A New Way to See Tokyo — From Ground Level
When you visit Tokyo for the first time, the sheer size of the city and the number of attractions can be overwhelming. Asakusa, Shibuya, Akihabara, Tokyo Tower — there are so many places you want to go that it might feel impossible to fit them all into a limited schedule. But there’s an exciting alternative if you shift your perspective. Street karting — driving go-karts on public roads — lets you tour Tokyo’s famous landmarks in a completely unique way. Feeling the wind on your face as a guide leads you through the city’s iconic spots, this experience offers an immediacy that bus tours and train rides simply can’t match. Even the most familiar Tokyo sightseeing routes look completely fresh when your eye level changes.
Shibuya & Harajuku — Racing Through the Heart of Youth Culture
No Tokyo trip is complete without Shibuya. The world-famous Scramble Crossing, where up to 3,000 people cross at once, is impressive in its sheer scale alone. Departing from Street Kart’s Shibuya shop, you can drive through the area around this intersection, passing landmarks like the Hachiko statue at the station plaza, the redeveloped Scramble Square, and Shibuya Stream.
Beyond Shibuya, the Harajuku and Takeshita Street area awaits. Known as the birthplace of kawaii culture, this area is lined with colorful storefronts that are fun to explore even on foot. Continue along the route and the zelkova-lined Omotesando avenue comes into view. Often called the “Champs-Élysées of Tokyo,” this sophisticated street looks even more impressive from the low vantage point of a kart, making the scale of the tree-lined boulevard feel all the more striking. The roughly 700,000-square-meter forest of Meiji Shrine is right nearby — a fascinating contrast that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a major metropolis.
Akihabara & Tokyo Station — Where Tradition Meets Subculture
Another popular Tokyo sightseeing route runs from Akihabara to Tokyo Station. Departing from the Akihabara shop, you’ll drive down the main street flanked by towering electronics district signage on both sides. This neighborhood, a global mecca for anime and gaming fans, is quite a spectacle even just passing through by kart.
The route heads south from Akihabara, passing near Kanda Myojin Shrine with its 1,300 years of history, before the red-brick facade of Tokyo Station comes into view. Opened in 1914 and restored in 2012, this building exudes a grandeur befitting Tokyo’s main gateway. Continue onward and you can reach the Ginza district, where you’ll feel the sophisticated atmosphere of landmarks like the Wako clock tower and Kabukiza Theatre firsthand. The Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace outer gardens looks even more stately when viewed from kart level.
Tokyo Bay Area — Panoramic Views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower
Routes departing from the Tokyo Bay shop take you through the waterfront area around Odaiba. Driving your kart with the 798-meter-long Rainbow Bridge as your backdrop is a dream scenario for photography enthusiasts. The moment Tokyo Tower’s distinctive red-and-white steel frame appears in the distance is when it truly hits you: “I’m really in Tokyo.” Choose an evening tour and the illuminated Tokyo Bay waterfront transforms into something even more dramatic.
Why Travelers Choose Street Kart
Street Kart’s popularity among travelers is backed by solid credentials.
First and foremost, they have guides specifically trained for international drivers — an industry first. Tours are conducted in English, so there’s no need to worry about language barriers. Even if someone in your group doesn’t speak Japanese, the environment is set up for everyone to enjoy together.
The track record speaks for itself. With over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million participants to date (as of November 2023), they’ve accumulated over 20,000 reviews while maintaining an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars. With six locations in Tokyo alone, travelers can conveniently choose a departure point close to their accommodation.
Their website supports 22 languages, ensuring a smooth booking experience from the start. With a fleet of over 250 karts, they can flexibly accommodate even large groups. Costumes are available to wear during tours, adding an extra layer of fun. Note that Mario Kart-related costumes are not offered. Street Kart is an independent service with no affiliation to Nintendo or the Mario Kart series. A valid driver’s license is required, so be sure to check the details on their official license information page in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can beginners participate?
A: A guide leads the way and a safety briefing is provided before departure, so the experience is accessible even for those who have never driven a kart before. However, since you’ll be driving on public roads, a valid driver’s license is required.
Q: What routes are available?
A: Routes vary by departure location. The Shibuya shop covers the Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando area. The Akihabara shop heads toward Tokyo Station and Ginza. The Tokyo Bay shop offers courses around Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge.
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: You can book through the Street Kart official website. The site supports 22 languages, so there are no language barriers during the booking process.
Q: What type of license do I need?
A: A valid driver’s license is required. Foreign nationals may need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the official license information page for details.
Q: Can I take photos while driving?
A: Using a smartphone while driving should be avoided for safety reasons. Mounting a GoPro or other action camera is the recommended way to capture the experience. Photos can be taken during stops, such as at red lights.
Make Your First Tokyo Visit Unforgettable with Street Kart
You can certainly visit Tokyo’s landmarks by train or bus. But the experience of racing through Tokyo’s streets with the wind in your hair leaves completely different memories, even at the same locations. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the neon lights of Akihabara, the Rainbow Bridge at night — experiencing all of it from ground level is something only this adventure can offer. Check availability on the Street Kart official website and plan a day exploring Tokyo’s landmarks from a whole new perspective. Detailed tour information and course details for each location are also available on their site. Especially on your first visit to Tokyo, it’s worth choosing to “drive” through the city rather than just watching it go by.
