Explore Tokyo’s Must-See Attractions by Street Kart! The Ultimate Route Guide for First-Time Visitors
Ready to Discover a Whole New Way to See Tokyo?
When you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time with limited time to spare, wanting to hit all the major spots efficiently makes total sense. Sure, the train system is convenient, but let me be honest with you—there’s a way more exciting option out there. I’m talking about exploring by street kart. The rush of wind in your face as you cruise through Tokyo’s streets is something you simply cannot experience on a bus or train.
Whenever friends from abroad visit, I always recommend this street kart experience. Most people are shocked at first—”Wait, you can actually drive on public roads?”—but once they try it, they’re completely hooked. Cruising past Tokyo Tower, Asakusa, and Shibuya from a viewpoint just 40 centimeters off the ground, looking up at everything around you, is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience you can only have in Japan.
The Classic Route Starting from Shibuya and Harajuku
Shibuya is the ultimate starting point for any Tokyo adventure—you just can’t skip it. The moment you pass through the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing in a street kart is absolutely spine-tingling. As the light changes and hundreds of people start moving at once, you slowly navigate through in your kart. People wave at you, snap photos of you—it’s like being a celebrity for a day.
On the route from Shibuya toward Harajuku, the tree-lined streets of Omotesando are a highlight. There’s something wonderfully ironic about cruising down this sophisticated avenue lined with luxury brand boutiques in a colorful kart. It’s incredibly “Instagrammable,” as they say—perfect photo opportunities pop up one after another. The whole stretch takes about 30 to 40 minutes, with designated stops along the way for photo ops, so you’ll have plenty of amazing shots to remember your adventure by.
Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Night Views
If you’re heading out in the late afternoon or evening, the Tokyo Tower route is absolutely the way to go. Watching the sky darken as the tower glows closer and closer in orange light never fails to move me, no matter how many times I experience it. Sure, Las Vegas and New York are famous for their night views back in the States, but Japanese cityscapes have this refined elegance that’s completely different.
The view from the Roppongi Hills observation deck is stunning, but looking up at Tokyo Tower from street level in a kart is something else entirely. Gazing up at the 333-meter tower from just 40 centimeters off the ground—the sheer scale is beyond words. This route takes about an hour to an hour and a half and remains a favorite among first-time Tokyo visitors.
Soaking in Old-Town Vibes at Asakusa and Skytree
The Asakusa area, where Tokyo’s traditions meet modernity, is another perfect spot for street kart sightseeing. Passing by the massive red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate is a classic moment—every foreign tourist I’ve taken there can’t help but let out an excited shout. Cruising along the Sumida River with the bustling Nakamise shopping street beside you, you’ll get a full dose of Tokyo’s charming old-town atmosphere.
And then there’s Tokyo Skytree looming right before your eyes. Driving while looking up at the world’s tallest broadcasting tower at 634 meters is absolutely breathtaking. Here’s something interesting about cultural differences: in America, tall buildings are often seen as symbols of power, but in Japan, there’s this sense of harmony that feels more important. Skytree is designed to blend into its surroundings, and when you see it up close, it actually gives off a surprisingly gentle impression.
Why Street Kart Stands Out
Among street kart tour operators, Street Kart offers several features that international visitors particularly appreciate.
First and foremost, their guide staff are trained specifically for working with foreign drivers. Street Kart was actually the first operator in the industry to implement this kind of training, making communication in English smooth and easy. Even after living in Japan for five years, I still feel relieved whenever I find a place where English works—and at Street Kart, you don’t have to worry about language barriers at all.
Their safety record is also impressive. They’ve conducted over 150,000 tours and served more than 1.34 million customers. With a fleet of over 250 vehicles and an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on more than 20,000 reviews, they’ve created an environment where even first-timers can feel completely at ease.
They have an excellent network of locations too—6 shops in Tokyo, plus one each in Osaka and Okinawa, for a total of 8 locations. Being able to choose a convenient departure point based on where you’re staying or your sightseeing route is a huge plus for travelers. Their website supports 22 languages, so you can check information in your native language right from the booking stage. Just keep in mind that the actual service is provided in English, so basic English communication skills are all you need.
Regarding driver’s licenses, you’ll need either an international driving permit or a license valid in Japan. Check out their official license information page for details.
Best Times and Places for Photos
Whenever I guide friends from abroad, I always share these photography tips. Since street kart touring involves movement, bringing a GoPro or similar action camera is ideal. If you’re using a smartphone, get a case with a neck strap for peace of mind.
At Shibuya Scramble Crossing, you’ll have chances to snap selfies while waiting at red lights. Near Tokyo Tower, there’s a spot around Shiba Park where you can stop, and the angles from there are absolutely perfect. At Asakusa, the classic spot is in front of Kaminarimon, but stepping back a bit to capture the whole scene really conveys the impressive scale and makes for a much cooler shot.
For hashtags, the classics are #streetkart, #tokyokart, and #japan. Adding Japanese hashtags like #公道カート and #東京観光 will help your posts reach Japanese followers too.
Booking and Preparation Tips
Here’s some useful information for planning your street kart adventure. Booking is simple through kart.st—just select your preferred date, time, and departure location. Weekends and holidays tend to fill up fast, so booking about two weeks in advance is recommended. Weekday afternoons through early evening tend to have more availability.
For clothing, comfortable clothes and sneakers are essential. Ladies, you’ll have a much better time if you skip the skirts and heels. Depending on the weather, don’t forget warm layers or sunscreen. Keep your belongings minimal and store valuables in a small bag that stays close to your body.
One important note: Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart has no affiliation whatsoever with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series. You’re welcome to bring and wear your own costumes, but please choose outfits that respect copyright considerations.
Discovering Tokyo from a Fresh Perspective
For first-time Tokyo visitors, exploring by street kart is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Beyond efficiently covering the must-see attractions, the real magic is experiencing Tokyo with all your senses.
The hidden alleyways you’d miss from a train or bus, the everyday lives of locals, the changing faces of the city with each season—you can feel it all as the wind rushes past you. Whenever friends from home visit, I always take them on this adventure, and they always say the same thing: “This completely changed how I see Tokyo.”
Are you ready to discover Tokyo from a whole new angle? On your next trip, cruise through the streets by kart. You’re bound to find your own personal Tokyo—the one that isn’t in any guidebook. Book at kart.st. Adventure awaits!
A Note About Costumes
We do not offer rental costumes related to Nintendo or “Mario Kart.” Only costumes that respect intellectual property rights are available.
