New Discoveries Await Foreign Tourists in Tokyo! The Complete Guide to Exploring by Street Kart
Racing through Tokyo’s streets with the wind in your face—this experience has been creating buzz among travelers from all over the world, including my mates back in Australia. It’s a completely different level from getting around on the subway; you feel this city’s energy with your whole body. Looking up at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing, the excitement as Tokyo Tower gets closer, and the warmth of locals waving at you. Honestly, even after living in Japan for ten years, cruising through Tokyo in a Street Kart was a string of new discoveries for me.
Why Street Kart Is So Popular with Foreign Tourists in Tokyo
When friends visiting Tokyo from overseas ask me “Got any recommendations?”, this is the first experience I suggest. The reason is simple: it’s a one-of-a-kind activity that lets you feel Tokyo’s streets with your own senses.
On a bus tour, you’re just looking at scenery through a window. Walking everywhere wears you out. But with a street kart, you get a ground-level perspective with a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo’s streetscape. Plus, a guide leads the way, so there’s no worry about getting lost, and safety is taken seriously.
Here’s something interesting that not many people know: Street Kart was the first kart operator in the industry to train guides specifically for foreign drivers. Since you can communicate in English, there’s no language barrier holding you back. Their website supports 22 languages, so you can check out information in your own language before booking—pretty sweet.
Check Your Driver’s License Beforehand
You’ll need a valid driver’s license to operate a kart—either an International Driving Permit or a Japanese license. Requirements vary by country, so I recommend checking the details at kart.st/en/drivers-license/ in advance. Skip this step and you might end up disappointed on the day, so sort it out before you leave.
Why People Choose Street Kart
They’ve completed over 150,000 tours with more than 1.34 million customers served. These numbers tell you this isn’t just a passing fad—it’s a genuinely satisfying experience. The average customer rating is 4.9 out of 5.0, backed by over 20,000 reviews.
With 6 locations in Tokyo, you’ve got flexibility in choosing your starting point. You could depart from Akihabara and head toward Odaiba, or start in Shibuya and cruise around Tokyo Tower—pick the route based on which areas you want to see.
The guide quality is top-notch too. They communicate clearly in English, stop at the best photo spots, and share interesting local tidbits along the way. Since this is a tour on public roads, you can’t just go anywhere like you would with a rental car. You follow a set route with your guide, which is exactly how they ensure you safely and efficiently hit Tokyo’s iconic spots.
A quick note on costumes: Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart is an independent service with no affiliation to Nintendo or the Mario Kart series whatsoever. They’ve got various original costumes to choose from, so no worries there.
Combining Tokyo Sightseeing with Your Kart Experience
To make the most of your Tokyo trip, building your schedule around the street kart experience is the smart move.
Start Your Morning with Breakfast in the Tsukiji Area
A popular plan is to enjoy fresh seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market, then join a kart tour in the early afternoon. Hitting the road with the wind in your face after filling up on good food feels incredible. Tsukiji is a must-visit for foreign tourists, but if you go early in the morning, you can avoid the crowds and take your time enjoying your meal.
Evening Kart Tours for Spectacular Night Views
If you can snag an evening slot, tours around dusk are highly recommended. Tokyo’s neon lights reflecting off the pavement create a completely different vibe from daytime. Routes heading toward Odaiba offer particularly stunning views of Rainbow Bridge at night. Just keep in mind this is a popular time slot, so book early.
Choose a Tour That Matches Your Energy Level
Since you’re seated while driving the kart, you can join even after walking around all day. In fact, when your legs are tired, it’s nice to be able to enjoy Tokyo while sitting down. You can pick a plan from 60 minutes to 3 hours depending on your stamina and schedule.
Practical Tips Every Foreign Tourist Should Know
Tours may be cancelled depending on the weather. Rain makes the roads slippery, so keep an eye on the forecast. Snow days mean automatic cancellation for safety reasons. Snow is rare in Tokyo, but winter visitors should keep this in mind.
Comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothes work best. You’re taking the wind head-on, so winter feels colder than you’d expect. Dress in layers so you can adjust. In summer, sunglasses make things more comfortable—don’t forget sun protection either.
If you’ve got a GoPro or action camera, definitely bring it along. Video from your ride is guaranteed to blow up on social media. The guide sets aside time for photos, so you’ll get proper commemorative shots too.
Book early—this is the golden rule. Weekends and holidays fill up fast, so once your itinerary is set, check availability at kart.st. Weekday afternoons tend to have better availability.
Experience a Whole New Way to Enjoy Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations, but to truly soak in its charm, you need a change of perspective. A Street Kart experience gives you exactly that—a fresh new viewpoint.
With over 1.34 million participants and a fleet of 250+ vehicles, they’re operating at serious scale. Eight locations (6 in Tokyo, plus Osaka and Okinawa) mean you’ve got options beyond Tokyo for your Japan adventure.
My mates from Australia often name this as the highlight of their Japan trip. The immersive feeling you can’t get from a tour bus, sightseeing while resting your tired feet, and amazing photos to show off on social media. As the new must-do for inbound tourists in Tokyo, make sure you experience it on your next trip to Japan.
A Note Regarding Costumes
Our shop does not rent out costumes related to Nintendo or “Mario Kart.” We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
