Trip To Japan
Cart

Experience Mario Kart in Tokyo: All You Need to Know!

Seongwon Kim
Seongwon Kim
Oct 20, 2023
Mario Kart in Tokyo

Imagine the thrill of maneuvering a go-kart through the bustling streets of Tokyo, the cityscape rushing past you in a vibrant blur as you navigate the concrete jungle like a true road warrior. That fantasy leaps into reality with Street Karts' unique go-karting experience. Although the days of dressing as famous game characters are in the past due to copyright considerations, the excitement hasn't dampened one bit. Instead, participants now have the creative freedom to don a variety of fun outfits, from superheroes to original designs, adding a personal twist to this real-life adventure.

The essence of go-karting in Tokyo transcends the costumes; it's about the adrenaline, the roar of the engine, and the sheer joy of exploration. With the wind in your hair and the throttle under your control, every turn brings a new spectacle of the city's endless wonders. Each kart tour offers not just a ride but an unforgettable journey that stitches itself into the fabric of your memories.

As you prepare for the trip, remember: while the karts may look familiar, this isn't your everyday race track. It's Tokyo itself, a grand, sprawling, and utterly real course that awaits your exploration. So, rev up for an adventure where you're not just breaking free from the screen but racing into a world of real-life excitement!

Featured tour
JapanKart
Go Kart Experience in Asakusa (60 min)

Drive a go-kart through Tokyo's famous areas like Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno Park. Enjoy a unique and thrilling sightseeing experience with full safety briefings and fun costumes.

Book now

The Evolution of Mario Kart in Tokyo

Tokyo's go-karting landscape has evolved dramatically since its inception by MariCar, originally allowing guests to mimic Nintendo's famous game by racing through city streets dressed as favorite characters. Legal hurdles with Nintendo led to a rebrand of Street Karts, changing the costume game but not the thrill. The experience, minus the game-themed outfits, continues to attract adrenaline enthusiasts, offering an unmatched adventure through the city's iconic arteries.

People dressed as video game characters drive red go-karts on a busy street in a city. Several onlookers, cars, and bicycles are visible in the background. The scene appears lively, with sunlight illuminating the area and a tall building with glass windows.
Tourists dress up in superhero character costumes

Racers still experience the high-octane excitement at renowned spots like the towering Tokyo Tower, scenic Rainbow Bridge, and bustling Shibuya Crossing. The essence of zipping down Tokyo's urban roads in a kart, feeling the city's pulse, remains a sought-after experience. Though the outfits may no longer reflect the Nintendo legacy, the joy, adventure, and connection to the city's vibrant streets endure, proving the experience is less about the attire and more about the unforgettable ride.

Legal Issues with Nintendo

Originally, Tokyo-goers were able to experience the exciting world of Mario Kart in real life through MariCar. Unfortunately for them, Nintendo believed they weren’t authorized to use their intellectual property and thus filed a lawsuit against the company. This caused MariCar to change its name to Street Karts and remove any character costumes associated with its karting activities so as not to disrupt Nintendo’s rights over those characters.

Cosplayers doing a kart tour in the city
Cosplayers doing a kart tour in the city

Despite this minor hiccup though, go-karters around Tokyo are still able to participate in thrilling drives that take them around iconic landmarks while wearing superhero or non-character based costumes on their carts thanks chiefly due companies such as Street Karts continuing to offer these experiences within city limits even after legal proceedings by Nintendo occurred regarding access to Mario Kart license resources for real life implementations.

Street Karts: The New Face of Mario Kart in Tokyo

Street Karts has taken up the challenge of providing the adrenaline-pumping go-karting experience in Tokyo, while no longer allowing participants to wear character costumes. Costuming remains an optional activity.

Individuals may choose superhero and non-character outfits that will add a new level of enjoyment to their journey. The same car models continue to exist so riders can keep feeling just as thrilled as they did before while driving around on a kart within city limits, seeing sights at full speed!

Racing through streets with Street Karts also provides drivers with comfort knowing all laws are adhered too for safe yet still thrilling rides that everyone can take part in and enjoy.

Featured tour
JapanKart
Go Kart Experience in Shibuya (90 min)

Enjoy a 90-minute go-kart tour through Tokyo's iconic areas, including Shibuya and Harajuku. Experience the city's highlights while driving in costume and capturing memorable photos.

Book now

Preparing for Your Go-Kart Adventure

To ensure a safe and pleasurable go-kart experience on Tokyo’s streets, prior preparation is essential. Book your tour ahead to secure the desired slot before it runs out. All participants require either a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit. Thus remember to take both passport and valid driving credentials when attending the session. Dress sensibly with regard to weather conditions while donning any safety equipment necessary for taking part in this kart activity.

Mario Kart in Shibuya
Mario Kart in Shibuya

Booking Your Go-Kart Experience

When it comes to scheduling your kart adventure, early booking is essential. This depends on the provider and time of year. Usually two days up to a month in advance should suffice for securing a spot. Weather conditions also need considered when picking tour times, aim for daylight hours during colder weather or later slots during warmer months.

Additional duration must be allotted prior to getting started with changing into costumes, storing items safely away, as well as attending safety briefings – taking approximately 1½ hrs total per one-hour tour due to potential delays etcetera.

Featured tour
Tokyo Go-Kart Rental with Local Guide from Akihabara
Tokyo Go-Kart Rental with Local Guide from Akihabara

Experience the ultimate Tokyo adventure on a guided Go-Kart tour.

Book now

Obtaining the Required Licenses

For a safe and enjoyable go-karting experience in Tokyo, it is essential to have either an official Japanese driver’s license or an International Driving Permit. Obtaining the permit from your country before you take your trip should be easy enough if this requirement applies to you. Remember also that both documents need to be brought on the tour for verification purposes. So make sure not bring just one of them.

People driving go-karts dressed as characters on a city street with bright lights and busy crosswalks, resembling a real-life Mario Kart race. The street is surrounded by buildings with illuminated advertisements.
Street karting at Akihabara

Karts can only operate legally around Tokyo with proof of possession of a valid driving license, whether native or foreign – which makes having these permits important when embarking on such tours within the city limits.

Exploring Tokyo's Iconic Landmarks on a Go-Kart

Go-karting in Tokyo is not just a ride; it's an adventure that lets you see the city like never before. Picture yourself driving a go-kart through the busy streets, dressed in a cool costume, and exploring famous places. You won't forget the amazing view of Tokyo Bay, with its many shops and stunning waterside scenery. It's a whole new way to experience the excitement of the city, feeling the wind and seeing sights up close.

Mario Karts
Mario Karts

But wait, there's more! Your go-kart trip takes you to must-see spots like the Rainbow Bridge, Shibuya Crossing, the peaceful Imperial Palace Gardens, and the tall Tokyo Tower. Each place has its own charm, making your ride even more fun. And while driving, you'll find lots of great shops around Tokyo Bay where you can stop and maybe buy a keepsake. Riding a go-kart around Tokyo is a unique trip that mixes fun, sightseeing, and the thrill of the drive. It's a special way to see the city's best sights and enjoy an amazing day

Go-Kart Safety and Etiquette

Go-karting in Tokyo is a thrilling experience, but it also requires attention to safety and etiquette. All drivers must strictly follow traffic rules as well as show respect for the other participants of the tour so that everyone can have an enjoyable time on their street racing adventure. Appropriate attire should be chosen before getting into the karts. Any clothing which may catch onto machinery should be avoided at all costs. Provided protective gear needs to be worn by each participant while they go-kart around town!

A person dressed in a green and white costume drives a red go-kart across a busy city street. The background features a large building with "TSUTAYA" signage, along with several pedestrians, vehicles, and billboards in an urban environment.
Street Kart Tokyo

Traffic Rules and Regulations

When going karting in Tokyo, it’s imperative to keep up with the city’s road regulations. Drive on the left-hand side of the street and always follow all posted speed limits or traffic signals. Also, bear in mind that engaging in racing during your go-kart tour is not permitted for security reasons both for participants as well as other drivers present on this excursion. By abiding by these rules you will be assured of a pleasant and safe experience when enjoying your time out with friends at any Kart course available across Japan’s capital!

Respecting Other Drivers

Safety is paramount when you go on a kart ride around the city, and respecting other drivers is key. Take care to be considerate of all others sharing the streets with you at all times as you navigate through town in your vehicle.

It’s important to stay mindful that there are many rules of traffic that must be followed so everyone can enjoy their time zipping about safely. Making sure everybody has an enjoyable experience out on those same streets will ensure each karter enjoys themselves while making it back home unscathed!

Costume Choices and Restrictions

Go-karting in Tokyo can be a lot of fun when you dress up in unique costumes! Although there is no chance to don Mario Kart character outfits, plenty of exciting and varied ensembles are available, including superheroes or something different. It’s imperative to abide by any safety measures though.

Mario Kart Rider
Mario Kart Rider

Included within rental fees for most tours would usually be garments provided by tour companies, although additional items from local stores may also need purchasing beforehand as well. Lastly, dressing comfortably and with all necessary protective gear on will help make sure your go-kart experience remains enjoyable yet safe, too!

Costume Options

In Tokyo, you can make your go-kart experience even more unique by choosing from a wide selection of costumes. From superheroes to original designs, the options provide an opportunity for creativity and personalization.

Unfortunately due to legal constraints with Nintendo, Super Mario costumes have been removed as part of the choices available when karting in Tokyo. There are still plenty of other alternatives ensuring that your go-kart adventure will be one to remember!

Featured tour
JapanKart
Go Kart Experience in Osaka (90 min)

Experience the thrill of go-karting through Osaka's iconic landmarks in a 90-minute adventure. Enjoy scenic stops at Tsutenkaku, Shinsekai, Abeno Harukas, and Osaka Castle while receiving fun photos of your ride.

Book now

Dressing Comfortably and Safely

When planning for your go-karting excursion in Tokyo, you want to make sure that comfort and safety are the primary concerns. Wear clothes that fit snugly around the body as baggy garments can become entangled with machinery on a kart. Be certain to put on any protective equipment given by the tour company before beginning your ride.

Go-kart Experience
Go-kart Experience

Consider carefully what type of clothing is most suitable depending on environmental conditions. Dressing right will ensure optimal enjoyment of this thrilling experience!

Capturing Your Go-Kart Memories

Racing through the streets of Tokyo in your kart brings about a desire to capture and remember this exceptional journey. There are many ways to accomplish this. You can use photo services provided by tour guides or bring along your own action camera.

Whether it’s an option from the company organizing the trip, or personal devices brought with you, make sure these moments don’t go unrecorded so that they remain alive for years after your go-karting experience in Tokyo ends. After all, preserving these memories will be an everlasting reminders of such a thrilling expedition!

Tour Guide Photography Services

A go-kart tour gives the possibility of booking a photography service, like the Tokyo Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot by GetYourGuide or Monkey Kart Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot. The pictures taken during this experience will number between fifty to one hundred photos that can be shared via email, and social media outlets as well in print copies so you may keep your memories alive with family and friends.

Featured tour
JapanKart
Go Kart Experience in Asakusa (60 min)

Drive a go-kart through Tokyo's famous areas like Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno Park. Enjoy a unique and thrilling sightseeing experience with full safety briefings and fun costumes.

Book now

Using Personal Action Cameras

For a thrilling go-kart experience in Tokyo, one option is to bring your own action camera and capture the ride with stunning footage. These small cameras are made for capturing great pictures and videos, perfect for documenting your journey on the kart track.

MariCAR go-karts
MariCAR go-karts

Make sure you attach it securely to avoid losing it during any of the rides – either mount them onto helmets or chests or just simply clip them directly onto the go-karts themselves. Before getting started experiment with different angles so that all aspects of this amazing adventure can be captured!

Conclusion

Imagine this: You, dressed up as your favorite game character, driving a go-kart through Tokyo's busy streets. Fun, right? The Mario Kart experience in Tokyo is more than just a ride; it's your chance to live a day in a fun, fast-paced fantasy world! You'll see Tokyo like never before, and you don't have to do it alone; bring friends or make new ones on this awesome adventure.

What are you waiting for? Your very own kart is ready and waiting, and booking your spot is super easy! Just head over to TripToJapan and choose the day that works for you. Hurry, though, spaces fill up fast and trust us, you don't want to miss out on the fun. Reserve your spot, buckle up, and get ready for the ride of your life through Tokyo!

Can you still do Mario Kart in Tokyo?

Yes! Real-life Mario Kart, known as street kart, is alive and thrilling in Tokyo, Japan. You can drive past landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree, dressed as your favorite character for a unique adventure.

Is Mario Kart in Tokyo worth it?

Absolutely! It's a top-rated activity where you can view famous spots like the Tokyo Bay shop from a go-kart, making for an unforgettable personal experience in Tokyo, Japan.

Do you need a license for Mario Kart Tokyo?

Yes, you do. Participants must have an International Driving Permit or, for countries like Germany, a translated license. It's all about ensuring everyone can drive responsibly on Tokyo's public roads.

Are there any legal issues with go-karting in Tokyo?

In Tokyo, go-karting is allowed and there were no complications with it apart from a couple of copyright issues relating to Nintendo.