Street kart tours you see in Tokyo, often featuring costumes that resemble characters from popular video games, are a massive draw for foreign tourists.
🏎️ Street Karting in Tokyo: The Real-Life Mario Experience
1. 📝 Overview of the Activity (概要)
These street kart tours are offered by various private companies (though they are not affiliated with Nintendo or Mario Kart). They allow tourists to drive small, street-legal karts on public roads through famous Tokyo districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara.
| Aspect | Description |
| Activity | Driving a low-to-the-ground, open-air go-kart on actual Tokyo public roads. |
| Experience | A fun, high-visibility way to sightsee. Tourists often wear costumes (superheroes, anime characters, etc.) provided by the tour company. |
| Legality | The karts are registered as mini-cars (minicar / ミニカー) and are street-legal, provided the drivers meet all requirements. |
| Key Route Areas | Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, Akihabara, and Rainbow Bridge are popular spots. |
2. 🔑 Requirements for Driving
This is the most important section, as international tourists must meet strict licensing rules to participate. You cannot drive with just your home country's driver's license.
| Requirement | Details |
| Driver's License | You must present ONE of the following three options: |
| 1. Japanese Driver's License | Valid for Japanese residents. |
| 2. International Driving Permit (IDP) | Must be a valid IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. The IDP must be presented along with your original driver's license from your home country. |
| 3. Specific Foreign Licenses | A driver's license from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, Estonia, or Taiwan, plus an official Japanese translation of the license. |
| Age | Must be 18 years old or older to drive. |
| Physical | Must be able to operate the vehicle safely (check specific company rules for height and weight restrictions). |
| Important Note | Always check the specific company's requirements before booking, as they are strict and cannot be waived. |
3. 💰 Typical Costs (料金)
The price usually depends on the duration of the tour (e.g., 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours). The cost generally covers the kart rental, fuel, insurance, and the use of a costume.
| Tour Duration | Estimated Price Range (per person) |
| 1 Hour Course | ¥8,000 – ¥10,000 JPY |
| 2 Hour Course | ¥11,000 – ¥15,000 JPY |
| 3 Hour Course | ¥16,000 – ¥20,000 JPY |
Included in the Price:
-
Kart rental and fuel
-
English-speaking guide (driving alongside you)
-
Costume rental
-
Basic insurance
Note: The price and tour routes vary by company (e.g., MariCAR/Street Kart, Public Kart, etc.).
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