Review: Are Mario/ Street Karts Worth it in Tokyo, Japan?
If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through Tokyo in a go-kart, driving Japan’s Street Karts (formerly Mario Karts) is one of those unforgettable bucket list experiences. This unique activity lets you explore the city streets in costume, right in the middle of the action, making it a fun and exciting way to see Japan from a whole new perspective.
Of course, with something this unusual, there are plenty of questions. Is it safe to drive alongside the busy traffic? What licenses and documents do you need to bring? And is the experience actually worth the hype, or is it just a tourist gimmick?
Having taken the plunge and experienced the Street Karts in Japan first-hand, I’ll share everything you need to know. My review will give you the honest insights and tips you need so you can decide if it’s the kind of adventure you want to add to your Tokyo itinerary.
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Are the Street Karts Worth it in Tokyo?
Absolutely, Yes, I thought riding the Street Karts through the streets of Tokyo was definitely worth it, and given the opportunity, I would do it again and again. I suppose I’ve always been a big kid at heart driving go-karts and they are just an added bonus of fun, if you have free time in Tokyo.
➡ Book Street Kart Tours in Tokyo HERE with Viator
Note: As of 2024, the go-karting on the streets is still available in Tokyo, Japan. It was formerly called “Mario Karts,” but instead, it’s now called “Street Karts.” While the Mario, Luigi, and friends costumes no longer exist, you can still dress up and still just as much fun!
My Review of the Kart Experience?
Overall, there wasn’t one part of the tour I didn’t like.
You could choose a ride and time based on your budget or where you wanted to go, and the costumes made it more fun. Although, even without the costumes, I would gladly do this tour again.
Not only does it provide tons of adrenaline-pumping entertainment, but it also offers insight into Tokyo’s landmarks and iconic locations around the city. So if your inner speed demon has been dying for an unforgettable ride – the Mario/Streets Go-Karts will be worth any price!
➡ Find Tokyo’s Street Kart Tours HERE with Viator
Where do you Drive?
We started our go-kart tour about 20 minutes from the main streets of Tokyo, so driving to the city required being on the highways. I was intimidated at times when you have larger cars or big trucks going past you, but at no time did I feel unsafe.
I think the regular drivers of Tokyo are used to Go-Karts and give you leeway. Plus, you’re in large groups wearing bright colours, so it’s not as if you can be missed.
In particular, I wanted to drive right through the Shibuya Crossing, and that’s precisely what I did. I’m sure you know that this is the busiest street crossing scramble in the world, averaging 2500 people at one time. Including being featured in movies, like the Fast and Furious series.
At the same time, while you’re driving the karts around, you totally feel like a celebrity, and you should expect other tourists to be waving.
I was lucky that I only had a group of four people, plus the guide. Bigger groups of 10 will have two tour guides (one in the front and one in the back). The front guide will intermittently direct you into a single file or double as you drive along.
Don’t forget that you can do this experience at night too. I chose the daytime as it was less busy, and I wanted to video the experience. I felt it was better in the daytime, but a night experience would be incredible with the bright lights of Tokyo shining away.
How long was the Tour?
I was given track options for my tour, including the length of time I wanted to be on the go-kart. Ultimately, I chose a 3-hour journey that travelled right through the main streets of Tokyo.
This was enough time to get fun out of the experience, although anything shorter, and I’m not sure I would have seen enough. Plus, the entire go-kart vibrated, and my back was a little sore as well. However, it wouldn’t stop me from booking this again.
By the end, my hands were a little numb, holding onto the vibrating steering wheel, especially after travelling up to 60 kilometres an hour on the highways. Plus, it was a little cold coming out of winter, so ensure you have warmer clothes under your costume at this time of year.
Are the Costumes Mandatory?
The Costumes weren’t mandatory, but If you’re willing to ride the go-kart, then I can’t see you opting out of dressing up for it. Luckily, the costumes are included in the cost of the ride.
Know that I completed this experience while the Maricar company was going through legal action with Nintendo. This is why I could still wear the “Mario” costume in the photos. However, I believe that the Mario costumes are no longer available, but the experience still exists with superheroes and other fun costumes.
Honestly, the Mario costume wasn’t what drove me to book this go-karting tour. It was the fact that you can’t ride Go Karts anywhere else in the world on the streets of a major metropolitan city.
Are there photos taken?
Our tour guide took over 100 photos of us throughout the tour, stopped at lights and various moments around. This was of each individual rider and of the entire group, including selfies with the guide.
It was a free service and included in the tour cost. However, at the time, they could only be Airdropped through an iPhone. And that was really inconvenient if you had a Samsung like me.
I’m unsure of any other options for accessing the photos, but I also hope they have upgraded the system now. I was lucky that I was travelling with my sister, who had an iPhone and could get the photos eventually.
Obviously, I was doing my own filming with the Go Pro, and worked better with the head strap compared to the Chest strap. Since you were wearing a onesie costume, Getting a phone in and out wasn’t convenient, plus you were driving.
Check out my Photo Gallery Sales Page for sample tourism images needed for websites, banners, magazines articles, Marketing and/or Advertisement’s.
How much does it cost?
Current Price below for the Tokyo Street Kart Tours range from 15000 Japanese Yen to 19500 Japanese Yen. Differences are based on the company you choose to go with, whether you give a review, where you start from, Length of the Tour and the time your ride (night time is more expensive).
➡ Book Mario/ Street Kart Tours in HERE with Viator
Estimated Price Conversion will start from $100US or $150AUD, or you can use this website to check in your currency.
Do you need a Drivers Licence?
Essentially, you need your ID (passport) and an international driver’s License to drive to Street Karts in Tokyo.
However, for me to purchase an International driver’s Licence, I needed to produce my regular driver’s Licence and another passport photo. In Australia, I was able to get this at a local RACQ branch in Queensland and pay $53AUD (Plus Postage), but it can be done online as well.
Expect every country, or even states in Australia, might have alternative arrangements and charge differently. Therefore, best to check in your country or state on the requirements.
The Mario/Street Go Karts are the same as any other track racing experience I’ve had. Know they have the Accelerator, Brake, and steering wheel. However, there were blinkers that you used driving around the main streets.
My Best Tips!
This off-the-wall adventure allows you to drive on public roads around the city without a seat belt or helmet and see, hear, and smell the city sights! Here are points to be aware of:
- Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
- You’ll need a Japanese driver’s license or International Driving Permit, which is easily obtained and lasts for one year. It must be organised ahead of your Go-karting experience.
- Taking photos and filming is not permitted while on the move!
- Karts are for one person only.
- Costumes are included in the rental price…unless you have your own, of course!
- Height restriction 150-180cm.
- Weight restriction under 100kg (drivers over that weight are permitted, but the kart will be slower)
- Closed-in shoes are required, and wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in.
- Tie your hair back, but also fix it so it’s not flapping in the wind and into the go-kart motor.
- Take things slow at first until you get a feel for the machine. Always watch your guide and follow their instructions. More importantly, stay alert and always watch the driver in front of you.
Other things to do in Tokyo?
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, Japan, you’ll quickly discover that this vibrant city is packed with incredible sights, cultural landmarks, and unique experiences. To help you get started, here are 10 of the top things to do in Tokyo that showcase its perfect mix of tradition and modern life.
- Visit Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa – Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji, is a stunning Buddhist temple surrounded by the lively Nakamise shopping street.
- Explore the Imperial Palace and Gardens (Free) – The Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan’s Emperor, and its East Gardens are open to the public.
- Experience Shibuya Crossing (Free) – One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Shibuya Crossing is iconic.
- Shop and Eat in Shinjuku – From towering skyscrapers to neon-lit streets and hidden izakayas, Shinjuku is a buzzing district that combines shopping, nightlife, and food in every alleyway.
- Relax in Ueno Park (Free) – Home to museums, a zoo, and springtime cherry blossoms.
- Discover Akihabara’s Electronics and Anime Culture – Known as “Electric Town,” Akihabara is the hub for anime, gaming, and manga fans.
- Wander Through Harajuku and Takeshita Street – A colourful fashion hotspot, Harajuku is filled with unique shops, crepe stands, and youth culture.
- Enjoy the View from Tokyo Skytree – Standing 634 metres tall, Tokyo Skytree offers observation decks with sweeping views of the city skyline.
- Try Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market – While the famous wholesale market has moved, Tsukiji’s Outer Market still thrives with fresh seafood, sushi stalls, and Japanese street food.
- Stroll Through Meiji Shrine (Free) – Nestled in a peaceful forest near Harajuku, Meiji Shrine is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines.
Wrap Up & Read More!
Whether you’ve been to Japan before or if it’s your first time visiting, this unique experience offers a fantastic way to explore the city and good old-fashioned fun.
Thanks for reading this blog post today and finding out if the Street Karts or Mario Karts are worth it, and my personal review and experience in Tokyo. I hope you found the information you were looking for and getting geared up for an amazing experience in Japan.
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