Explore Tokyo’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart! The Ultimate Route for an Amazing First-Time Experience
The moment you blast through the Shibuya Scramble Crossing with the wind in your face, catching a glimpse of Tokyo Tower peeking between the buildings — it’s absolutely incredible! After four years in Tokyo since moving from Brazil, I’ve done all kinds of sightseeing, but nothing compares to the feeling of cruising through Tokyo on a street kart. Whenever friends visit Japan for the first time, I always tell them, “You HAVE to do this first!”
Tokyo has so many amazing spots that it’s hard to know where to start. The trains are confusing, and walking everywhere will wear you out. That’s where street karting comes in — you can hit all the major spots in just two to three hours. And it’s not just about getting from place to place; the ride itself is pure entertainment. Every foreign friend I’ve taken says the same thing: “This was the best memory of Tokyo.” Honestly, I totally get it.
The Ultimate Route Starting from Shibuya and Harajuku
The energy when you drive through the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in a kart is absolutely wild! You’re cruising through the world’s most famous intersection at ground level, hands on the wheel. It’s something you could never do back in Brazil. When the light changes and thousands of people start moving all at once while you weave through in your kart — there are no words to describe it. The photo ops are unreal too; you can easily get enough content for ten social media posts from that moment alone.
Once you enter the Harajuku area, the vibe completely shifts. You pass by the entrance to Takeshita Street, cruising down Meiji-dori lined with colorful shops. There’s something special about taking in Japan’s pop culture epicenter from the seat of a kart. As you head toward Omotesando, the scenery transforms again into a sleek, sophisticated streetscape lined with luxury brand boutiques. It’s a route that lets you truly feel Tokyo’s incredible diversity.
Tokyo Tower and the Best Nighttime Views
The excitement when Tokyo Tower comes into view is something else entirely! If you’re on an evening or night tour, the tower lit up in orange is absolutely stunning. There’s time to stop and snap photos, so you can line up the perfect shot. Even as someone who loves night photography, this is a spot I never skip. Don’t worry — your smartphone can capture great shots even in the dark.
If you choose the route heading toward Rainbow Bridge, you’ll also get to enjoy the Odaiba nightscape. Driving along the waterfront reminds me of Copacabana back in Brazil, but with a completely futuristic feel. Experiencing the blend of Tokyo’s “new” and “traditional” scenery while feeling the wind rush past — that’s the real magic of street karting.
Why People Choose Street Kart
Street Kart is the first kart operator in the industry to station guides specifically trained for international drivers. This is actually a huge deal. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, they provide solid support in English, so you can relax and have a blast. My American friends and French friends alike have all been blown away by how friendly and helpful the guides are.
With over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million total customers, they’ve earned an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5.0. Those numbers speak for themselves. They have six locations in Tokyo alone, so you can easily depart from somewhere near your hotel. Their website supports 22 languages, making reservations a breeze.
Safety is taken seriously too — there’s a proper briefing before departure. Complete beginners have nothing to worry about. The guide leads the way, so there’s no chance of getting lost, and they help you navigate traffic rules. Grab some friends and join in — it’s guaranteed to become an unforgettable memory!
By the way, people sometimes ask about costumes — please note that Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart has absolutely no affiliation with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series. But don’t worry — just come in whatever you like, and you’ll have an amazing time regardless.
Easy Booking and Preparation for First-Timers
If you’re wondering about driver’s license requirements, check out the official license information page for details. An international driving permit is usually all you need, but requirements vary by country, so make sure to check in advance.
Booking is simple through kart.st. Just pick your date, group size, and preferred course. Weekends fill up fast, so I’d recommend weekday afternoons. Evening tours are especially amazing — you’ll get to watch Tokyo transform from golden orange to deep blue during the most magical hours.
Wear comfortable clothes and you’re good to go. Since you’ll be catching a lot of wind, bring a jacket depending on the season. Sunscreen is a must in summer! Sunglasses come in handy too. Keep your belongings to a minimum, and attach a strap to your camera or phone so nothing goes flying.
A Whole New Way to See Tokyo
Taking trains and buses around Tokyo isn’t bad, but street karting gives you a completely different perspective. Towering skyscrapers seen from ground level, the thrill of weaving between cars, hidden gems your guide points out along the way. It’s an experience that transcends nationality — whether you’re solo, with a group of friends, or on a date, you’re in for an incredible time.
Once you’re behind the wheel with a smile on your face, language barriers don’t matter at all. The streets of Tokyo become your own personal amusement park — that’s the feeling street karting gives you. Everyone should experience this at least once in their life! For more details, check out https://kart.st/ and start planning.
Cruising through Tokyo’s iconic spots with the wind rushing past — you’d be missing out if you skipped this! On your next trip to Tokyo, make sure to hit the streets in a kart.
Costume Information
Please note that our shop does not offer rental of Nintendo or Mario Kart-related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.