Explore Tokyo’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart! Turn Your First Tokyo Trip into an Unforgettable Adventure
Experience the “Real” Tokyo That Tour Buses Can’t Show You
“How do I even get around Tokyo?”—honestly, I had the same question when I moved here five years ago. Shibuya, Asakusa, Tokyo Tower. I knew the names. But how do you connect all these scattered spots to truly see what this city is about? The answer came from an unexpected place: street karting—driving go-karts on actual public roads.
There are plenty of ways to hit Tokyo’s classic spots. Subway, tour buses, taxis. But they’re all just “transportation.” Street karting is different. The journey itself becomes the adventure. Revving your engine as you pass Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing, cruising through the streets as Tokyo Tower glows orange at sunset—these are sensations you simply can’t get any other way.
Whenever friends visit from back home, this is what I always recommend. “Alex, are you serious?” they ask skeptically at first. But after the experience? Every single one of them posts about it on social media. Today, I want to share the appeal of Tokyo’s iconic spots and the best routes to explore them by street kart for first-time visitors.
Tokyo’s Classic Spots Are Actually Best Enjoyed “In Transit”
When people think of Tokyo sightseeing, the usual suspects come up: Asakusa’s Kaminarimon Gate, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Odaiba. Guidebooks tell you to spend “2 hours in Asakusa, 1 hour in Shibuya,” but in reality, getting between spots is surprisingly exhausting. Getting lost transferring trains, emerging above ground with no sense of direction—this is classic tourist struggle, and it wears people out.
Here’s an insider secret: Tokyo’s real charm isn’t in the individual spots—it’s in the “atmosphere” of the city. From old downtown alleyways to cutting-edge skyscrapers, ancient shrines sitting next to neon-lit karaoke bars. You can experience these contrasts within just a few kilometers. Street karting lets you feel this “transformation” with your whole body in a way you’d never see from inside a train.
With the wind in your face, Tokyo’s scenery shifts constantly around you. From Asakusa’s traditional architecture, you look up at Tokyo Skytree, cruise through Akihabara’s electric town, pass the greenery of the Imperial Palace, and head toward Tokyo Tower. In about two hours, you experience all of Tokyo’s old and new. If you’re into photography, you’ll pass over 20 photo spots in a single ride—pretty awesome.
Why Street Kart Is the Go-To Choice for International Visitors
Several companies offer street kart experiences, but when friends from overseas ask, I always recommend Street Kart. The reason is simple: their support for international drivers is outstanding.
First, the guides are experienced with foreign visitors. Ask questions in English, and you’ll get proper answers. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can enjoy the experience worry-free from the pre-ride briefing to route guidance. One of my friends who visited from abroad said, “I never expected it to go this smoothly.”
Second, safety is taken seriously. Even if it’s your first time on public roads, you’ll get thorough instruction on how to operate the kart before departure. Helmets are mandatory, and guides lead from the front and follow from behind, so there’s no chance of getting lost. Traffic rules differ between countries, but the guides explain everything you need to know—no stress required.
And the booking website supports 22 languages. Being able to check information in your own language when you can’t read Japanese is a huge relief for international visitors. With over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million total customers, their track record speaks for itself. An average rating of 4.9 shows just how satisfied past participants have been.
What You Need to Know About Driver’s Licenses
By the way, to drive a street kart in Japan, you need a valid driver’s license. An International Driving Permit or a Japanese license will work. Check the official website for details. All my friends who’ve visited got their international permits before coming. It’s smoothest to handle the paperwork in your home country ahead of time.
Also, while Street Kart offers various costumes to wear, you’re welcome to bring your own outfit too. Coordinate matching looks with your crew and you’ll get some seriously memorable photos.
Recommended Routes—Conquer Tokyo’s Highlights in 2 Hours
Personally, I recommend the “Tokyo Tower Course” for first-timers. Starting from Shibuya, you pass through Omotesando, Roppongi, and end at Tokyo Tower. You cruise right through the heart of the city, passing famous landmarks one after another.
The most striking moment is when Tokyo Tower comes into view. Looking up at it from the low vantage point of a kart hits completely different than seeing it from an observation deck. Book an evening tour, and you’ll arrive just as the lights come on. Photos with the orange-glowing tower in the background tend to get a lot of attention on social media.
Another popular option is the “Akihabara & Skytree Course.” This one lets you enjoy both Japanese pop culture and the towering Skytree. Cruising through Akihabara’s electric district, passing shops lined with figurines and colorful signs—it’s a uniquely surreal experience. Truly a sight you can only find in Japan.
Booking Tips and What to Bring
I was nervous at first, but booking is genuinely easy. Just visit kart.st, select your preferred date, time, and group size. Weekends fill up fast, so weekday afternoons are your best bet. I’d recommend booking about two weeks in advance.
What to bring: your driver’s license, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes. An action camera is great if you have one, but guides sometimes take photos for you anyway. Credit card payments are accepted, so no need to carry a ton of cash.
Have you ever seen Tokyo from this perspective? Not through a tour bus window. Not from a subway platform. Cutting through the wind, engine rumbling beneath you, feeling the “now” of Tokyo with every sense. New discoveries await.
A Note About Costumes
Please note that we do not rent Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only offer costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
