Tokyo Akihabara: Street Go-Kart Tour in Costume & Guide

Summary

Drive Tokyo’s neon streets in costume through Akihabara Ginza & Marunouchi

You’ll suit up as your favorite character and drive a street go-kart through Akihabara, Ginza, and past Tokyo Station with a local guide leading the way. Expect laughter from strangers, city smells you’ve never noticed before, and a rush that sticks with you long after. Includes costume rental, all fees, and safety checks—just bring your license (and maybe nerves).

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost chickened out when I saw the row of go-karts lined up outside Akihabara station. The helmets looked tiny, and the costumes (I picked Mario, obviously) were even brighter than the signs overhead. Our guide, Kenji, grinned and gave us a quick rundown in half-English, half-gestures. “No crash!” he joked, then pointed at my shoes — open toes aren’t allowed. Luckily I’d worn sneakers for once.

The first few blocks felt surreal. You’re actually driving a go-kart on real Tokyo roads — not some closed course — with taxis and delivery bikes zipping past like it’s totally normal to see a parade of cartoon characters at a red light. At one point near Ginza, an old lady waved her umbrella at us and laughed; I think she called me “Mario-san.” The city smells different when you’re this low to the ground — exhaust mixed with sweet bread from a bakery we passed by Tokyo Station. Kenji kept checking on us in his rearview mirror, making sure no one got left behind.

There was this moment right under the neon chaos of Akihabara where everything just clicked — horns blaring somewhere far off, lights bouncing off shop windows, my hands sticky from gripping the wheel too hard. I tried to shout “Yahoo!” but it came out as more of a nervous squeak (Li next to me nearly crashed laughing). It’s loud and silly and kind of freeing to be part of the madness for an hour or two. Honestly, I still think about that view up Marunouchi’s red-brick station building as we zipped past — you don’t get that angle on foot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tokyo street go-kart tour highlights

• See Tokyo Station Marunouchi building
• Drive through Ginza shopping district
• Drive through Akihabara anime district

Top questions

Do I need an international driving permit for this go-kart tour?

Yes, all participants need an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention or an approved Japanese translation for certain countries.

Is costume rental included in the Tokyo street go-kart tour?

Yes, costume rental is included so you can dress up as your favorite character during the tour.

Where does the street go-kart tour in Tokyo start?

The tour starts in Akihabara and includes routes through Ginza and past Tokyo Station.

Can groups book together for the go-kart experience?

Groups should book together under one reservation; separate bookings can’t be guaranteed to join together.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No meals are included; only kart rental, costume rental, guide fee, fuel surcharge, taxes and handling charges are covered.

Are there health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What should I wear for the street go-kart tour?

You must wear closed footwear; skirts or long dresses aren’t advised due to safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes kart rental with fuel surcharge covered, full costume rental so you can pick your favorite character outfit (I went classic), all taxes and handling fees taken care of upfront, plus a lead guide who drives with you through every stop—just make sure you bring your international driving permit and passport along before setting out onto those wild Tokyo streets.