Race Through Tokyo’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart! The Ultimate Sightseeing Route Guide for First-Time Visitors
Tokyo can be overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out where to start, right? Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Harajuku… the list of famous spots seems endless. But here’s the reality—if you try to hit all these places efficiently, you’ll end up with aching feet from endless train transfers and walking. That’s exactly why street kart tours are blowing up on social media right now. The thrill of looking up at Tokyo’s cityscape from a low-riding perspective, the rush of wind in your face, and that moment of “Wait, this is actually legal in Japan?!” It’s an insanely epic way to explore that you’ll want to tell all your friends around the world about.
The Adventure Begins at Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble—the world’s most famous intersection. Up to 3,000 people cross at once, and when you’re looking up at this spectacle from ground level, it hits you: “I’m really in Tokyo!” Starting from the Shibuya Street Kart shop, this chaotic intersection is the first thing that grabs your attention. The moment the light changes and that wave of people surges forward never gets old. The neon lights of Shibuya 109 reflecting off the pavement makes it feel like you’re in a movie scene. The Tour HS course takes about an hour and covers Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando in one epic ride. While you can’t take photos while driving, guides will snap pics for you at red lights, so you’ll definitely get those Instagram-worthy shots. Now you understand why everyone’s sharing this on social media, right?
Experience “Kawaii” Culture in Harajuku and Omotesando
From Shibuya, you’ll flow seamlessly into the Harajuku area. Passing the entrance to Takeshita Street, you’ll cruise down Omotesando with its stunning zelkova tree-lined avenue. Often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, the contrast between high-rise buildings and the tree canopy is absolutely stunning. When the massive torii gate of Meiji Shrine comes into view, you’ll feel momentarily disconnected from the urban hustle. It’s mind-blowing that 700,000 square meters of sacred forest exists right here in Tokyo. Having an “oasis” like this in the heart of the city always amazes international visitors.
How to Enjoy Harajuku
After the tour, grabbing a crepe on Takeshita Street is practically mandatory. After working up a sweat on the kart, that sweet crepe tastes absolutely incredible. Hit up Laforet Harajuku for some shopping, then unwind with coffee at Omotesando Hills. This routine? Absolutely foolproof.
Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge Scenic Route
Another must-try is the route departing from the Tokyo Bay shop. Tour K-M runs about 1.5 to 2 hours and covers Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba—a jam-packed adventure. Crossing the 798-meter Rainbow Bridge is an absolute rush. Feeling the Tokyo Bay breeze while the 333-meter Tokyo Tower gets closer and closer… there’s something deeply moving about visiting this symbol of Showa-era nostalgia in a modern go-kart. Book an evening slot and you can watch the bridge light up in seven colors.
In the Odaiba area, you’ll encounter the life-sized Unicorn Gundam and the distinctive spherical architecture of the Fuji TV building—a true “city of the future” landscape. I still remember my friend visiting for the first time, completely freaking out: “This is literally like being inside an anime!”
From Akihabara to Ginza: Experience Tokyo’s Many Faces
If you’re into otaku culture, don’t miss the routes departing from the Akihabara shop. Tour A2S takes about an hour and races from Akihabara’s Electric Town through Tokyo Station to Ginza. From the neon-drenched main streets of Akiba to the beautiful red-brick Tokyo Station, then on to Ginza with its luxury brand boutiques—experiencing these three distinct areas in just one hour would be nearly impossible with regular sightseeing.
Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi building is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that opened in 1914. After the restoration work completed in 2012, its beauty shines even brighter. Combining over 100 years of red-brick history with cutting-edge karts? Honestly, it’s an incredibly luxurious experience.
Why Street Kart Stands Out
Street Kart is a popular go-kart experience service in Japan, with over 150,000 tours completed. They’ve served more than 1.34 million customers with an incredible average rating of 4.9/5.0 stars. Those numbers don’t happen by accident.
First off, they’re the industry’s first kart company to deploy guides specifically trained for international drivers. With guides leading the way, there’s no worry about getting lost on Tokyo’s complex roads. Their website supports 22 languages, making booking a breeze whether you speak English, Japanese, or many other languages.
For safety, they work closely with Japanese police on their safety protocols. Pre-departure vehicle inspections, trained guide escorts, and complete communication systems—these thorough protocols mean even beginners can enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Insurance options are available too, with Plan A (¥500) providing coverage in case of accidents. While Japanese law prohibits taking photos while driving, guides will snap professional-quality photos for you during red light stops—another appreciated touch.
From Booking to Experience
You’ll need a valid driver’s license to participate. An International Driving Permit (based on the 1949 Geneva Convention) or a license from certain countries with an official Japanese translation will work. Digital licenses are not accepted—you must have the original paper document. Check the official site at kart.st for complete details.
Bookings open 3 months in advance, and during peak seasons, reserving 2-4 weeks ahead is recommended. Arrive at the shop 15 minutes early on your tour day for check-in and safety briefing. Comfortable clothing and sneakers are the way to go. Helmets and goggles are available for rental at the shop.
A New Way to Experience Tokyo
Traditional sightseeing—hopping between trains and taxis to hit the classic spots—is great, but racing through the city feeling the wind on a street kart creates memories on a completely different level. Share it on social media and watch the “What is this?!” reactions roll in. It’s perfect for Gen Z who value time efficiency. Looking up at Tokyo’s streets from that ground-level perspective—this is an adventure you can only have in Japan.
For your first time in Tokyo, start with Tour HS from the Shibuya shop to conquer Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando, or go for Tour K-M from the Tokyo Bay shop for stunning views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. Whichever you choose, it’ll become a memory that lasts a lifetime. Booking is easy at kart.st. Weekends fill up fast, so weekday afternoons are your best bet. Have you ever seen Tokyo from this perspective? New discoveries await.
A Note About Costumes
Our shop does not offer rentals of Nintendo or Mario Kart-related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
