“It looks fun, but can I really drive it myself?” If you’ve had this thought, you should discover the appeal of street go-karts. This activity, where you legally drive road-legal karts through Tokyo’s famous landmarks, has safety measures and support systems in place to ensure even those with little driving experience or first-time karters can enjoy with peace of mind.
Street go-karts operate in accordance with Japanese road traffic laws, and all karts used are registered road vehicles with license plates. Despite their compact and friendly appearance, they’re designed entirely within the framework of road traffic laws—including speed limits, safety equipment, and driving rules—allowing you to drive on public roads safely and with confidence.
Requirements and Safety Orientation
Participation requires a Japanese driver’s license or a valid international driving permit. Your license will be verified at check-in, and a mandatory safety briefing is conducted before driving. The briefing clearly explains basic kart operation, turn signals, and driving precautions in a way that’s easy for beginners to understand.
Additionally, a guide vehicle always leads the tour, safely directing everyone using radios and hand signals. Experienced staff provide comprehensive support, from confirming route safety and adjusting driving intervals to responding to sudden road conditions.
Tokyo Station and Marunouchi Area Tour
This course introduces the Tokyo Station and Marunouchi area. This district, where the red-brick Tokyo Station building meets modern office complexes, is a popular tourist destination showcasing the intersection of Tokyo’s history and innovation. You’ll enjoy Tokyo’s scenery from a unique kart-level perspective while driving through the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and along Gyoko-dori Avenue.
What to Wear and Equipment
We recommend comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear like sneakers for driving. Depending on the season, sunglasses or cold-weather accessories can enhance comfort. Helmets and gloves are provided, and all vehicles undergo maintenance inspections before use.
Simple Operation
Street go-kart operation is simple, similar to driving an automatic car. With just accelerator and brake controls and no clutch operation required, even those lacking confidence or who haven’t driven in a while can quickly adapt and enjoy driving comfortably.
Not a Video Game
It’s important to note that street go-karting is completely different from games like “Mario Kart” or “Crazy Racing KartRider.” There are no racing formats or item usage as seen in games—this is a safe and legal tourism experience based on following real traffic regulations.
During the drive, participants are instructed to maintain distance from each other and avoid dangerous behaviors like parallel driving or overtaking. Following the guide’s instructions and driving in a single file is the basic approach, minimizing accident and trouble risks.
Tour details and time structures vary by content, so please check the official website in advance and allow plenty of time for participation.
Experience Tokyo a Little More Actively
Street go-karting is an urban activity that even those without driving confidence can enjoy safely. Would you like to experience Tokyo’s beautiful cityscape through your own steering wheel? Reservations are available on our official website.
