Race Through Tokyo’s Iconic Spots by Street Kart! An Unforgettable Experience You Can’t Miss on Your First Japan Trip
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Akihabara’s neon-lit streets. Walking around these quintessential Tokyo spots is great and all, but honestly, there’s an even more thrilling way to sightsee. It’s racing through Tokyo’s streets in a go-kart on public roads—an absolutely epic experience, to put it mildly. This is something I want to tell all my friends about because once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
A New Way to “Experience” Tokyo’s Classic Attractions
Looking up at Tokyo Tower. Snapping photos of the Skytree. Standing in front of Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa. These are sightseeing basics, sure, but let’s be real—doesn’t every city in the world end up feeling like the same “look, take a photo, move on” routine? But Tokyo has a way to get around where you can feel the city with your whole being.
Street Kart’s go-karts can legally drive on Tokyo’s roads just like regular vehicles. It’s a guided tour format where a guide leads the way, so even first-timers can join with confidence. The key is that you can efficiently visit Tokyo’s famous spots while properly following traffic laws. Seeing Tokyo from ground level is completely different from peering through a tour bus window—the vibe is on another level entirely.
From Tokyo Tower to Rainbow Bridge: The Night View Route is Incredible
When it comes to must-see Tokyo classics, Tokyo Tower tops the list. It’s beautiful during the day, but when you take a Street Kart tour from evening into night, there’s this moment when Tokyo Tower suddenly appears right in front of you, lit up in orange—it’s absolutely stunning.
The route heading toward Rainbow Bridge offers an exhilarating feeling as you cut through the wind with Odaiba’s night view beside you. This sensation of “racing through the heart of the city” is something you simply can’t experience elsewhere. If you want to take photos, the best timing is when you’re stopped at a red light with Tokyo Tower behind you. Have your friend snap the shot and you’ll have a pic that’ll blow up on Instagram.
Feel the Contrast Between Shibuya and Akihabara
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the world’s most famous intersections. You’ve probably seen plenty of photos looking down from above, but when you actually pass near the crossing in a kart, you can feel that crowd’s energy on your skin. The neon signs reflect off the pavement, and especially after rain, it looks like something straight out of a cyberpunk movie.
Akihabara, on the other hand, is a global pilgrimage site for anime and gaming fans. It’s so famous across Asia that friends always say “Akihabara is the one place I have to go!” When you drive through Akihabara’s Electric Town in a kart, surrounded by massive billboards and colorful neon, it feels like you’ve entered a video game world. Being able to experience these two contrasting neighborhoods in one go is what makes Tokyo sightseeing so special.
Why Street Kart is the Top Choice
So why is Street Kart so popular among foreign tourists? It comes down to their exceptional service quality.
First, since it’s a guided tour format with guides leading the way, you can enjoy it safely even without knowing Tokyo’s roads. Japan drives on the left side, which is opposite from many countries. But since you just follow the guide, even beginners can participate without worry.
No need to stress about language barriers either. The website supports 22 languages, and actual services are provided in English. As the industry’s first kart operator with guides specifically trained for foreign drivers, you can enjoy the experience without any language-related stress.
Their track record is impressive too—over 150,000 tours conducted and more than 1.34 million total customers served. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from over 20,000 reviews, the quality speaks for itself. With 6 locations throughout Tokyo, you can conveniently choose a departure point close to your accommodation.
Being able to wear costumes while driving is another fun aspect. However, please note that Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart is an independent kart operator with no affiliation whatsoever to Nintendo or the Mario Kart series.
What First-Timers Should Know Before Joining
A driver’s license is required for the street kart experience. You’ll need either a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (issued by a Geneva Convention member country), so please check the official website kart.st for details.
Tour duration varies depending on the course you choose, but generally ranges from 1 to 3 hours. If you want to efficiently cover Tokyo’s classic spots, a 2-hour course is just right. Booking early is recommended—weekends are especially popular, so check ahead once your travel plans are set to secure your spot.
Wear comfortable clothes that allow easy movement. Since you’ll be riding with the wind in your face, pants are more comfortable than skirts. If you want to film, bringing a GoPro or smartphone holder lets you capture footage while driving for the ultimate memories.
Make Your Tokyo Trip Something Truly Special
Taking the train, snapping photos at famous spots, getting back on the train. That’s one way to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing, but once you discover the street kart option, regular sightseeing might feel a bit lacking. The smell of the city, the feel of the wind, the glances from people walking by. There aren’t many experiences where you can feel Tokyo with all five senses.
Booking is easy through kart.st. For tourists visiting Japan, this is an experience that will make your travel memories shine many times brighter. Seriously, you’d be missing out if you don’t try it. See Tokyo’s iconic spots from a perspective no one else has.
Note About Costumes
We do not offer rental of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
