Osaka: Go Kart Tour in Costume & Dotonbori, Tsutenkaku

Summary

Drive a go kart in costume through Osaka’s wildest streets

You’ll drive a go kart dressed as your favorite character through Osaka’s lively streets—past Dotonbori’s neon chaos and Tsutenkaku Tower—with locals waving and laughing along the way. Includes costume rental, insurance, fuel surcharge, and all the odd looks you can handle. Just remember: bring that valid international driving permit or they won’t let you drive.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t forget your paper license—Japan is strict!” That’s what our guide, Tatsuya, said right away, grinning as he handed me a Mario hat that smelled faintly of laundry detergent and plastic. I’d double-checked my international driving permit about five times before arriving at the little garage near Namba. The whole group was already laughing at each other’s costumes—someone in a Pikachu suit kept trying to zip up their tail. I didn’t expect to feel this visible, honestly. Locals waved or took photos before we’d even started the engines.

The first few blocks were weirdly thrilling—wind in my face, neon signs flickering above, and the sound of people shouting “Kawaii!” from sidewalks. We zipped through Minami and Dotonbori, which looked totally different from street level (and much lower to the ground). At one red light an old man gave us a thumbs up; his wife just shook her head and smiled. Tatsuya led us like a parade float, pointing out takoyaki stalls and telling us how Osakans love anything silly. He made sure we stuck together—apparently the police don’t mind as long as you follow every rule.

I kept catching whiffs of fried food—octopus balls mostly—and honestly got hungry halfway through. The karts were surprisingly easy to drive but you do feel every bump on the road; my hands tingled after a while but maybe that was just adrenaline? When we reached Tsutenkaku Tower, we stopped for photos (I looked ridiculous but happy). One kid asked if I was “real Mario.” I tried to say something back in Japanese and everyone laughed—including me.

The whole thing lasted maybe two hours but it felt longer—in a good way. There’s something about being both tourist and spectacle at once that sticks with you. Even now I think about that moment under all those Osaka lights, feeling half-ridiculous and half-invincible. If you want to see Osaka differently—and don’t mind being stared at—this go kart tour is honestly worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Osaka Go Karting Tour Highlights

• Start point
• Drive go kart in costume
• Pass Dotonbori area
• Pass Minami area
• See Tsutenkaku Tower and local food

Top questions

Do I need an international driver’s license for this Osaka go kart tour?

Yes, you must bring a valid paper-book style international driving permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention—not a card or digital version.

What costumes are available for the go kart tour?

You can borrow funny character costumes at no extra charge or buy your own nearby if you prefer.

Is hotel pickup included for this Osaka go kart experience?

No, hotel pickup is not included—you’ll meet at the designated starting point near Namba.

Can two people ride together in one go kart?

No, all karts are single-person only; there are no multi-person karts available.

What happens if it rains on the day of my booking?

The tour may be cancelled during heavy rain; you can reschedule or get a full refund if needed.

Are there any height or weight restrictions for participants?

Yes, participants must be 150–190 cm tall and under 100 kg in weight.

Which Osaka attractions does this go kart tour pass by?

You’ll drive past Dotonbori, Minami district, and stop near Tsutenkaku Tower for photos.

Is lunch or food included with this tour?

No meals are included; food is not part of this package.

What’s included

Your day includes full use of a single-seat go kart with fuel covered, insurance fees taken care of by the operator, plus free rental of playful costumes (or bring your own). All you need is your valid international driving permit and passport—the rest is set up for you when you arrive at the meeting point near Namba before heading out onto Osaka’s lively streets.