Explore Tokyo’s Classic Sightseeing Spots by Street Kart! A Complete Route Guide Even Beginners Can Enjoy
Neon-lit intersections, cheers in foreign languages mixing with engine sounds. Have you ever looked up at Tokyo’s streets from a low vantage point? This city, which welcomes international visitors year-round, offers an entirely new style of sightseeing that you just can’t get from buses or trains. Street kart tours that let you race through Tokyo on public roads have earned high ratings on TripAdvisor and boast over 150,000 completed tours.
Street Kart: A Game-Changer for Tokyo Sightseeing
Honestly, at first I was skeptical—”Can you really drive on public roads?” But after actually trying it, this is incredibly fun. The moment you pass through Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing while feeling the wind on your whole body is like stepping into a movie scene.
Street Kart tours are guide-led, so even first-timers can participate with confidence. Unlike rental cars where you choose your own destination, professional guides show you the optimal routes, so there’s no worry about getting lost. Staff who know Tokyo’s complex road conditions inside and out will take you around the sightseeing spots safely and efficiently.
The Classic Route Covering Must-See Spots
From Shibuya to Omotesando: Racing Through the Heart of Trends
The Shibuya area is a popular starting point for tours. The moment you pass through the world-famous Scramble Crossing has a completely different intensity than during pedestrian-only hours. As you head toward Omotesando with Shibuya 109 and Center Street passing by, you can feel the atmosphere of the city change dramatically.
Omotesando, with its beautiful zelkova tree-lined streets, is a sophisticated area with luxury brands. Looking up at the architecture from the kart’s low perspective gives you a different impression than when walking. The illumination season in the evening especially offers a magical experience of driving through lights.
Scenic Points with Views of Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower viewed from around Shiba Park is definitely a can’t-miss photo spot. Tours include stop times for photography, so you can capture memorable shots with the kart and Tokyo Tower together. The tower lit up at night has a different charm from daytime, and when I showed foreign friends around, they were thrilled.
Why People Choose Street Kart
There are several companies offering street kart experiences, but Street Kart has unique strengths others don’t have.
First, check out their track record. Over 1.34 million total customers and more than 20,000 reviews prove how many people have chosen this experience. With 6 locations in Tokyo alone, you have plenty of starting point options. You can depart from the optimal location to match your sightseeing plans.
The fact that all guides are certified staff with specialized training is also noteworthy. They’re not just leading routes—they combine thorough safe driving practices with tourism guide knowledge, which is why tour satisfaction is high. They comply with road traffic laws, and all vehicles undergo regular inspections, so you can enjoy with peace of mind.
Another important point is that they have guides trained for foreign drivers. Being able to communicate in English without feeling a language barrier is a huge relief for travelers from overseas.
From Booking to Experience
Booking Street Kart is easy through their official website. Supporting 22 languages, you can smoothly complete your reservation in your native language.
A valid driver’s license is required to drive. Required documents vary by nationality and license type, so it’s best to check the details on the official license information page in advance.
On the day, it’s best to arrive at the shop 15 minutes before departure. After receiving safety instruction and operation explanations, you’re off! You might be nervous at first, but you’ll get used to it within a few minutes.
As for costumes, colorful jumpsuits and other photogenic outfits are available. They’re perfect for taking great photos for social media.
Advice for First-Timers
Something many travelers from overseas forget is that “Japan drives on the left side of the road.” People coming from countries with right-side traffic should especially keep this in mind for the first few minutes. That said, you’re just following the guide, so there’s no need to worry too much.
Personally, I recommend the evening time slot. The city around sunset shows a different face from the daytime bustle. Passing through Shibuya or Shinjuku as the neon lights start to glow makes you feel like you’re inside a movie.
A smartphone and comfortable clothes are all you need. Helmets and gloves are provided, so you can come empty-handed. However, you should avoid skirts or high heels.
Discover a New Way to Enjoy Tokyo
Tokyo seen from a train window and Tokyo felt from a kart are completely different things. Feeling the building winds on your whole body, with new scenery rushing in at every turn—once you’ve tasted this experience, you won’t forget it.
When friends from my home country visit Tokyo, I always recommend this street kart tour. Everyone is surprised at first—”Wait, we really drive on public roads?”—but after the experience, without exception, they say “That was so much fun!”
For your next Tokyo trip, why not see the city from a different perspective? Book at kart.st. Weekends tend to get crowded, so weekdays or morning slots are easier to book. Tokyo’s streets are waiting for you from the seat of a kart.
Note About Costumes
Our shop does not rent Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
