time opportunity.

I would highly recommend this tour and company as I had such a great experience with them (and again, Shibuya crossing is so awesome). Since this tour is only one hour, it is also cheaper than some of the other Go Kart tours out there.

Tokyo Mario Kart Tour Option 5 – Tokyo Bay (drive at top speed)

This 2 hour real life superhero Go Kart has the most unique course, it goes through the Tokyo Bay Area. Again, this is by the original street kart company that I used before.

With this tour, you get to drive through the famous Rainbow Bridge , Tokyo Tower and Odaiba area (Odaiba is where teamLabs PLANETS and Gundam statue is, but no guarantee you will see them on this tour though).

Rainbow Bridge is where you can go pretty fast with the Go Kart (faster than when you drive on regular streets of Tokyo). So if you are looking for a thrilling experience, this would be the best Go Kart experience for you.

Book your Go Kart here .

What is Real Mario Kart (or Super Hero Go Kart Racing) in Tokyo?

The real life Mario Kart was brought to popularity by a company called StreetKart (used to be called MariCar)that rents out Go karts and superhero costumes. They became really popular really quickly and caught the attention of Nintendo.

There was a legal battle between Nintendo and MariCar company because MariCar never asked Nintendo for permission to operate. Nintendo wasn’t going to just sit there and let its IP be used for someone else’s profit.

Eventually in 2018 the case was settled and Nintendo won. Now MariCar can no longer advertise itself as real life Mario Kart.

Instead it has rebranded as Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting in Tokyo. MariCar also cannot rent out Nintedo’s Super Mario Brother costumes, but it doesn’t stop them from renting out costumes that look similar to the Super Mario Brothers!

Even if you cannot dress up as Super Mario or Luigi, you will still have a lot of fun driving a Go Kart on the streets of Tokyo.

Now post pandemic, there are other companies that popped up on the scene to offer similar services but with different routes.

Is it legal to drive a Go Kart in Tokyo?

Yes, it is legal to drive a go kart on the streets of Tokyo and dress up as super hero characters and yes you can take photos and videos!

These Go Karts are compliant with Japan local governing laws and their safety regulation exceeds the requirements imposed by the police. Therefore you can rest assure it is perfectly legal to drive these Go Karts on the streets of Tokyo.

If you are planning a trip to Tokyo then this real life go-kart has to be on your Tokyo bucket list and I guarantee you won’t regret doing it. 

Do I need a license to drive Go Kart on the Streets in Tokyo Japan?

You absolutely need to have a valid driver’s license in order to drive Street Go Kart in Tokyo. Below are the types of license you need.

• Japanese Driving License
• SOFA Driving License for US Forces in Japan
• International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA with your Driver’s License
• Japanese translation of driving license if your driver’s license is issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, and Taiwan
• Some of the countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia are not allowed to drive in Japan

You should check the booking website (one of the ones I linked above) for their passport and license requirements or contact customer support because there are restrictions for certain countries.

Tokyo Tip : If you are planning to do any other popular attractions in Tokyo (like teamLabs, Shibuya Sky, SkyTree, etc, you can save a lot of money with this Tokyo Attraction Pass .

What side of the road do you drive on in Japan?

People drive on the left side of the road (same side as UK, South Africa, New Zealand, etc). If you are coming from the United States/ Canada/ most of Europe, it will be the opposite from you.

This means that when you drive the Go Kart on Japanese streets, you are driving on the other side of the road with regular cars if you are coming from North America. You should be prepared to drive on the opposite side of the road!

The good thing is since you will be following a guide and other drivers, you should be ok.

Where are the Real Mario Kart in Tokyo?

With so many different Go Kart companies around in Tokyo, you can find them in various locations:

The exact location of these Go Kart offices will depend on the exact tour you book.

When you book your experience, be sure to book the right course since it will take you to different routes and different meeting locations.

Which Course Should I Choose For the Real Mario Kart in Tokyo?

With the reduction of service by Street Kart and the emergence of new Go Kart services, you have a few different courses you can choose from.

As mentioned above, there are now many different routes you can pick from

With this Go Kart experience , you have 2 options to choose from:

• Skytree route: Sensoji Temple -> Skytree -> Akihabara (1 hour)
• Shinjuku route: Shinjuku -> Harajuku -> Shibuya (including Shibuya Crossing) (1.5 hours)

With the Original street Kart company, you also have 2 options to choose from:

• Shibuya route : Harajuku -> Omotesando -> Shibuya (including Shibuya Crossing) (1 hour)
• Tokyo Bay route : Tokyo Tower -> Rainbow Bridge -> Odaiba (2 hours)

So depending on which company and route you take, you will be seeing different things. The two different companies may also have different costume options.

There are several different appointment time you can book depending on availability and your personal reference. We thought the evening ones would be nice to see Tokyo all lit up and the weather was cooler.

We also didn’t know what to expect for the activity, so we decided to go with the option that goes to Shibuya just because Shibuya is one of the most famous spots in Tokyo so I thought it would be amazing to be able to drive through Shibuya (and it was).

Based on my personal experience, if you are going in warm weather (like in the summer), you should definitely book a later one so you are not sweating in your costumes. If you are visiting in the winter then it’s better to do it during the day time so it’s warmer.

You also should arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes early so you have time to check in and change into your costumes. If you arrive late, you will miss the tour.

Read Next : 2 Day Tokyo Itinerary

How much does real world Mario Kart Cost?

Depending on which course you decide to do for your real world Mario kart experience (and the exchange rate), prices per person is between $85 to $130 USD. I found the the ones from Klook to be at least $30 cheaper than other websites (also Klook always have promo codes, so it makes things even cheaper).

When I booked with Street Kart, they also offered additional add on items such as “Action Camera” (I think it’s a Go-pro rental) and photo shoot experience. These additional add-ons are charged by the hour. You can even purchase fake mustache, costume, and microSD cards for a fee as well.

But with the new services I linked , you will need to ask the tour operator what additional things you can rent/purchase when you show up in person.

The Real Life Mario Kart in Tokyo Experience

Note this portion is with the company Street Kart (the one that only offers Shibuya and Tokyo Bay locations right now). Therefore there will be some differences in terms of what you will be experience when you go. This is just to show you what we did since the same course is no longer offered.

We booked our Go Kart experience in Tokyo a couple of months before we visited. On the day of the experience, we showed up at the designated meeting point.

Our appointment was at 5pm and most people were already there trying on different costumes by 4:45pm.

Most people end up choosing to be either Mario or Luigi so I decided to be something less common: Bowser…! If you want to be able to choose the costumes before they get picked by others I would recommend getting there earlier. Note that you can no longer choose Mario Kart costumes .

Even though it was late September when we did the real life Mario Kart, Tokyo was still very hot and humid so it really felt uncomfortable (even though cute) to be in an overall. It does get better when you start driving because of the breeze.

After getting into our costumes, we followed our team leaders to a parking lot to get set up and get familiar with the Go-Karts and traffic rules on Tokyo Streets.

It took about 30 minutes for all of us to be up and running and finally it was time to go! I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. It was a bit scary trying to get out of the parking lot when cars were coming at us without reducing their speed.

I also wasn’t used to driving on the opposite lane and be lower than every car on the street. The first 20 minutes were relatively nerve wrecking trying to get used to the Go-Kart and making sure I don’t get hit by real cars on the road.

However, I quickly realized that Japanese drivers are quite nice and 99% of the cars on the road tried to avoid us by driving in a completely different lane.

Our first stop was Tokyo Tower , which was about 30 minutes from Shinagawa (where we started). We got separated from the rest of the group on the road but the company was really good about having 3 guides to follow the group (one in front, one in the middle, and one at the end) so we never had to get worried about getting lost.

After you get a hang of driving in the Go Kart it’s actually not bad and it became more and more relaxing and fun. I always wanted to do something unique and driving to Tokyo Tower was definitely one of those Tokyo bucket list items that I did.

After driving to Tokyo Tower and staying for a bit to walk around, we were back on the road again and drove through Roppongi and towards Shibuya .

While driving on the road, most pedestrians were so amused by us that they would wave at us and try to take pictures and videos of us. Talk about being a celebrity!

The best part of the trip was undoubtedly driving through the Shibuya Crossing .

For those of you who don’t know what that is, Shibuya Crossing is the big multi-way crossing in the middle of Tokyo that show up in all the movies.

It was also featured in the movie The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift . The best part of the whole evening was probably when we drove around Shibuya, not once, but 3 times ! They totally make it worth awhile for you and your camera even though you are discouraged from holding your phone to film while driving.

Read Next : Tokyo to Kamakura Day Trip Guide

What you should know before doing Real Life Mario Kart in Tokyo:

This is definitely a Tokyo bucket list item and the best way to explore Tokyo even if you have been to Tokyo multiple times. If i could go back to Tokyo I would try a different course during the day.

That being said, if you want to do this real life Mario Kart in Tokyo, make sure to do the following to avoid disappointment!

Bring your passport and driver license with you when you show up. You need to bring the actual document, not photo copies.

Book your experience way in advance to book as they are quite popular and are in high demand

If you come to Tokyo in the summer, be ready to sweat as the temperature can be really hot and humid (80s F/ 30C). It’s better to do Go Kart in Tokyo in the fall after October .

Rent (or bring) a face mask with you to do the real life Mario Kart if it’s not too hot; the fume from the go-karts in front of you can be quite strong and irritating.

Give yourself 3 hours for a 2 hour course (1 hour for changing costumes, setting up, returning the Go-Kart, paying, getting photos from them, etc)

Bring a GoPro or an Insta360 because you can go quite fast (~40 miles/hour) so it’s hard to take videos and photos with your phone or camera.

The Go Kart services now offers action camera rental as well as photo shoot experience so if you don’t have a GoPro you can consider paying for those options.

If you don’t don’t mind going at top speed on the road, then try the courses with Rainbow bridge as you floor the gas driving through it!

Ladies! Do not bring a big purse with you as the Go-Karts only have a small pouch for your phone and keys. You will have to leave your larger bags and belongings in their office.

Try to come during non-rainy season as they cancel the events if it rains! (You do not want to get soaked anyway)

If you are pregnant, over 331 lb or taller than 5’9 (180cm) you won’t be able to participate, sorry! Clearly kids cannot participate either since they do not have a driver’s license.

Enjoy and be safe! Follow Japanese driving rules and road etiquette

Be sure to check out my detailed 10 day Japan itinerary !

Best Japan Travel Booking Sites

If you found this post useful, please take a look at some of the best sites for booking hotels, tours and other activities in Japan.

Some of these sites have affiliate links where we make a small fee when you book something (at absolutely no cost to you). I will never link you something that are not well reviewed or have used ourselves. I sincerely thank you for your support to allow me to continue to provide high quality and useful travel information to readers like yourself.

Best hotel booking sites for Japan : this or this Best eSim for Japan . If you are from the US and have T-mobile , you can use free international roaming and won’t need an eSim or Sim card for Japan. Best tour booking site for Japan <– Many Japanese official websites don’t accept US or foreign credit cards, this is why I recommend using third party and they are cheaper sometimes too. Best food review site for Japan <– anything about a 3.5 is considered good! Japanese people rarely give 5s Best Apps to check Japan train and bus schedules and routes : Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner or Japan Travel Best travel insurance for Japan : this or this

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Other Japan Travel Blog Articles From Serena’s Lenses

Traveling to Japan? Check out my other super detailed Japan travel guides below to plan your perfect trip!

• 10 Day Japan Itinerary
• How to save money on Tokyo attractions
• How many Days in Tokyo: Complete Tokyo 2-7 day itinerary
• How to spend 2 days in Kyoto
• 2 Day Tokyo itinerary
• One Day Osaka itinerary
• Arashiyama travel and food guide
• How to see the Kyoto bamboo forest
• Best hotel to stay near Mt. Fuji
• Osaka to Miyajima and Hiroshima day trip guide
• The ultimate Tokyo to Kamakura day trip guide

Like this post? Save the Tokyo Mario Kart post to Pinterest!

Read my privacy policy .

• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

The 5 Best Mario Kart Tours in Tokyo [2024 Reviews]

How’d you like to race through Tokyo’s dazzling maze of neon, where ancient traditions and futuristic innovations merge? You could don costumes of beloved Mario Kart characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, revving up your own kart to see how fantasy and reality blur.

Tokyo is transformed into your very own real-life racetrack where you can zoom through with your friends and family for an experience like no other.

If you’re looking for something fun and unique to do in this skyscraper-filled city, look no further than the top Tokyo Mario Kart tours!

Be sure to see our reviews of Tokyo Food Tours , Mt Fuji Day Trips and Guided Tours of Tokyo .

Best Street Go-Kart Tours in Tokyo

Quick answer: the 5 best mario kart tours in tokyo for 2024.

• Tokyo: Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot
• Kart experience in Shinjuku drive metropolitan area **IDP must**
• Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop
• Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa
• Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Shinagawa Shop

Tokyo Mario Kart Tour Reviews

1. tokyo: go-kart tour and photoshoot.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Departure: 3-chōme-33-2 Sasazuka, Shibuya City, Tokyo
• Departure Time: 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM
• Includes: Tour guide, go-kart, photoshoot, costume

This is one of those activities that is more than worth the bit of extra planning getting an international license requires.

Trust me, when you’re in Tokyo you’re not going to want to miss out on this unreal experience that will make it feel like you’ve just been transported into one of your favorite video games!

The Tokyo: Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot not only provides tons of fun and adrenaline, but also some great mementos to take home with you!

Picture this: you get your partner, friends, or family and head out to the center of the city and sit behind the wheel of a custom-built go-kart.

You don your favorite character’s costume and get ready for a turbo-charged joyride through the same streets where Godzilla and Gundam arose. Safety is always the top priority here, and the staff does a great job of ensuring that throughout the tour.

Expand To See More See Less

Your first stop is Shinjuku, which will have you zooming past the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the iconic Love Sign, amongst other landmarks.

My favorite part was near the nightlife hub of Shinjuku Station, which provides a sensory overload of neon lights, laughing, technology, and energy that perfectly exudes that “Tokyo” feel. Of course, cruising through Harajuku feels wonderfully youthful and trendy with its melding of cultures and colors. 

Shibuya Crossing was insane, which feels like some sort of wild choreography of humans walking, driving, and zooming by with other forms of transportation. To top it all off, your guide will be there capturing the best moments of the ride so you can forever have some legendary memories to revisit!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. kart experience in shinjuku drive metropolitan area **idp must**.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure Time: Between 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Includes: Go-kart, guide, photo shooting, costume, Bluetooth speaker

Next up, we have yet another tour that’s super easy to fit into even the busies of schedules. For thrillseekers and video game aficionados alike, this experience breaks the mold of traditional tours!

Zoom through this amazing metropolis in a way no other compares with the Kart Experience in Shinjuku Drive Metropolitan Area Tour ! They couldn’t possibly make this tour more convenient either, with tons of different start times available.

If you’re looking to race through the neon-drenched labyrinth that is Shinjuku, this is one of the best tours out there. Dress up as Pikachu, Mario, or other fun and famous characters and get buckled in!

Once you arrive to the go-kart rental location, your guide and other staff will be there to make sure you’re comfortable and have any and all questions answered. Then, you’re ready to set off into a whirlwind of color, lights, and noises as your kart weaves through the tides of people and cars!

The first stop of the journey is the infamous Shibuya Crossing, which is quite possibly the coolest intersection in the entire world. 

Keep on cruising through Harajuku, which hasn’t lost any of its style since the famed Gwen Stefani track came out. The fashion mecca feels more like some kind of futuristic runway than a street road, where you’ll race by like some kind of mobile work of art.

Shinjuku Golden Gai consists of a maze of little winding alleys thriving with hidden taverns and secrets waiting for you to discover (highly recommend checking this out more later on). 

You’re surely never going to forget this tour, but just to keep memories fresh in your mind, they’ll even take photos throughout the tour for you to keep!

3. Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Departure:  2-chōme-10-10 Shinkiba, Koto City, Tokyo
• Departure Time: Between 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Fuel surcharge, Costume Rental Fee, Kart Rental Fee, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Kart Insurance

If you’re looking to explore Tokyo, I can’t think of a cooler way to do it than with a Mario Kart excursion. It’s definitely not a tour you’re likely to become bored by, like so many tours that just rattle off facts and check off a list of landmarks.

With the Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop , you’ll cruise past famous sites but also get to experience the authentic sounds and scenes like a local would from the street. 

Of course, things will take a little bit of a twist from the “average” day, as you’re going to be donning fun character costumes, sliding into go-karts, and cruising through this mind-blowing city’s neon-lit streets. It doesn’t get more Tokyo than this!

If you’re over boring tours that just herd tourists around like cattle, this is definitely the right experience for you!

Your guide will lead the way to ensure you don’t get caught up in the chaos or lose your way, as safety is always a priority. After all, this is all about good times and fun, and you can’t have that if you’re stressed out. 

You’ll zip by the looming modern icon that is the Tokyo Tower, decked out in its signature red and white stripes and standing high among the rest of the skyscrapers.

You may have only experienced the Rainbow Bridge in the actual Mario game on your TV, but did you know that you’re going to experience it for real with this tour? That’s right – you’ll be racing over the real-life rainbow bridge that spans Tokyo, like a gateway to breathtaking vistas. 

While an international driving permit is necessary in order to partake, it’s surprisingly easy to get. Not to mention, with the guide leading you, it’s much less intimidating and allows you to simply enjoy this experience with loved ones.

4. Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa

• Departure:  3-chōme-25-31 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035
• Departure Time:  Between 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Fuel surcharge, Costume Rental Fee, Kart Rental Fee, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Kart Insurance

Are you in the mood for a hassle-free tour where you can get to know Tokyo from a super unique perspective? Perhaps you really loved Mario Kart and want to get a real-life taste?

Well, I can’t say you’ll be allowed to throw bananas at your friends, but you’ll get as close as possible to the game with the Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa ! 

If you ever played Mario Kart with friends and wondered what it would be like to ride around like that in real life, you’re in luck. It’s time to strap into a real-life go-kart and rev those engines to dive right in to the home of Nintendo: Tokyo.

You’ll be riding around this incredible city in style, dressed up as characters either from Mario Kart itself, comics, or various anime!

With various start times available, this tour was super easy to fit into our busy schedule. However, the organization was top-notch, with incredible customer service and friendly guides there to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable.

Not to mention, they take photos of you and your party throughout the entire time for fun mementos!

The guide offers a kind of secret map to the city’s hidden treasures and hot spots that most tourists don’t get a chance to see. The Asakusa Shrine was a quiet oasis in the midst of Tokyo’s chaos, which was pretty cool to experience for a moment.

The Tokyo Skytree stood out like a needle in the sky, piercing it with a kind of neon flair that you’d only see here.

If possible, I highly recommend doing both the daylight tour and the nighttime tour. It was a little nervewracking at first driving on the left side of the road, but the guide made sure no one was left behind and was super easy to follow to ensure no cars or buses got too close to our karts. 

5. Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Shinagawa Shop

• Duration:  2 to 4 hours
• Departure:  1-chōme-23-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, fuel surcharge, costume rental, kart and helmet rental, all taxes, fees and handling charges

I couldn’t talk about this type of tour without mentioning our fifth excursion: the Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Shinagawa Shop ! This is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, totaling anywhere from 2 to 4 hours but if you have the extra time it’s worth it.

This fun and exhilarating tour plunges you headfirst into the vibrant madness of Tokyo in a way like no other, so let’s jump right in!

I can tell you that there’s literally limitless opportunities for fun and adventure in Tokyo, but this is one of the most unique. In fact, despite all of the fun and interesting experiences I had here, this tour stood out the most to me.

If you’re looking to get a lay of the land and would like to see all the main sites, it’s also a fantastic way to kick off any trip here.

I wasn’t expecting to learn so much about the different landmarks and sites, considering I knew we’d all be driving around in our own go-karts.

However, our tour guide was nothing short of excellent, offering us tons of interesting facts, anecdotes, and historical accounts of the different neighborhoods and spots. They even took photos of us for free, showing us not only the biggest tourist sites, but plenty of hidden gems.

Just like with the others, you can expect to see the Tokyo Tower in its signature red and white stripes, and the even more colorful Rainbow Bridge which stretches across Tokyo Bay.

This urban marvel was one of my favorites, and I ended up coming back later to enjoy it with my camera. The Shibuya Crossing was an experience in itself, seeing as you’re literally driving through the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing – like Times Square on steroids.

Tour Guides

The Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot is our Editors Choice for the best Mario Kart Tour in Tokyo.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], the 5 best halong bay cruises [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best mekong delta & cu chi tunnels tours [2024 reviews].

• Haneda Airport
• Okachimachi
• Shimokitazawa
• Kiso Valley
• Nozawa Onsen
• Shinanomachi
• Kumano Kodo
• Japan Journeys Style
• Things to do
• Restaurants
• Hiking and Walking
• Amusement Parks
• Animal Attractions
• Museums and Digital Art
• Parks and Gardens
• Sports and Stadiums
• Temples and Shrines
• Experiences
• Places to stay

• Destinations
• Things To Do

Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one of the most talked about and instagrammable experiences in town. For visitors not in the know, it won’t take long on the city streets before a fleet of brightly coloured go-karters whizz past, begging the question ‘ what was that !?’. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen these tours go past, never imagining that I would one day be on the other side of the onesie.

Mario Kart Tours in Tokyo

The tours launched in 2011 and have steadily grown in popularity. So popular in fact that Nintendo sought legal action against ‘MariCar’ regarding their name and the use of Nintendo costumes in the carts. In my recent visit, there wasn’t a Nintendo character in sight, though there were some off-brand Disney, Sanrio and anime costume options.

There are a few companies operating the ‘Mario Kart’ tours; Street Kart and Tokyo Kart to name a few. You can book directly or through sites like Trip Advisor. Each company offers a slightly different experience. Street Kart seems to have more location and length options, perfect if you’re just wanting a taste. They run regularly throughout the day and at night, so flexible for any travel schedule. You can choose what area you’d like to drive in, too. Do you want the lights of Shibuya, Tokyo Tower, or some bays and bridges? They and Tokyo Kart also offer longer 2–3 hour journeys where you see a number of sights. For those not in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Okinawa and Mt. Fuji offer go-kart experiences, too.  

The process

Once you’ve booked, you can eagerly await your upcoming race—err, drive! You and your fellow drivers should arrive at the location 15 minutes early to take care of paperwork, safety procedures, a nervous bathroom break and most importantly, costume selection. There are other add-ons available, such as the 4K action camera (GoPro) to rent for your drive. This whole process can take around 30 minutes.

We should note: all drivers must have a valid driver’s license to ride—sorry kids. It can be a Japanese Driver’s License, an international driving permit, Japanese SOFA license or a license translation (certain countries only). Be sure to check the stipulations of your go-kart company ahead of time otherwise you’ll be turned away.

The Safety Briefing

For our Roppongi Street Kart experience, we signed our wavers, paid 500 yen insurance and were almost on our way. Honestly, the thought of driving on Tokyo streets, among traffic, in a low cart was a little daunting. Luckily the English subtitled video demonstration covered how to operate the kart, follow the leader and stay safe. It wasn’t long before we were lead down to the karts to practice our newly learned skills in a controlled environment before taking to the streets in formation.

On the Road

The heady petrol fumes, a Tokyo breeze ruffling the polyester hair of your onesie; what a rush! We drove in single file until the leader’s fist shot up in the air—our signal to form two lines at traffic lights. People stared, waved and took pictures as we sat idle, waiting for the green. Being at the back of the pack, I had to run a few orange lights to avoid being separated from the group. That being said, none of the dangers seemed to bother me much. I looked up and waved at bemused drivers, simply talked raised my talking voice to counteract the trucks roaring past. A great feature of the carts are the zippable pouches under the steering wheel which means you can bring a phone to take photos.

The whole experience was a delightful balance of fear and fun; definitely one of the best Tokyo tours going around. Highly recommended. Just don’t shoot any turtles or launch any bananas!

Post by Japan Journeys .

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

21_21 design sight: tokyo’s modernist masterpiece, exploring the tokyo sewerage museum “rainbow”, unleash your inner child at the poop museum tokyo, most popular, ichikawaya coffee is a stylish machiya cafe in kyoto, interview with architect kengo kuma on the new national stadium’s design, the garden of fine arts: tadao ando’s quiet gift to kyoto., tokyo sake bar in ebisu: frozen sake bar buri, a circuit through shimokitazawa, your romantic kobe getaway: nunobiki herb gardens, kyoto’s most instagrammable temple: yasaka koshindo, could ‘american’ be the biggest sandwich in tokyo, tokyo station bars: top-shelf drinking in the urban hub, yes, cold noodles are cool: sanpotei tokyo lab’s hiyashi tantanmen.

• All Group Tours 2024
• All Group Tours 2025
• Signature Tours (Non-Anime)
• Cherry Blossom Season
• Anime Related Tours
• Search Tours
• Tour by theme
• Cherry Blossom
• Anime / Manga / Game
• Highlights Japan
• Signature Tours
• Festival Tours
• Grand Tours
• Southern Japan
• Hokkaido & Northern Japan Tours
• Quilt Tours
• Snow Monkey
• Japanese Ancestry
• All Private Tours
• Cruise Connection Tours
• Custom Tours
• Last Minute Deal
• Offers & Specials
• Destinations
• Experiences
• Trip Advisor's Must-See
• Brochure Request
• Japan Tour Movies
• Terms & Conditions
• Trip Reviews
• Guest Login
• Tour Airfare
• Airport Transfer
• How to Book
• Travel Tips
• Travel Insurance
• Documents Download
• USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726
• Australia (02) 8006 4411

• View Saved Tour

US/Canada Toll Free

1-800-285-2726

• US/Canada Toll Free 1-800-285-2726
• Australia (02)8006 4411

Mario Kart (JDT Recommends)

Tour tokyo like never before.

While some of us remember playing Mario Kart for hours growing up, Maricar in Japan found a way to thrill tourists and locals alike with their real life Mario Kart services. Ranging between 8,000 to 11,000 yen, Maricar offers various courses perfect for touring the city of Tokyo. With multiple courses and a tour guide leading your group, drive around Tokyo in style! You may not get to go over the famous Rainbow Bridge from the video-games, but you'll be sure to be the talk of all your friends when they see the photos of you racing through the city. You can enhance your ride with optional Bluetooth speaker rentals, Go-Pro rentals, and even mustache rentals!

Advanced booking for the MariCAR experience is recommended for participants who would like to enjoy this attraction. We recommend booking directly through their website. MariCAR is open from 10AM-10PM. For more information, click here to visit MariCAR's Website

Before you Go!

While there are many concerns you may have with go-kart rentals and riding, Maricar's FAQ page does a great job handling any concerns you may have. However, we at Japan Deluxe Tours would like to note: (pulled directly from Maricar's website):

Maricar's custom made go-kart is for Streets in Japan. You will need a valid Japanese driver's license, or an International Driving Permit, or an SOFA License for US Forces Japan! NO LICENSE NO DRIVE!!

For more questions or concerns, please check Maricar's FAQ Page

For more information on how to get an International Drivers Permit , please click here to be taken to the DMV website.

If you'd like to participate in the Maricar experience, you can add this awesome ride through the city to one of your free days on any of our Cherry Blossom Tours or Anime Japan Tour packages in Tokyo!

MariCar | Related Anime Japan Tours

Anime Pioneer Adventure

Essence of Spring | Anime

Highlights of Japan | Anime

AnimeJapan 2024 | Tokyo

Maricar | related tour pages.

J-World (Closed)

Theme Park for Naruto, One Piece and Dragon Ball

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Tokyo's busiest district and Center of Youth Fashion and Culture

Tokyo Tower

Japan's Prominent Landmark; Enjoy a Panoramic View of Tokyo

Vampire Cafe

Vampire themed restaurant in Tokyo

Tokyo Game Show | Game Travel Guide

World biggest game show in Tokyo

Akihabara | Anime Game Travel Guide

Center of Japan's otaku culture in downtown Tokyo

Video Game Bar Space Station

Have a drink while you play games on classic and new game consoles

SEGA Arcade (JDT Recommends)

one of Tokyo's most popular gaming arcade chains

Mario Kart in Tokyo and Japan: All You Need to Know About Street Go-Karting Before You Start

Ever dreamed of being inside a video game? Yeah, me too. And in Japan, you can do it. For two hours, you can be Luigi, doing real-life Mario Kart in Tokyo, speeding through the streets alongside Mario, Peach, and Donkey Kong. And yes, this is as crazy fun as it sounds. Street go-karting in Japan is a laugh-out-loud, unforgettable experience.

What is Real-Life Mario Kart in Tokyo?

Now you might be asking, “What exactly is real-life Mario Kart in Japan?”. Well, imagine this: you’re in a small, nimble go-kart, speeding through the heart of Tokyo. You’re decked out in an iconic Mario Kart outfit, transforming you into Luigi, Yoshi, or even Princess Peach. Around you, the city buzzes with energy, neon lights flashing, skyscrapers towering, and people gasping at the sight of a real-life Mario Kart rally in action.

So, should you give it a go? Is it worth your precious vacation time? Well, if you ask me, it’s a resounding YES. For a few hours, you’ll be a part of the city’s life.

It’s this connection that makes street go-karting more than just a ride. It’s an intersection of pop culture, gaming nostalgia, and the undeniable charm of Japan. And for those who’ve grown up steering Mario or Luigi to victory on their game consoles, this is the ultimate homage, a chance to step into the screen and live the game. Street go-karting offers an experience that will stay with you long after your trip is over.

This guide guide will walk you through the ins and outs of street go-karting in Japan. From how to book and where to go, to local perspectives and what to expect on the day of your ride. Sit tight; I’m going to guide you through everything you need to know.

Part 1: Which Driving License Do You Need to Participate in Street Go-Karting in Japan

First, you’ll need to be over 18 years old and get your driving credentials sorted. It’s not as complex as it might sound, and this guide will walk you through it. You will need one of those:

• Japanese Driving License :

If you’re a resident in Japan, you might already have a Japanese driving license. This is the easiest way to qualify for street go-karting. However, for most visitors, this won’t be the case.

• Foreign Driving License :

If you’re from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Taiwan, Slovenia, or Monaco, your home country license works, but with a twist — you’ll need an official Japanese translation.

• International Driving Permit (IDP) :

An IDP is what most foreign tourists will need. You must obtain this permit in your home country before traveling to Japan. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

• How to Get an IDP: The process of obtaining an IDP varies from country to country. In the US, you can get one from the AAA for around $20 as of this writing. You’ll need to fill out an application, provide two passport-size photos, and show your original driver’s license.
• Be careful though, Japan only recognizes permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is crucial because your IDP will be invalid in Japan if it’s issued under the 1926 Paris Convention, the 1943 Washington Convention, or the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure to check this when you’re obtaining your permit.
• SOFA Driving License :

If you’re a member of the U.S. military forces stationed in Japan, a SOFA driving license will suffice. Note that an American driving license with U.S. military ID is also acceptable.

Part 2: How to Book Your Go-Kart Tickets at Popular Locations

Once your license is sorted, you’re ready to secure your spot. Several companies operate these tours. Perhaps you’ve heard of MariCar, but they’ve had to distance themselves from that for trademark reasons. I’ll tell you more about that later.

And Go-karting tours aren’t just limited to Tokyo – you can also find them in Osaka and Okinawa. But since Tokyo is the most visited city, we’ll start there.

Mario Kart in Tokyo

The streets of Tokyo are full of variety and color, making them the perfect backdrop for your go-karting adventure. Here’s a comparative table of the go-karting options in the city:

Go-Karting in Osaka and Okinawa

You can also find go-karting tours in Osaka and Okinawa , and each offers unique sights that make the experience well worth it. Osaka’s bustling streets and modern skyscrapers contrast with Okinawa’s coastal roads and tropical scenery. They provide different, but equally exciting, settings for your go-kart adventure.

Note: Always remember to read the fine print on each tour, especially the cancellation policy. Japan’s weather can be unpredictable, and although you technically can drive a go-kart in the rain, it might not be the most enjoyable experience.

Choose Your Costume:

When you show up for your tour, you get to the fun part: choosing your costume.

You might have dreamed of dressing up like a famous Italian plumber or his brother, but due to some trademark issues and expensive lawsuits, Nintendo characters’ outfits may not be available. Remember I mentioned MariCar above? Well, technically they don’t exist anymore, and Go-Karting companies cannot offer Nintendo costumes anymore. Here’s what happened.

Insider story time: What happened to MariCar?

You’ve probably heard about ‘Mario Kart in Tokyo’. This nickname came about because many Street Go-Karting companies in Japan leveraged the popularity of the video game Mario Kart to attract visitors, offering costumes of characters from the game. However, this didn’t sit well with Nintendo. In 2017, they decided to sue one such company: Mari Mobility Development Inc., which operated under the name MariCar. The similarity in name—just two letters off and nearly identical in pronunciation—didn’t work in the company’s favor. By 2020, after several years of legal battles and appeals, MariCar lost the case and was ordered to pay 50 million yen (approximately $475,000 at that time). Subsequently, the company rebranded itself as “Street Kart.” But 2020 brought another challenge for MariCar—something we all know too well. With the onset of the global pandemic, Japan closed its borders to foreign visitors around April 2020, severely impacting MariCar’s chances of recovery post-lawsuit. In an attempt to stay afloat, MariCar launched a crowdfunding campaign. Unfortunately, it was a failure. They aimed to raise 2 million yen (about $18,000), but ended up with a mere 11,569 yen (just over $100), supported by only 4 backers. One critical error was using Campfire, a Japanese crowdfunding site, when their main clientele were foreigners. Despite these setbacks, MariCar managed to survive. They reopened in 2023, coinciding with the return of international tourism to Japan. Now, if you visit their website, a pop-up clarifies that they have no affiliation with Mario Kart and no longer offer Mario Kart-themed costumes for rent. I hope you enjoyed this little background information. Now, let’s return to our main topic!

But don’t worry – there’s a wide variety of other fun costumes to choose from. And if you prefer, you can skip the costume altogether.

Part 3: Safety, Regulations, and Public Sentiment

I might be killing the fun here, but there’s one crucial aspect I couldn’t leave out of this guide: safety and regulations.

Road Rules & Safety

Street go-karting in Japan adheres to the same traffic rules applicable to all road users. In regards to the law, you’re driving a real vehicle on real roads. As such, you’ll have to stop at red lights, yield to pedestrians, stay within speed limits, and unfortunately, no, you won’t be able to throw bananas at other drivers 🙁

Safety instructions will be given before the tour, and following them is paramount to enjoy a fun and safe experience.

It’s also worth noting that helmets aren’t mandatory for go-kart drivers in Japan, but the rental shops may offer them for those who want to wear one.

Legal Regulations

To participate in street go-karting, you need a valid international driving permit (Class A) or a Japanese driving license, as I detailed in the Part 1 of this guide. There’s no room for negotiation here; it’s a requirement of Japanese law.

And of course, you cannot participate in the tour if you’ve been drinking.

What do locals think about it?

This is a question I get a lot. And if you read comments online, Japanese locals have mixed feelings about the go-karting phenomenon.

Some find amusement in this spectacle, sometimes waving at, smiling, or even encouraging participants.

However, not everyone is in favor. Concerns exist regarding noise and safety hazards, especially since drivers are visitors unfamiliar with Japanese traffic rules.

This lack of support was proved when MariCar attempted to raise money to stay afloat during COVID. They managed to get only 4 backers in total, and we can imagine they might have been the owners and employees themselves.

But the truth is, most people don’t really care. Kart tours do not go through residential areas, so locals will only see them when going to Shibuya, Shinjuku, or other big central areas. And a few small karts amongst the craziness of say, a Shibuya Crossing, are barely noticeable.

Overall, you don’t need to worry too much about it. Just remember to respect local culture, adhere to traffic rules, and follow safety measures to ensure go-karting remains a fun experience for both drivers and locals.

Part 4: Tips to Enjoy Street Go-Karting

What to wear.

You can wear a costume over your usual clothes, but depending on the season, you might want to adjust.

In summer, a T-shirt and shorts are recommended as the weather can get really hot. But in winter, layer up! Driving in the open kart can get chilly.

And regardless of the season, closed-toe shoes are a must.

Best Times to Go

The best time to go street go-karting really depends on the kind of experience you’re after.

Daytime offers excellent visibility and plenty of chances to wave at awestruck pedestrians. But I’d recommend going for the evening, though, to enjoy the city’s dazzling neon lights – a wholly different experience.

Capture the Best Moments

You might be tempted to snap a selfie while you’re tearing down the asphalt, but I’d advise against it. Remember the safety instructions? Keeping your hands on the wheel is one of them.

Instead, I recommend a body-mounted action camera to capture your experience hands-free. Some tour providers even offer action photos as part of their package.

Also, don’t worry about missing a good shot. The guides are pretty good at figuring out the best photo spots and will gladly help you capture those cool Instagram shots.

Part 5: Participant Reviews: What People are Saying

Street go-karting in Tokyo is more than just an activity – it’s an exhilarating, unforgettable adventure.

At least, this is what most reviews say. Here are some sentiments shared by other participants (reviews are from Klook and TripAdvisor):

“ This was a really fun experience driving over the streets of Tokyo! I would thoroughly recommend this for anyone who loves driving and wants a novel way of seeing the sights! “ Street Go Karting Experience in Akihabara

“Best thing we did in Tokyo! Tour guides are great fun and elevate the experience massively. Felt safe the whole time as the instructions from the guides took all the worry out of it. Would definitely do again! Small Group Go Kart Experience in Shinjuku

With a carefully planned itinerary and a guide always ready to capture those memorable moments, it seems like street go-karting provides not just fun, but also a great way to explore the city:

“ Great way to start the trip. It allowed us to drive around the streets of Tokyo to see what we wanted to go and see. The guide has planned a great itinerary and is always taking photos so you can remember your trip. “ Street Go Karting Experience in Akihabara

The thrill of the drive, coupled with the iconic sights of Tokyo and the attentiveness of the guides, is enough to have some participants wishing to do it all over again:

“ Had a great time driving through Tokyo. The guide took great pics and was very attentive stopping and asking if we were OK. Would definitely do it again when I go back. “ Street Go Karting Experience in Akihabara

And the experience isn’t just limited to the young or fit. As one participant points out, this is an experience for everyone, regardless of age or body size:

“ …I want to make a special mention that this attraction is suitable for all ages and body sizes. I am a 63-year-old guy who is heavy – 145kg (320 pounds)… if an old fat guy can ride this and have a good time, anyone should be able to. “ Street Kart Shibuya

Part 6: Alternatives to Street Go-Karting

While street go-karting is a fun experience, it might not be for everyone, whether it’s due to personal preference or inability to meet the driving requirements. Luckily, Tokyo offers a myriad of unique activities for exploring the city:

• For instance, you can opt for a cycling tour around Tokyo to experience the city’s hustle and bustle at a leisurely pace.
• If you want a more traditional experience, rickshaw rides in Asakusa provide a unique and culturally immersive way to explore the city.
• Alternatively, you might prefer a bird’s eye view of Tokyo. Helicopter sightseeing tours provide a stunning perspective on the metropolis, allowing you to marvel at the city’s sprawling landscape from a vantage point few get to experience.

Or are you looking for more fun pop-culture activities in Japan? Apart from street go-karting, the country is home to several anime theme parks that offer immersive experiences .

Wrapping It Up: Your Street Go-Karting Adventure

Driving around Tokyo’s bustling streets is thrilling, fun, and incredibly memorable. Here are the takeaways from this guide:

• Make sure you carry your international driving permit to be able to participate.
• The go-karting tours are available in various locations across Tokyo, but also in Osaka and Okinawa.
• Depending on the package you choose, your tour might last anywhere from one to three hours.
• Booking in advance is necessary, especially for groups or during peak tourist seasons.
• Keep in mind the safety regulations and driving rules. Even though it’s fun, it’s a real road driving experience.

That sums up the go-karting experience in Japan. Now we’ll tackle the questions I’ve heard the most often in the bonus section of this guide.

Q: Is it worth it to try street go-karting? A: To me (and looking at the reviews, to other customers), it’s a resounding YES. It’s a unique, memorable, and fun-filled adventure.

Q: Is a driving license necessary to participate? A: Yes, you need a valid driving license to drive a street go-kart in Japan.

Q: Can I use my international or country-specific license? A: Yes, both international and certain country-specific licenses are accepted, provided they are valid and appropriate for driving motor vehicles in Japan. Please check the Driving License Requirements section of this guide for more detailed information.

Q: How much does a street go-karting tour cost? A: Prices can range from ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 ($55 to $105) per person, depending on the duration and route of the tour.

Q: How long does a tour last? A: Tours can last between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the package chosen.

Q: When’s the best time to go karting? A: You can enjoy go-karting at any time of the day. Evening rides can be particularly fun with the city lights on, but each time of day offers a unique experience.

Q: Do I need a reservation for the go-kart tour or can I just show up? A: It’s always best to reserve your spot in advance. Most companies are often fully booked several days or even weeks ahead, especially the popular ones in Tokyo.

Q: I don’t have a driving license. Are there options like two-seater karts or alternate transportation methods? A: No, unfortunately. Most companies offer only single-seater karts, and they don’t typically provide alternate means of transportation for those without a license.

Q: Are there age restrictions for driving the go-karts? A: Yes, participants need to be at least 18 years old to drive.

Q: Are there any weight or height restrictions? A: Most companies do not have specific height or weight limits. However, if you’re worried that you might not fit into the kart or that your feet won’t reach the pedals, it’s worth checking directly with the company.

Q: Can I bring my kids along? Are there two-seater karts available? A: Most companies only have single-seater karts, so kids usually can’t participate as passengers. It’s always best to confirm with the specific company, just in case.

Q: What about the Mario/Nintendo based costumes I’ve heard about? A: Companies are no longer offering Mario/Nintendo based costumes due to copyright issues. But don’t worry, there’s still a fun variety of costumes to choose from!

Q: How big are the groups? A: Group sizes are usually around 6 to 8 participants, but some tours go up to around 15 go-karts.

Q: Are there safety measures like seatbelts? A: Go-karts typically don’t have seatbelts as they are low-speed vehicles. Note that there’s always a English-speaking professional guide leading the group.

Q: What happens if there’s bad weather like rain or snow? A: If the weather turns out bad, the tour might get canceled by the operator. In this case, you will receive a full refund.

Q: Can I cancel my reservation without charge? A: Cancellation policies can vary by company. It’s best to check the company’s terms and conditions before booking for their specific policy.

Related Posts

67 cultural and traditional things to do in japan, learn japanese calligraphy: the best classes in kyoto & tokyo, best aquariums in japan: 2024 guide for an unforgettable underwater adventure, write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Tips
• Luxury Travel

• Posted in in Mario Kart Tours

Real Life Mario Kart Japan Tour

• Posted by by Jonathan Z
• September 15, 2023
• Updated October 15, 2023

If you’re looking for a wacky and fun experience in Japan, you’ve found it! Did you know that you can go on a real life Mario Kart Japan tour through the city streets? You sure did read that right; this is an actual activity that you can do in Japan in areas like Akihabara, Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Bay, and more.

You may have heard false rumors that go-karting was banned in Japanese city streets, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s still very accessible and easy to do in parts of the country, all while taking in the breathtaking famous landmarks.

Private go-kart tours are available, as well as hour-long Akihabara go-kart tours through some of the top providers that we’ll share in this article. We’ll break down exactly how the go-karting works, where to get your tickets to ensure you don’t miss out, the different go-kart locations that are available to book at, what costume options you and your crew can pick out and wear, any safety precautions to keep in mind, and the license requirements needed to participate.

Table of Contents

Go-karting in Japan: How it works

Go-karting around Japan Mario Kart style is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not many can say they’ve done. It requires some previous planning to be organised ahead of time to ensure that nothing unexpected pops up the day of.

You’ll want to make sure that you have the correct driver’s license required which we cover in more detail with full instructions further down in this article.

If you meet both of the criteria above (both the age and driver’s license requirement), you’ll then need to go and book a tour online in advance. We’ll be covering where you can book these tours in just a moment, but on the day of, you’ll receive a brief tutorial on how to drive the karts to make sure you’re all set before taking off with the karting crew. Driving a go-kart can be a little bit different than driving a car because you’ll need to use a separate foot for the gas and the brakes, but it shouldn’t take you long at all to get used to it.

You can choose to store anything you don’t want to bring with you on the adventure in a locker at the kart shop when you change into your character’s outfit. Usually the tour guide that will accompany the crew will set the pace of the tour and the route that you’ll be driving on, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally getting lost or making the wrong turn.

Keep in mind that in Japan, drivers take to the left side of the road, but again, it won’t take you long to get used to this change if where you’re from is different. Remember to be on time for your scheduled tour and maybe even arrive a few minutes early to avoid and rushing, as the road crew may end up leaving you behind if you’re late.

Now that we’ve gone over how it works, let’s get into how to pick up some tickets for the “Super Mario Karts” tours.

Buying Tokyo Japan Go-Kart Tickets

There are a number of different options available for booking and renting a Mario Kart go-kart tour. One of the more popular choices is the Go Karting in Akihabara Tour, which you can easily book online through Klook, Viator, and Rakuten Travel Experiences. The tour offers a 1-hour ride for ¥7,200 or a 2-hour ride for ¥13,217. We should mention that it’s recommended to book at least a month in advance (if possible) during peak times as availability may be limited and we want to make sure that they aren’t sold out when you plan to go!

For those looking for a more customizable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, a private go-kart tour of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku is also available to book online. This tour comes with complimentary photographs of you and the crew and costs ¥19,000.

Before choosing a tour, remember to read the fine print for each that you’re interested in to see what their cancellation policy is like. Sometimes things come up and we should mention that while go-karting in the rain is definitely doable, it’s typically preferred to do so on a nice sunny day.

If you’re not in Tokyo but still want to go on a go-kart tour, there are other options available in Osaka and Okinawa.

Go-kart locations in Japan

Below is a list of the most popular go-karting locations in Tokyo including what each offers along with where to book it with a more detailed description after.

Osaka – Street Osaka GoKart Tour with Funny Costume Rental

This Go Kart tour will take you through Osaka and show you some of the city’s highlights. With plenty of wacky costumes to choose from, your whole crew will be 100% photo-ready. The Go Kart and costume rental, kart insurance, and fuel are all included in the price.

• You’ll get to see all of Osaka’s top destinations like the Tsutenkaku Tower and Kitashinchi area all while traveling with a smaller group
• You’ll need a valid driver’s license
• Tour Osaka in a fun and unique way, wearing a costume of your choice while driving a Go Kart
• Go through and visit popular all the neighborhoods such as Namba and Dotonbori

What’s Included

• Go Kart rental
• Costume rental
• Insurance fee

Read our full guide for the Mario Kart Osaka Tour here.

Akihabara – Go-Kart Street Tour Adventure with Guide

Akihabara is well known as Tokyo’s manga and gaming district and it’s a very popular location for go-karting. You can choose from either the 1 or 2-hour course, with prices starting at ¥7,200. Costumes are included in the price. You’ll get to see Rainbox Bridge, Asakusa, Tokyo Dome, Imperial Palace, Sky Tree, and much more!

• Explore Akihabara in a fun new way while riding around in go karts
• Multiple time slots to choose from daily
• Cruise around with your own personal tour guide
• Taxes and extra fees

Asakusa – Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa

Asakusa is another popular location on this list for go-karting through Tokyo. The 1-hour course takes you through Tokyo’s Asakusa district and costumes are included in the overall price, which starts at ¥14,000.

Explore Asakusa, Tokyo while dressed up in a silly character costume and driving in go karts. You can choose between costumes from comics, games, and anime. You’ll see famous landmarks like Kaminarimon and Sky Tree.

• Choose from multiple different available time slots throughout the day
• Explore Asakusa district in a fun new way
• See awesome attractions and destinations as you cruise by

Shibuya – Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya

In this go-kart tour, you’ll get to cruise through Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, and Omotesando in style. The 1-hour course costs ¥14,000 which includes costumes. You’ll feel like a celebrity riding through the city sights as passersby wave and smile. As you drive through Harajuku and Omotesando, you’ll get to experience the Japanese pop epicenter.

• Photos of the crew

Read our full guide for the Mario Kart Shibuya Tour here.

Shinjuku – Kart experience in Shinjuku drive metropolitan area

The Shinjuku location offers a private tour of the area, with 1 or 2-hour tours available. Prices start at ¥19,000 and include costumes and photos with the crew.

• One or two hours long tours available
• Photos available after for free
• Bluetooth speaker

Tokyo Bay / Shinkiba – Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop

If you want to see Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Tower while cruising through the streets in style, then the real life Mario Kart Tokyo Bay / Shinkiba kart tour is exactly what you’re looking for. You can get dressed up in a costume of your choice and the cost comes to ¥17,500 and includes a Bluetooth speaker to blast your favorite tunes.

• Choose from a variety of costumes from video games, comics, and anime
• See Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge

Cruising around in your go-kart in style

Before you start your wacky adventure through the streets of Japan, you’ll need to make sure you look the part. This will include both the costume you pick out and wear along with any safety gear as well.

Most rental locations will include a face-guard mask and complimentary shades to protect your face from bugs and dust while you cruise around. Costumes are also included in the price, but not all locations offer Mario character costumes.

Some shops also take the fun up a notch and offer light-up LED shoes, Bluetooth speakers for blasting your favorite music, and even photos to remember the event. You can bring your own camera (or smartphone) to take pictures, your own costumes, and anything else you want to use during the tour.

Important safety precautions

While cruising around the streets of Japan can be a ton of fun, you’ll want to be mindful of a few safety precautions to make sure you avoid accidents. While many of the rental companies do in fact provide go-kart accident insurance plans (some are even included in the price), you’ll still want to follow the guidelines to stay safe on your travels.

This is a Mario Kart tour and not a race. Don’t go driving like a maniac and running others off the road. Be sure to follow the tour guide’s advice and route and make sure you use the recommended hand gestures and follow the speed limits carefully.

Keep in mind when getting dressed that day that heels, sandals, and long skirts aren’t recommended because they can become a safety hazard.

You’ll also be provided and must wear the helmet that you’re given. Don’t take this off while driving around.

What License Do You Need to Drive a Go-Kart in Japan?

To drive a go-kart on the streets of Japan, you’ll need to make sure that you have at least one of the following :

• Japanese driver’s license
• An international driver’s license (driving permit) can only be gotten outside of Japan and lasts for one year from the date that it is issued. These are quite easy to get and you can grab one from a company like AAA for around $20 without much hassle.
• Japanese driver’s license, . There are several types of licenses that are accepted, including a full Japanese driving license, a foreign driving license issued in specific countries, a SOFA driving license for members of US military forces in Japan, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) used in conjunction with your passport and home country license.
• A SOFA driver’s license for members of US military forces in Japan (an American driver’s license with a US military ID is also fine).
• Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Taiwan, Slovenia, or Monaco. Licenses from these locations are allowed for up to one year from their issuance as long as they have an accompanying translation by an authorized organization. You can get your foreign driving license translated here .

There are no exceptions to the license requirements, and all drivers must comply with Japanese law.

What if you can’t drive?

If you don’t have a driver’s license or don’t feel like driving with the crew, you can still have fun and be included in the Mario Kart experience. Some companies offer the option for non-drivers to ride in an accompanying tuk-tuk vehicle or convertible to take photos of the team on the tour.

The boarding fee of ¥3,000 will usually be dismissed if the person rides in the same vehicle as the tour’s staff.

As you probably noticed while reading this article, there are plenty of options available for Mario Kart tours through the streets of Japan. There are all sorts of locations that offer this service. While some may differ a bit in their offerings, all of the ones included in our guide are highly recommended and well-rated.

Driving around through the streets of Japan while dressed up in an outfit is a ton of fun and it’s something that you’ll look back on and laugh about for years to come. Where else can you do something this wacky?

Do keep in mind that while we do our best to keep our articles up-to-date and accurate, prices and details are subject to change depending on the companies offering the service. That being said, make sure to have a ton of fun out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to go go-karting in tokyo.

There are multiple locations to experience a real-life Mario Kart tour. Popular locations include Osaka, Shibuya, Tokyo Bay, Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Akihabara. You can even opt for a more private street kart tour vs. a group one. Make sure you book your spot in advance to make sure it isn’t sold out when you plan to go!

Is it possible to experience Mario Kart in Japan?

Yes, it is possible to experience a real-life Mario kart tour in Japan. Street go-karting tours let drivers dress up as their favorite Mario Kart characters and drive go-karts through the streets of Japan.

How can I book tickets for Mario Kart in Tokyo?

Tickets for Mario Kart tours can be booked online through the links that we shared above. Simply find the location where you want to book your reservation at, confirm your spot by paying, and you’re in! It is important to book in advance as spots can often fill up quickly, especially at peak times of the year.

Are there any age restrictions for Street Karting in Shibuya?

Yes, drivers will need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Japanese or international driving permit. For more information on the license requirements, you can read the section in our article above where we cover how easy it is to get this through companies like AAA.

What safety measures are in place for Mario Kart in Japan?

Safety measures include wearing helmets and following traffic rules while on the road. There may also be accompanying hand signals that your tour can recommend while traveling. Drivers are usually also required to sign a waiver before the tour begins.

Is Mario Kart in Japan worth the price?

If you’re looking for a unique experience in Japan, a Mario Kart tour is absolutely worth the price. Prices vary depending on the length of the tour and the package chosen. The unique experience of driving on the streets of Tokyo dressed up as your favorite character is one off the wall adventure that you’ll never forget.

Jon is one of the two Jons that runs Kuuki. He's a big fan of Nintendo, cats, and Japanese culture. He dreams of one day living abroad in Japan, but for now will settle for simply writing about it.

More Reading

Post navigation.

• Posted in in Travel Tips

Best Time to Travel to Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

• September 13, 2023
• Posted in in Food Tours

The Best Japan Food Tour and Experience by Category: Top 15

• September 20, 2023

Leave a Comment

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Posted in in Dating

What Is Japanese Dating Culture Like?

• Posted by by Jonathan Mcnamara
• August 11, 2023

Best Japan eSIM Options While Visiting Japan in 2024

• September 6, 2023