Explore Tokyo, Osaka & Okinawa’s Best Spots with kart.st! The Appeal of Street Kart Sightseeing
The moment you grip the steering wheel on Rainbow Bridge, the sea breeze hits your back. You instantly realize this is nothing like ordinary sightseeing. When you see Tokyo’s streets from just 50 centimeters off the ground, the city feels like it’s alive.
Japan has something called street karting — an activity you literally can’t experience anywhere else in the world. kart.st offers Street Kart, an industry pioneer with over 150,000 tours completed, departing from 8 locations across Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa. An average customer rating of 4.9/5.0 speaks for itself. Just so you know, Street Kart has no affiliation whatsoever with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series — keep that in mind.
The Tokyo Bay Area Night Views Are Incredible! Rainbow Bridge Loop Course
The K-M Course departing from the Tokyo Bay shop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cruise through the bay area’s iconic spots. You set off from Shin-Kiba, pass through the industrial zone, and cross the legendary 798-meter Rainbow Bridge. At night, racing across a bridge lit up in seven colors from a kart — honestly, words just can’t do it justice.
Tokyo Tower is visible in the distance too. The sight of that 333-meter red-and-white steel tower rising against the night sky is a moment where Showa-era nostalgia meets modern Tokyo. Every foreign friend of mine says the same thing: “Tokyo Tower looks way better in person than in photos!” As you pass through the Odaiba area, you can also enjoy views of the Fuji TV headquarters building and the futuristic cityscape.
The Thrill of Racing Through Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The H-S Course from the Shibuya shop takes you through the world’s most famous intersection. Cruising through that scramble crossing where 3,000 people cross at once in a kart — the energy is unreal! From Dogenzaka to Shibuya Crossing, then on to Omotesando and Harajuku, all in about an hour.
As you pass near the entrance to Takeshita Street, the scent of colorful shops and crepe stands drifts your way. Experiencing the holy land of kawaii culture from ground level is something only street karting can offer. The zelkova tree-lined Omotesando avenue is absolutely stunning for photos, especially when the late afternoon light hits. Stopping at a red light in front of the Hachiko statue and getting waves from tourists is another fun part of the experience.
From Akihabara to Ginza — Tokyo’s Many Faces in One Hour
The A1-S Course from the Akihabara shop reveals Tokyo’s contrasting sides, from the mecca of subculture to upscale shopping districts. After passing through the electric town area around Yodobashi Camera and Akihabara UDX, the red-brick Marunouchi Station Building of Tokyo Station comes into view. Built in 1914, this historic structure underwent restoration in 2012 and still stands as Tokyo’s grand gateway.
At the Ginza 4-chome intersection, you cruise past the Wako clock tower. It’s pretty cool to pass through this sophisticated adult neighborhood lined with luxury brand stores in such a unique way. The chaotic energy of Akihabara contrasted with Ginza’s refined atmosphere — experiencing this contrast in just one hour is what makes the Akihabara course so appealing.
Why People Choose Street Kart
Street Kart is known as the first kart operator in the industry to deploy guides specifically trained for foreign drivers. Since guides lead the way, even those with limited driving experience can join with confidence. Tours are limited to a maximum of 6 people, with guides handling route management and safety monitoring.
With over 250 dedicated karts and a total customer count exceeding 1.34 million, this scale makes sense when you consider the thorough English-language service available even for non-Japanese speakers. In fact, their website supports 22 languages. The reputation among the international community is strong — just check the ratings on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews to see how many travelers leave satisfied.
Insurance options are available too. Plan A (500 yen) fully covers repair costs in case of an accident. Helmets, goggles, and rain coats for wet weather are all provided free of charge. Costume rentals are available as well, though Mario Kart-related costumes are not offered. Wearing original costumes for your ride makes for a fun experience in its own right.
Street Kart Experiences in Osaka & Okinawa Too
The Osaka shop departs from the Minami-Horie area, covering Amerikamura, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba in about one hour. Racing your kart while seeing the Glico sign and Kani Doraku neon lights up close lets you feel the lively energy of this food-lover’s city with your whole body.
The Okinawa shop offers a completely different charm. The O-M Course departs near Naha Airport, passes through Senagajima, and heads to Kokusai Street over about 2 hours. Emerald-green seas, white sandy beaches, palm trees, and blue skies. Cruising in a kart while feeling the tropical breeze, you’re enveloped in Okinawa’s atmosphere — totally different from mainland Japan. During a break at Senagajima Umikaji Terrace, you can even enjoy some Blue Seal ice cream.
Ready to Book Your Street Kart Experience?
For first-time visitors to Japan, street karting is a rare opportunity to experience the city from a perspective that tour buses and trains simply can’t offer. You can participate with an International Driving Permit (IDP based on the Geneva Convention), and driver’s license details can be found at https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/.
Bookings open 3 months in advance, and weekends fill up fast, so early afternoon on weekdays is your best bet. Choose an evening slot and you can enjoy the illumination of Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. Start by checking availability at kart.st. Have you ever seen Tokyo’s streets from this perspective? The moment you grab that steering wheel, a whole new experience begins.
A Note About Costumes
Our shop does not offer rentals of Nintendo or Mario Kart-related costumes. We provide only costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
