The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart! Perfect Routes for First-Time Visitors
When you come to Tokyo, there’s so much you want to see—Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Tower, the streets of Ginza! But getting around by train means dealing with confusing transfers, and bus tours don’t give you the freedom to explore on your own… Street karting solves all these problems at once. The sensation of cutting through the wind while racing through Tokyo’s streets is as energetic as a carnival parade in Brazil—once you experience it, you’ll never forget it!
Tokyo’s Absolute Must-See Classic Spots
Tokyo has tons of amazing spots, but there are certain places first-time visitors really need to hit. Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing is absolutely incredible—the moment the light turns green, over 3,000 people start walking at once. All my foreign friends say, “It’s crazy, but amazing!” A short distance away is Akihabara, the holy land of otaku culture, where anime shops, maid cafes, and the neon lights of the electronics district create a city that never sleeps.
Tokyo Tower is the classic symbol of Tokyo, and the night view from 333 meters up is absolutely insane! I remember my French friend saying it’s sexier than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Ginza area has this sophisticated atmosphere with luxury brand shops lining the streets, and during the weekend pedestrian zone, you can experience Japanese “omotenashi” hospitality firsthand, from traditional Japanese confectionery shops to the latest cafes. The seaside views of Odaiba with Rainbow Bridge in the background also have this liberating feeling that’s unique to Tokyo Bay.
Why Street Kart Is the Top Choice
There are solid reasons why Street Kart has earned so much support for street karting experiences. First and foremost, their track record of over 150,000 tours and more than 1.34 million customers speaks volumes about their reliability. Maintaining an average rating of 4.9 with that many people having experienced their service shows the quality is genuine.
Having guides trained to work with foreign drivers is a huge plus—even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can communicate enjoyably through smiles and body language. They have over 250 street-legal karts, so they can accommodate groups of any size. When I came to Japan with 10 friends, it was amazing that we could all join the tour together.
They operate 6 locations in the Tokyo area alone (Shinagawa, two in Akihabara, a main shop and annex in Shibuya, and Tokyo Bay), making access super convenient. Whichever location you depart from, they have efficient routes to cover Tokyo’s famous spots. Please note that Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart is an independent street kart tour operator with no affiliation whatsoever with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series.
Recommended Routes to Efficiently Cover the Classic Spots
To maximize your Tokyo sightseeing, choosing your starting point is key. If you depart from the Shibuya shop, you’ll first race through the Scramble Crossing, then head toward Roppongi while taking in the sophisticated streetscapes of Harajuku and Omotesando. The moment you pass directly under Tokyo Tower, you can’t help but gasp at the impressive sight looking up.
Starting from the Akihabara shop, you’ll race through the colorful neon signs of the electronics district before heading to the green, lush area around the Imperial Palace. The contrast between Japanese tradition and cutting-edge culture is fascinating. From the Tokyo Bay shop, you can enjoy a scenic drive crossing Rainbow Bridge, and if you go at dusk, the sky and buildings turning orange is so beautiful you’ll want to capture it on camera.
All routes cover Tokyo’s major spots in 2-3 hours, so I recommend finishing your street kart experience in the morning and leisurely returning to spots that caught your interest in the afternoon. Route details and information about each shop can be found at hp2.stg.streetkart.org.
Instagram-Worthy Spots and Photography Tips
If you want to take photos while riding the street kart, certain spots are particularly photogenic. The intersection in front of Shibuya 109, with its giant screens and neon lights in the background, is perfect for social media—my American friend posted on Instagram and got over 1,000 likes. At points where Tokyo Tower is visible, the guide sometimes stops at the best photo spots, so don’t miss that chance.
In front of Wako Main Building in Ginza, the contrast between the classic clock tower and modern buildings makes for a great picture. The Gundam statue in Odaiba is also a hugely popular photo spot with foreign tourists—the combination of the giant robot and kart is awesome. Evening to nighttime tours let you capture Tokyo’s night scenery in your photos, conveying an even more energetic atmosphere.
Important Things to Know Before Participating
A valid driver’s license is required for the street kart experience—you can use a Japanese license, international driving permit, or an official translation of a license from certain countries (Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, etc.). The rule that “you cannot drive without a license” is strictly enforced for safety, so make sure to check before participating. For driver’s license details, please visit the official site kart.st.
Comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing is best—avoid skirts and heels. Since you’re directly exposed to the wind, a light jacket is comfortable even in summer. Sunglasses help prevent glare while driving and make you look better in photos—two birds with one stone.
Your Chance to Turn Tokyo Sightseeing into an Unforgettable Memory
There are many ways to tour Tokyo’s classic spots, but no other experience lets you feel the city with all five senses like street karting. The engine sounds, the smell of the wind, the city’s hustle and bustle—everything blends together into the ultimate soundtrack. What’s wonderful about this experience is that anyone can enjoy it regardless of nationality—whether you’re from Brazil or Japan.
Booking is easy at kart.st—just select your date, departure shop, and number of people. Weekends fill up fast, so the trick is to book early once you’ve decided to go. Grab your friends and experience the thrill of racing through Tokyo’s streets together!
Costume Information
We do not rent costumes related to Nintendo or “Mario Kart.” We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
