Antisocial Tourist

When we started telling people we were going to Japan, nearly everyone had the same question: “Are you doing the Mario Kart thing in Tokyo?” That was our first clue that this wasn’t just a fun little activity — it was a full-blown bucket list experience.

And after doing it ourselves, we can honestly tell you it lives up to the hype. There’s nothing quite like zooming through the real streets of Tokyo (or Osaka) in a low-to-the-ground go-kart, wind in your hair, skyscrapers all around you, and other tourists cheering you on from the sidewalk. It’s the closest most of us will ever get to feeling like we’re in an actual Mario Kart race — minus the banana peels and blue shells.

Although this experience isn’t officially affiliated with Nintendo (more on that later), it still captures the same energy: fast-paced fun, a little chaos, and an unforgettable way to see the city. In this guide, we’ll break down what Mario Kart in Japan really is, where you can do it, how to book, and what to expect on the road.

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What Is Mario Kart in Japan, Really?

Despite the name, Mario Kart in Japan isn’t an official Nintendo attraction — and it never has been. But that hasn’t stopped tourists from all over the world from flocking to this experience, which lets you drive small, go-kart-style vehicles through the actual city streets of Tokyo or Osaka.

The idea is clearly inspired by the popular Mario Kart video games, where characters race through chaotic, colorful courses. In real life, the experience is a bit more grounded (and not an actual race), but still incredibly fun. You’ll drive a tiny go-kart on real roads, right alongside regular traffic, stopping at lights and zooming past major landmarks — all while wearing a costume (if you choose).

So why is it so popular? For one, it’s totally unique — where else can you legally drive a go-kart on a major road in costume? It’s also an adrenaline-pumping way to sightsee. Instead of walking or taking a bus tour, you’re right in the action, waving at locals and feeling like part of the city.

Why It’s Called Street Kart (Not Mario Kart)

As we mentioned earlier, this real-life racing experience is inspired by the beloved Mario Kart video game — but it’s not affiliated with Nintendo at all. In fact, it used to operate under the name “MariCar,” complete with official-looking character costumes, until Nintendo sued.

After a high-profile legal battle, the company was forced to rebrand to Street Kart and stop offering Nintendo-themed outfits. These days, you’ll find drivers wearing superhero onesies, animal costumes, or random cosplay instead. Still fun, just not officially Mario.

But here’s the thing: everyone still calls it Mario Kart in Japan. The name has stuck — hard. So much so that tourists continue to search for and refer to it that way, even though the actual tour is called Street Kart. It’s earned its place as a themed bucket list experience, branding or not.

And yes, it’s totally legal — you just can’t dress as any specific Nintendo characters. You might come across photos of other tourists dressed as Yoshi or Donkey Kong, but those were either taken before the lawsuit or digitally edited. We even brought our own Mario and Luigi hats and were told we couldn’t wear them — so trust us, they take it seriously.

Where Can You Do Mario Kart in Japan?

The two best cities for Mario Kart in Japan are Tokyo and Osaka — but they deliver very different experiences. The energy of Tokyo’s traffic, combined with the glow of neon lights and sheer scale of the city, gives you that surreal “I can’t believe I’m doing this” feeling. And if you’re planning content, Tokyo is a goldmine for photos and videos.

Tokyo has multiple routes available across the city, including Shinagawa, Akihabara, and Shibuya, each offering something slightly different — from zooming past Tokyo Tower to catching skyline views on Rainbow Bridge (yep, a real rainbow road). We did the Shibuya route, which took us through the Shibuya Scramble several times! It was amazing!

The Osaka experience is still fun — especially if you’re already staying in the area — but the routes tend to be shorter and stick to more local roads. You’ll likely cruise around the Namba area, which is cool but lacks the iconic sights of Tokyo.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — You can also find Street Kart Tours in Okinawa! You won’t get the big city vibes like in Tokyo, but it’s still a solid tour if you’re only visiting the Okinawa area.}

Best Mario Kart Tours in Japan

You’ll probably come across a few different companies offering similar go-kart tours, but Street Kart is the most established and widely trusted provider. Street Kart is the company that originally launched the “MariCar” concept, and despite the rebrand (thanks to a certain Nintendo lawsuit), they’ve continued to lead the pack — with the most polished operations, consistent safety standards, and epic city routes in Tokyo and Osaka.

Tokyo Tours

1. Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya [Our Top Pick!]

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

📍 Location: Departs from Street Kart’s Shibuya Shop in central Tokyo.

🔥 Second Location: Shibuya is such a popular starting point that Street Kart opened a second location nearby — the Shibuya Annex Shop Tour. It’s just down the road from the original, and the tours are virtually identical.

🗺️ Route Highlights: Drive past some of Tokyo’s most iconic spots — including Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, and Omotesando. Expect a mix of neon lights, heavy traffic, and major city energy.

🚦Why This Tour Stands Out: This is the most chaotic good version of Mario Kart in Japan. You’ll race through one of the busiest areas in the world, dodging giant buses and zipping past shopping crowds. It’s loud, high-energy, and full of epic photo moments — but best suited for confident drivers who won’t be intimidated by real Tokyo traffic.

“Most fun and best activity in Tokyo! Worth getting the international driver’s permit for.” -Nivine_M (Read more reviews)

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. . .

2. Flagship 2-Hours Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

📍 Location: Departs from Street Kart’s Tokyo Bay Shop.

🗺️ Route Highlights: Scenic city loop with views of Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, and Tokyo Tower (route may vary).

🚦Why This Tour Stands Out: This route offers some of the best photo ops with a waterfront backdrop and wide, less-congested roads — making it perfect for first-timers who might be nervous about city driving. You’ll cruise through Tokyo’s most futuristic neighborhoods while still getting those iconic skyline views.

“Awesome!!! It was like Mario Kart but as a reality!” -Karen_C (Read more reviews)

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. . .

3. Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Akihabara

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

📍 Location: Departs from Street Kart’s Akihabara location, right in the heart of Tokyo’s electric town.

🗺️ Route Highlights: Drive through Akihabara’s neon-lit streets, swing past Asakusa and the Tokyo Skytree, and take in the retro-meets-futuristic vibes of the city’s tech and anime hub.

🚦 Why This Tour Stands Out: This route blends modern Tokyo with traditional touches — zipping past the futuristic Skytree one minute and historic Asakusa the next. If you’re an anime or gaming fan, Akihabara’s energy is unmatched. Bonus: it’s one of the easiest locations to reach by train.

“This was awesome and the most fun and memorable part of my trip to Japan.” -Darlene_R (Read more reviews)

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. . .

Osaka Tour

1. Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Osaka Shop

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book it!

📍 Location: Departs from Street Kart’s Osaka location in the lively Namba district.

🗺️ Route Highlights: Cruise through the buzzing streets of Namba, glide past the famous Glico Sign in Dotonbori, and soak in the atmosphere of Shinsekai with views of Tsutenkaku Tower.

🚦 Why This Tour Stands Out: Osaka brings a totally different vibe compared to Tokyo — quirky, bold, and full of character. Expect fewer crowds but just as much fun.

“Had so much fun, was my favourite thing I did in Osaka by far. Flying through the streets at night was a blast!” -Phillip_M (Read more reviews)

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What to Expect During Your Tour

When you’re ready to book your Street Kart Tour, here’s a breakdown of how things usually go:

Booking is straightforward. Choose your city (Tokyo, Osaka, etc.), select a route and time, then reserve online. Most tours require prepayment and will email you with details on the documents you’ll need to bring.
It’s a group experience — but that’s part of the fun. This isn’t a solo or private adventure — but how could it be a race without a little competition? Tours go out in groups of around 6 for safety reasons. If you’re with more than 6 people, they’ll split you into separate groups.
Check-in is easy. When you arrive, they’ll check your documents and have you pick out a costume. The costumes zip right over your clothes (no dressing room needed), and they’re roomy enough to fit most body types. Once you’re suited up, you’ll hang out and wait for your group’s safety briefing to begin.
Safety first. Before hitting the streets, you’ll watch a short safety video and get a quick but thorough briefing from your guide. You’ll learn basic road rules, what to expect, and a few essential hand signals you’ll use during the drive.
Hit the road. The adrenaline kicks in as soon as you take off. It’s honestly wild being on real city streets with cars and buses towering over your tiny kart. But your guide is confident and reassuring — so instead of feeling nervous, you’ll feel totally exhilarated.
The actual drive. You’ll follow a designated route, obeying all traffic laws and stopping at every light. The guides use hand signals to switch between single-file and two-by-two formations — which only adds to the Mario Kart vibes. At red lights, you’re free to snap pics and take quick videos (just make sure to put your phone away before the light turns green).
Photo package is included. Your guide will take photos throughout the experience — from pre-departure group shots to candid pics at stoplights. After the tour, you’ll receive the photos via AirDrop, WhatsApp, or email.

What You Need to Bring

Before you can live out your Mario Kart dreams on the streets of Japan, there are a few things you must have in hand:

International Driving Permit (IDP): This is a big one. Tourists from most countries — including the U.S. — need an IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. The good news? It’s super easy to get. Just visit your local AAA office, fill out a short form, show your valid driver’s license, and pay a small fee (around $25). Be sure to take care of this at least a few weeks before your trip!
Your Passport: You must have your passport with you! Both your IDP and passport will be checked at check-in, then sealed in a waterproof bag and physically attached to your kart for the duration of the ride.
Closed-Toe Shoes: Flip-flops or sandals are a no-go. Make sure you wear something secure, like sneakers.

Tips for the Best Experience

Want to make your Mario Kart in Japan experience as epic as possible? Keep these tips in mind:

Book early. These tours fill up fast, especially during cherry blossom season or holidays. If this is a bucket list must-do, you should book as soon as you can, even weeks (or months) in advance.
Arrive early. Traffic in Tokyo and Osaka can be unpredictable at any time of day. To be safe, either take the train or add at least a 30-minute buffer to your taxi ride.
Don’t worry about your bags. Free and secure lockers are available at all locations!
Pick a scenic route. Some routes cruise past Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, or through Shibuya Crossing — others stick to quieter areas. If you want that “I’m driving through Mario Kart IRL” feeling, choose one that hits major landmarks.
Go at night. Tokyo (or Osaka) after dark = neon lights, glowing signs, and more wow factor. Something about it just takes the ‘video game’ vibes up a level. You’ll also avoid rush hour this way!
Drive confidently… but carefully. This isn’t a go-kart track — you’re on actual roads with actual cars. You’ll be led by a guide and stay in formation, but it still requires focus and common sense.
Don’t let a little rain stop you. Japan gets plenty of rain, but it usually comes and goes quickly. If it’s raining when your tour begins, the tour company may offer to reschedule for free, but the ride goes on rain or shine. So, unless you have a flexible schedule, just embrace it! You’ll be given a poncho and goggles to stay (somewhat) dry.

Is Mario Kart in Japan Worth It?

We’ll be honest, we were nervous about driving through Japan’s traffic, in a go-kart no less, while trying to keep up with the group and not die. But this turned out to be one of the most exhilarating things we did on the trip, and we’re so glad we didn’t skip it.

Mario Kart in Japan is absolutely worth it. It’s one of those rare experiences that hits all the marks: fun, unique, and totally unforgettable. You’re not just riding go-karts — you’re zipping through the real streets of Japan with the city skyline around you, waving at pedestrians, and pretending (just a little) that you’re dodging banana peels. It’s a wild mix of thrill, sightseeing, and a little bit of cosplay chaos.

If you’re into video games, you’ll be geeking out the entire time. If you’re a couple, it’s a super fun shared memory you’ll talk about for years. And if you’re a content creator? This is prime footage!

It’s not the cheapest activity you’ll do in Japan — but it’s one of the most talked about. For many travelers, including us, it ends up being a top highlight of the entire trip.

Book Your Tour

If zipping through Tokyo or Osaka in a go-kart sounds like your kind of chaos, we can’t recommend it enough. Just make sure you’ve got your documents ready, book ahead if you can, and embrace the weird, wild joy of seeing Japan from behind the wheel of a tiny street-legal kart.

Explore All Street Kart Tours

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!