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, 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.
Uncover the excitement and try go-karting in Tokyo, Japan. This once-in-a-lifetime experience lets you whizz through Tokyo’s neighborhoods, creating unforgettable memories. Dress up as your favorite character and feel the adrenaline of the open road while taking in Tokyo’s iconic sights. From essential safety precautions, equipment, and expertise, your guides will make sure you’re ready to embark on this new adventure.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
目次
What’s included?
Go kart
All Fees and Taxes
Gas Fees
Costumes
Photos
Please note
It’s very important that you have the correct driving documentation for driving in Japan when arriving to our shop, without it you cannot drive and we cannot refund you.
1. You MUST have ORIGINAL HARDCOPIES of all three documents below;
Driving license from your country of origin (no temporary or paper licenses)
International driving permit issued under the Geneva Convention 1949 (MUST be issued within your own country and by an officially registered issuing authority)
Passport.
2. If your driving license is from SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, FRANCE, TAIWAN, BELGIUM, ESTONIA, or MONACO,
Driving license from your country of origin (no temporary or paper licenses)
An official Japanese translation by the authorized organization (Online Application for Japanese Translation | JAF)
Passport.
What’s included?
Go kart
All Fees and Taxes
Gas Fees
Costumes
Photos
It’s very important that you have the correct driving documentation for driving in Japan when arriving to our shop, without it you cannot drive and we cannot refund you.
1. You MUST have ORIGINAL HARDCOPIES of all three documents below;
Driving license from your country of origin (no temporary or paper licenses)
International driving permit issued under the Geneva Convention 1949 (MUST be issued within your own country and by an officially registered issuing authority)
Passport
2. If your driving license is from SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, FRANCE, TAIWAN, BELGIUM, ESTONIA, or MONACO,
Driving license from your country of origin (no temporary or paper licenses)
An official Japanese translation by the authorized organization (Online Application for Japanese Translation | JAF)
Passport
Additional Information
Please ensure that you arrive 15 minutes before the booking time to allow for check-in, safety briefing, and go-kart demonstration. We can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the booking time if you are running late, but arriving after this grace period we cannot guarantee you will be able to join the tour.
Alcohol consumption before the tour is prohibited, so please be responsible. We reserve the right to exclude you from the tour if we suspect you may intoxicated without the possibility of reimbursement.
Please do not wear long skirts, high heel shoes or sandals.
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants cannot sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Our cancellation policy is below;
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.
No refunds if you forget to bring your driving license or International Driving Permit (or translation）
If your tour is canceled due to bad weather, you will be eligible for a full refund or you have the opportunity to reschedule depending on availability.
Due to the nature of operating mechanical parts, when we reach the maximum capacity of booking we may need to amend or adjust bookings depending on kart availability.
Rental Options
| Rental Options | Price |
|---|---|
 Costumes | Included |
 GoProbody attachment | Included |
Contact & Locations
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What to Expect from Your Go-Karting Experience
Go-karting in Tokyo offers an exhilarating experience that leaves lasting memories. Our customers agreed, Gabi Adhami described it as “the highlight of our trip,” and Ho Kah Jun added, “A trip without a Japan kart isn’t complete.”
Celebrity Status on the Streets
Our customers have expressed feeling like a celebrity while go-karting. Tourists and locals wave, take pictures, and cheer as go-karters drive through the city. Despite being on city streets, the go-karts offer impressive speeds, reaching up to 60 kpm (37 mph).
Exceptional Customer Service
The high level of customer service provided by Japan Kart is often praised by its participants. Our exceptional staff members provide detailed safety briefings, teach participants kart controls, and confirm all go-karts are well-maintained and in good working order. They are there to assist participants with costume selection and to ensure participants are having an enjoyable experience.
An unforgettable experience awaits you in Tokyo. Book your go-kart tour in Tokyo and experience the thrill of a lifetime!
Choosing the Perfect Go-Kart Experience
Key Safety Guidelines
Drivers must be 18 years or older to drive a go-kart and have a valid and approved driver’s license.
Drivers are expected to follow all Japan traffic laws, including signaling, maintaining distance between other road users, and avoiding distractions (such as mobile phone use).
Impaired driving while in Japan is illegal and can result in legal penalties. Ensure the safety of yourself and others by driving safely.
The Go-Karting Experience
Go-karting in Tokyo is an unforgettable and thrilling experience. Rebekah Lee describes go-karting in Tokyo as “exhilarating!”, while Guido Stracke “Had an absolute BALL!!!” on a Japan Kart Asakusa Tour. Many participants described feeling like a celebrity, as people on the street wave, take photos, and smile at drivers passing by. Participants’ fun costumes and go-karts make them stand out in the crowd. This serves not only as a fun experience but is great for photo opportunities. Zooming through the city at high speeds, participants are often surprised at the kart’s speed and can enjoy the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces while taking in the city skyline.
Additional Offerings
With Japan Kart, participants have the option to wear fun costumes. Anime characters, superheroes, animals, and traditional costumes are available and add a fun aspect to the experience. Participants should choose costumes that fit comfortably over their clothing and don’t restrict movement. Drivers also have the option to borrow a GoPro Body Harness, which allows first-person video recording. Capture your experience live and enjoy the fun!
Contact Information
To book your Tokyo go-kart tour, click here .
For additional information or if you have a question, you can contact us at info@japankart.com.
How to Get Started
Step One: Making a Reservation
Before embarking on your street go-karting adventure, you will need to make a reservation. If you are planning to travel during peak season, it is advisable to book your slot well in advance. Typically reservations can be booked online or by phone. You will need to provide your personal information (name, contact number, etc.) and your preferred route and time slot.
Step Two: Confirming Necessary Documents
Confirm you have the necessary documents before your arrival. You will be required to have a valid driver’s license. A Japanese driver’s license is acceptable, but for foreign visitors, you will be required to have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Confirm your country’s driving agreements with Japan to ensure your documentation is in order.
Step Three: Attending the Safety Briefing
A safety briefing is mandatory before taking to the streets in your go-kart. Participants will be provided instructions on how to operate the go-kart, navigate Tokyo streets, and stay safe. Participants will be required to follow Japanese traffic laws and adhere to age restrictions.
Step Four: Selecting Your Costume
It’s time to select your costume! Participants have the option to choose a fun costume before whizzing through the streets. Animals, mythical creatures, traditional Japanese attire, and more are typically available. Of course, if wearing a costume is not your thing, then you always have the option to opt-out.
Step Five: Hitting the Road
It is time to get on the road and explore! Your tour guide will show you the way, bringing you to all the main attractions and most popular hot spots. Just make sure to follow the road rules, pay attention, and stay on the left side of the road.
Step Six: Capturing the Moment
Say cheese! You will be provided the opportunity to stop and take photos. Tour guides will also be taking pictures, which will be available after the tour. Keep in mind that using a mobile device or camera while driving is not permitted in Japan.
Step Seven: Returning to the Starting Point
When the tour is over, most companies return to the starting point. This allows you to return your go-kart, costume, and any other gear you borrowed.
What to Expect
Street go-karting begins with checking in at the designated meeting point and presenting your documents (Japanese driver’s license or International Driving Permit). Once the paperwork is complete, you can expect a safety briefing outlining the traffic laws, tour route, and how to operate a go-kart. Participants will then select, if desired, a fun costume to wear. Once everyone is ready and buckled in, the tour guide will set off leading the group around Tokyo City. The group will pass through various Tokyo neighborhoods, stopping at landmarks for photos before returning to the starting point. This is when participants can take a final group photo and share their experiences.
Go-Kart Specs and Street Kart Vehicles
Reminiscent of F1 race cars, the street go-karts are powerful and larger than the classic go-karts from your childhood. All go-karts are street-legal and equipped with key safety features, such as seat belts, lights, and indicators. The karts are easy to operate, with automatic transmissions, and responsive steering. A strengthened spring system provides stability and reduced vibration on turns, with lanterns installed on the back of the seats adding additional flare.
Safety Precautions
All participants will be provided with a safety briefing before starting their go-kart tour. Safety gear, such as helmets, is not typically mandatory. Go-karts are subject to the same traffic laws in Japan as regular vehicles, so keep that in mind. It is important to follow all the safety and road guidelines to avoid penalties and legal issues. Here are a few other points to consider:
Before driving, confirm your headrest, seat, and seat belt are in the right position and secure.
Remember, in Japan, you drive on the left side of the road.
Do not consume alcohol or other substances before the tour.
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Go-karting in Tokyo: How it works
You can still go-kart through the streets of Tokyo. | Photo by Victor Gonzalez
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 quite different from driving 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!
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 street-karting locations in Tokyo.
Suggested Activity
Go Karting with Cosplay through Asakusa & Akihabara (See Skytree)
Don your favourite video game or superhero outfit and drive go-karts through Asakusa and Akihabara — passing Tokyo Skytree! International driving license required.
Prices and availability updated weekly, with discounts.
| Tokyo Tower | Aloha Go-Kart | Good | ¥16,000 | 1.5 hours | Rakuten |
| Asakusa | Monkey Kart Asakusa | Good | ¥14,800 | 1 hour | Rakuten |
| Shibuya | Monkey Kart Shibuya | Good | ¥19,500 | 1 hour | Rakuten |
| Shibuya Annex | Street Kart Shibuya | Best | ¥15,000 | 1.5 hours | Viator Klook |
| Akihabara | Akiba Cart | Better | ¥8,600 | 1 hour | Rakuten |
| Akihabara, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree | Asakusa | Good | ¥12,000 | 1 hour | Viator, Klook |
| Shibuya, Harajuku | Shibuya | Better | ¥9,900 | 1 hour+ | Viator, Headout, Klook |
| Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku | Shibuya | Good | ¥18,000 | 1 hour | Viator, Klook |
| Akihabara, Ginza | Akihabara | Better | ¥15,400 | 1 hour+ | Viator, Headout, Klook |
| Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree | Asakusa | Good | ¥8,800 | 1 hour+ | Viator, Headout, Klook |
| Asakusa, Ginza, Nihonbashi | Asakusa | Better | ¥14,999 | 2 hours | Viator, Klook |
| Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, Shibuya | Shinbashi | Best | ¥13,400 | 1.5 hours | Klook |
| Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Bay | Shin Kiba | Better | ¥12,000 | 2 hours+ | Viator, Headout, Klook |
https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/mario-kart-in-tokyo-guide/#locations
Attractions and landmarks on the map:
1. Shinjuku — Skyscraper district
2. Shibuya — Scramble Crossing
3. Ginza — Mitsukoshi Department Store
4. Tokyo Station
5. Akihabara — Neon lights, gaming and anime
6. Asakusa — Sensoji Temple
7. Tokyo Tower
8. Tokyo Skytree
A Must-Do Tokyo Adventure for Kart Enthusiasts!
As a car and go kart enthusiast, this was a must for my to-do list while in my short stay in Tokyo. Thankfully they run in all weather, the light rain didn’t dampen anything about the experience at all! Our guide was great, informative and made everything feel at ease for anyone who has any worries. The whole crew at the office was great and friendly, so you know it’s going to be a good time! 1000% will recommend and do again when I visit Japan again.
Unforgettable Shibuya Tour
I had an amazing time on the Shibuya tour with the incredible guide! The route included multiple crossings at the iconic Shibuya crossing, and I always felt safe due to the slow traffic. Guide was fantastic —constantly encouraging us, taking photos at red lights, and ensuring our group stayed together. Highly recommended if you visit Tokyo!
Go-Karting Bliss: My Exciting Day at STREET KART Shibuya
My experience at STREET KART Shibuya 1st was an exhilarating escape. Driving a go-kart through the streets felt like stepping into a video game, allowing me to forget the city’s hustle. The go-karts are easy to operate, with clear instructions for beginners, and safety is a top priority. The friendly staff made the experience even more enjoyable, as we raced past Shibuya’s landmarks and took in the sights. With the option to choose costumes, it’s perfect for groups. I highly recommend this unique and memorable adventure!
Zoom Zoom around Tokyo!
So. Much. Fun! Was slightly apprehensive about driving around the bustling city of Shibuya but it was fun and excitement all the way once we got the hang of it. Our amazing guide certainly made the experience easier for us. This was an unforgettable experience for us and I highly recommend it. 10/10.
Just doooo it
We had an amazing experience with Street Kart. They were very professional with the operation and safety requirements of the karts and our guide made it a super fun experience. There was a lot of costumes to choose from and our karts looked way better than other companies. Definitely a fun thing to do in Tokyo!
Kitty and Boo whipping around Shibuya!
We booked this based on a colleague’s recommendation. It didn’t disappoint. The operators were well organized and our guide made it a fun and safe experience. We felt like rockstars, well ok maybe cartoon character given our costumes, due to the crowds along the sidewalks who were smiling and waving at us.
My 2nd time Karting!!
This is my second time going go-karting, and I have to say, it’s an entirely different experience each time! Driving in Shibuya is a world apart from driving in Okinawa. The bustling streets of Shibuya are filled with a vibrant mix of cars, scooters, and pedestrians, which creates a thrilling atmosphere that keeps you on your toes. It truly feels like an adventure as you navigate through the busy urban landscape. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for some fun and adrenaline.
Great grandma goes GoKarting!
Great experience being in my 70’s was very nervous..the guides were enthusiastic, gave excellent instructions, but most of all supportive in a grandson type of way encouraging me to go. So glad i did, It is not difficult but you do need to pay attention. Thank you go kart guys.
Letting my inner child out in Tokyo! 🤩
The staff was amazing! Guide was so patient, and made sure we had a great time! It was blazing hot and they provided use with cooling rings to wear on our neck. The staff was friendly and the entire ride felt safe and well-organized. I was able to film with my headstrap gopro. Overall, it was an unforgettable adventure!
