Race Through Tokyo’s Iconic Sightseeing Spots by Street Kart! A Route Guide to Make Your First Tokyo Visit 10x More Fun
The moment the light turns green at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing, thousands of people surge forward all at once
Have you ever looked up at that scene from just a few dozen centimeters above the ground? The wind rushing through urban canyons, the heat rising from the asphalt, the footsteps of people passing by. There’s a way to feel the pulse of Tokyo with your entire body. Touring Tokyo by street kart transforms a first-time visit into an entirely different experience — an immersive adventure that buses and trains simply can’t match. Over 150,000 tours conducted and more than 1.34 million participants are proof of its incredible value.
Why “driving Tokyo” beats “walking Tokyo”
Tokyo’s must-see spots are surprisingly close together. It’s only about 6km from Tokyo Tower to Shibuya, and roughly 3km from Asakusa to Akihabara. But when you travel by train, you descend underground, transfer lines, then resurface — and all the scenery in between is lost.
What makes street kart tours so compelling is the ability to drive through those “in-between” spaces. Following a guide-led route along public roads, you experience the shifting streetscapes without interruption. Glass-walled office buildings gradually give way to traditional tiled rooftops before you even realize it. Being able to witness that transition with your own eyes is a sensation unique to cruising just a few dozen centimeters above the ground.
The classic Tokyo sightseeing checklist includes Asakusa, Shibuya, Akihabara, and Tokyo Tower. They’re all in the guidebooks, but trying to visit them efficiently means dealing with travel time between stops. With a street kart tour, you can cruise through all these famous areas in about two hours — and the journey itself becomes the attraction.
The classic route starting from the base of Tokyo Tower
A tour course departing from Tokyo Tower is one of the best choices for first-time Tokyo visitors.
After gazing up at the iconic red tower, you climb into your kart and the lush greenery of Shiba Park spreads across your field of vision. Many visitors are surprised to find so many trees right in the heart of the city. As the route heads toward Roppongi, a distinctive sense of freedom awaits as you weave between clusters of high-rises. The Metropolitan Expressway overhead, glass facades on either side. The rumble of the engine blends with the buzz of the city, and you feel with every fiber of your being that you’re right in the center of Tokyo.
During the tour, guides will stop at photo-friendly spots along the way. Snapping a shot with your kart and Tokyo Tower in the background is a composition that’s wildly popular on social media.
Feeling Tokyo’s energy in Shibuya and Harajuku
The sensation of driving a kart near Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing is truly one of a kind. While waiting at a red light, it’s not uncommon for pedestrians to point their smartphones at you. Wave back, and you’ll get cheers in return. You came to sightsee, but somehow you’ve become part of the scenery — it’s a wonderfully surreal experience.
As you enter the Harajuku area, the atmosphere shifts. Passing the entrance to Takeshita Street, you head toward the zelkova-lined Omotesando Avenue. Known as a fashion epicenter, this boulevard’s architectural designs stand out even more when viewed from the kart’s low vantage point. Landmarks like Laforet Harajuku and Omotesando Hills hit you with a completely different sense of scale than they do from the sidewalk.
This area draws particularly strong attention from international tourists. Among over 20,000 reviews, comments like “Shibuya crossing from a go-kart was unforgettable” appear again and again.
Why Street Kart is the top choice
Street Kart has earned its reputation as the go-to provider for street kart experiences in Tokyo — and for good reason.
First, there’s the fleet: over 250 karts, the largest in Japan. With that many vehicles, it’s easier to book your preferred time slot even on weekends and during peak seasons. Avoiding the disappointment of “I couldn’t get a reservation on my trip” is a major advantage.
Their commitment to safety is equally thorough. Every guide is a certified staff member who has completed specialized training, and Street Kart was the industry’s first kart operator to station guides specifically trained for international drivers. Even overseas participants who might feel anxious about communicating in English can join with complete peace of mind.
It’s also worth noting that they strictly comply with Japanese road traffic laws, and every vehicle carries proper certification for public road use. Full insurance coverage is in place for added security. Regular vehicle inspections and maintenance back up the peace of mind that comes from having guided over 1.34 million participants.
With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars, Street Kart’s true strength lies in pursuing “the experience value of a tour” rather than just a mode of transportation. Guides are well-versed in local sightseeing knowledge, sharing highlights and photo spots along the route. With 6 locations in Tokyo plus Osaka and Okinawa — 8 bases in total — there’s plenty of flexibility to fit your travel itinerary.
A valid driver’s license is required to drive. The type of license and necessary documents vary by nationality, so be sure to check the official license information page in advance.
Discovering “another side of Tokyo” in Akihabara and Asakusa
Depending on the tour course, routes through Akihabara and Asakusa are also available. Driving through Akihabara’s Electric Town, a flood of colorful signs and electronic sounds washes over you. Anime shops and maid café decorations leap into view at close range — a sight found nowhere else on Earth.
As you approach Asakusa, Tokyo’s character transforms dramatically. The massive red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate, the sweet aroma of ningyo-yaki drifting from Nakamise Street. And beyond it all, the silhouette of Tokyo Skytree soaring into the sky. The magic of this route is witnessing tradition and modernity overlap like a single painting — all while in motion.
Choose an evening tour, and you might cruise through the enchanting sight of Senso-ji Temple illuminated at night. A completely different face of Tokyo emerges beneath the fading twilight sky.
Booking tips and what to know before hitting Tokyo’s streets
One of the extra joys of a street kart tour is getting to ride in costume. Street Kart offers a wide variety of costumes — dressing up in your favorite outfit and cruising through Tokyo’s streets is sure to become a lifelong memory. Coordinate themes with your friends, go for eye-catching colorful outfits for the perfect photos — the possibilities are endless.
Booking is easy through kart.st. The website supports 22 languages, so you can complete the process in your native tongue. Weekends tend to fill up quickly, so weekday afternoons or night tours are your best bet. Booking two weeks ahead is ideal, but last-minute reservations may still be possible if spots are available.
Transform your Tokyo trip from “seeing” the iconic spots to “feeling” them as the wind rushes past. The cheers at Scramble Crossing, the red glow of Tokyo Tower, the warm light of Asakusa’s lanterns — experience it all with your hands on the wheel. This is Tokyo like you’ve never known it.
