Tokyo’s Must-See Landmarks | An Epic Adventure by Street Kart
Racing through the streets of Tokyo with the wind in your face. The moment the light turns green, the engine roars, and you dive into a world of neon stretching out before you. Having moved to Japan from Australia ten years ago, I’ve experienced all kinds of tourist activities, but nothing quite matches this feeling. Street Kart offers a whole new way to explore Tokyo, and it’s something I truly recommend for first-time visitors. Today, I’ll share the appeal of Street Kart, which you can book through kart.st, and the iconic spots you can cruise past.
A Fresh Way to Truly Feel Tokyo’s Scenery
Seeing Tokyo through the window of a tour bus versus gripping the steering wheel yourself are completely different experiences. When you’re zipping through the valleys of towering buildings from a low vantage point, you start noticing things you’d normally miss—the atmosphere of hidden alleyways, the little details on shop signs. Instead of looking down at Shibuya’s scramble crossing, you’re weaving right through it. That’s the real thrill of Street Kart.
Street Kart is the industry’s first go-kart operator with guides specifically trained for foreign drivers. They’ve completed over 150,000 tours and served more than 1.34 million customers. That 4.9 average rating really speaks to the quality of this experience. With 8 locations across Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa, you can choose the area that suits you best.
Suggested Routes to Efficiently Hit the Classic Spots
Shibuya Area: Blast Through the High-Energy Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is known as one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. Walking across it is cool, but cruising around the area in a kart gives you a totally different perspective. When you pass by the Hachiko statue, tourists from all over the world point their phones at you—it’s your moment of feeling like a celebrity. Dusk, when the neon lights of Shibuya Center-gai start reflecting off the pavement, is especially photogenic.
Harajuku & Omotesando Area: Cruise Through Fashion Central in Style
Head a bit further from Shibuya and the vibe changes completely as you enter Harajuku. With the bustling Takeshita Street on one side, the road leading to Omotesando’s zelkova tree-lined avenue offers a refreshing route where you can feel greenery even in the heart of the city. The roads here are wider, making it comfortable even for first-time kart riders. Your guide leads the way, so there’s no worry about getting lost.
Tokyo Tower & Rainbow Bridge Area: Get Up Close to Tokyo’s Icons
Driving along while gazing up at Tokyo Tower is the moment it really hits you—”I’m actually in Tokyo!” At night, the lit-up tower is stunning, and viewing it from your kart seat is something truly special. Routes heading toward Rainbow Bridge let you feel the ocean breeze as you cruise along the Odaiba waterfront.
Why Street Kart Stands Out
There are solid reasons why Street Kart has won over so many fans.
First, the guides are top-notch. They’re thoroughly trained to assist foreign tourists, so even if you’re unfamiliar with Japanese traffic rules, you can join with confidence. English support is excellent, so communication is never an issue.
Second, the vehicle maintenance is impressive. They have over 250 karts in their fleet, all meticulously maintained. The smooth ride means you won’t feel worn out even on longer tours.
The variety of routes is another big plus. The courses are designed to efficiently cover Tokyo’s major landmarks, so you can pack in a fulfilling sightseeing experience even with limited time.
Safety is also taken seriously. There’s a thorough briefing before departure, and guides provide constant support during the ride. Maintaining high ratings across over 20,000 reviews is a testament to their commitment to safety.
Street Kart also offers original costumes, letting you cruise Tokyo’s streets in whatever style suits you. Being able to enjoy the tour your own way is another charm of this experience.
License Requirements for Driving
To drive a street kart in Japan, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. International driving permits and licenses from certain countries are accepted, but check the official details at kart.st/en/drivers-license/. Confirming this beforehand will make your day go much smoother.
Tips for Enjoying Tokyo’s Classic Landmarks
The best time for photos is from late afternoon into the evening. Catch that moment when the neon lights start flickering on and the city’s face transforms completely. Bringing a GoPro or action camera lets you capture dynamic footage while you’re on the move.
Wear comfortable clothes. Since you’re directly exposed to the wind, having an extra layer depending on the season is a good idea. Skip the sandals and high heels—sneakers are the way to go.
Book ahead to be safe. Weekends and holidays are especially popular, so securing your spot about two weeks in advance is ideal. You can find more details at kart.st.
Set Off on a New Tokyo Adventure
Tokyo is a blast to explore on foot or by train. But racing through it in a street kart reveals a whole different side of the city. Feeling the wind, experiencing the streets at your own pace—that sensation will surely become a memory that lasts a lifetime.
For your next trip to Tokyo, definitely consider adding Street Kart to your plans. Book through kart.st, and all that’s left is to wait for the big day. Get ready for Tokyo’s streets to become the stage for your next great adventure.
A Note About Costumes
We do not offer rental costumes related to Nintendo or “Mario Kart.” We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
