Watching Tokyo’s streets through the window of a tour bus versus racing through public roads with the wind rushing against your entire body—these are completely different experiences. Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa… there’s a way to not just “see” these famous spots but truly “feel” them. With Street Kart’s guided tours, you can explore Tokyo’s renowned locations with an incredible sense of freedom. My American friends, my French friends—everyone was like “This is insane!” in the best way possible. Let me introduce you to this unique sightseeing style that’s perfect for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
Feel Tokyo’s Energy Through Your Skin in Shibuya and Harajuku
When it comes to classic Tokyo sightseeing, Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the undisputed champion. The excitement of passing through this spot—where tourists from around the world gather—on a Street Kart tour is beyond words. The moment the light turns green and thousands of people start crossing at once, watching from the low vantage point of your kart feels like diving right into the heart of the city. São Paulo in Brazil has big intersections too, but this strange energy where order and chaos coexist is uniquely Tokyo.
Tours often include the Harajuku area as well. Takeshita Street’s colorful signs, Meiji Shrine’s majestic forest, Omotesando’s fashionable boutique district—what would take half a day on foot, you can experience efficiently by kart. Of course, since it’s a guided tour format, you follow a set route. It’s different from a rental car where you can stop freely, but that actually lets you focus purely on enjoying Tokyo’s atmosphere. All my foreign friends say, “Everyone should experience Tokyo’s Street Kart at least once in their life!”
The Charm of the Waterfront Area Around Tokyo Tower and Odaiba
Anyone can look up at Tokyo Tower. But racing past its base in a kart while gazing upward is something special. If you join an evening tour, the tower glows orange against a sky painted red by sunset, looming right before your eyes. In that moment, your hands shake with excitement as you reach for your phone. Some tours have designated photo spots, perfect for those hunting Instagram-worthy shots.
The route crossing Rainbow Bridge toward Odaiba is a refreshing course where you can feel the sea breeze of Tokyo Bay. It has a different scent than Brazil’s ocean—urban and refined. The sense of freedom you get while viewing the spherical observation deck of Fuji Television as you drive is hard to find in other sightseeing styles. Having a guide lead the way means you can relax and enjoy even unfamiliar roads. Professional guide services elevate the experience from mere transportation to a genuine tour.
Experience the Fusion of Old-Town Charm and Modernity in Asakusa and Skytree
The massive lantern at Kaminarimon Gate, the lively Nakamise Street, the solemnity of Sensoji Temple. This area representing Tokyo’s old downtown is overwhelmingly popular with foreign tourists. Touring around Asakusa by Street Kart, passing rickshaws, waving at tourists in traditional Japanese clothing—there’s an indescribable sense of being somewhere extraordinary. Looking up at the five-story pagoda from your low vantage point, it’s far more impressive than any photo.
And right nearby stands Tokyo Skytree. The contrast between traditional Asakusa and the ultra-modern Skytree encapsulates Tokyo’s allure. Running along the Sumida River while viewing both is truly luxurious. Looking up at that 634-meter tower reaching toward the sky while cutting through the wind—that becomes a lifetime memory.
Why Street Kart Is Chosen by So Many Tourists
Street Kart, which provides street kart experiences in Tokyo, has conducted over 150,000 tours and has been chosen by more than 1.34 million customers. Those numbers alone speak to their credibility, but once you actually experience it, you really understand why it’s so popular.
First, with over 250 vehicles in their fleet, it’s easy to book. Even on weekends and holidays, you can often choose your preferred time slot, which is a nice touch. An average rating of 4.9 stars from over 20,000 reviews proves that many people leave satisfied. Even if you’re nervous about trying it for the first time, these numbers should put you at ease.
All guides are certified staff who’ve received specialized training, with thorough instruction for foreign drivers as well. They communicate in English, so not knowing Japanese is no problem at all. My friend from Brazil said, “The guide was so friendly and explained everything clearly.” With operations that comply with road traffic laws and comprehensive insurance coverage, even first-timers can enjoy their public road karting experience with peace of mind.
With 8 locations across Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa, you can experience it in multiple destinations during your trip around Japan. Booking is easy through their official website kart.st. The website supports 22 languages, making it accessible from anywhere in the world. Driver’s license requirements vary by nationality, so please check the official license information page (https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/) for details.
Making Your Tokyo Sightseeing Even More Memorable
Tokyo has so many attractions that many people feel they can’t cover everything in a short stay. But by incorporating a Street Kart tour, you can efficiently visit major spots while gaining that hard-to-find sense of freedom. Street corner views invisible from train windows, the refreshing feel of the wind you can’t experience on bus tours. Because it’s a guided tour, you don’t have to worry about getting lost and can purely enjoy the experience.
Every time I meet up with foreign friends in Tokyo, Street Kart always comes up as something we “want to ride again!” Regardless of nationality, transcending language barriers, it’s an experience that puts smiles on everyone’s faces. Not just “sightseeing” in Tokyo—one of the world’s greatest cities—but truly “feeling” it. That’s the real joy of Street Kart. If it’s your first trip to Tokyo, definitely add it to your schedule. It’s bound to be the most memorable day of your entire visit.
Note About Costumes
Our shop does not rent any Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
