Tokyo Go Kart Tour: Asakusa, Skytree & Akihabara Drive

Summary

Go karting Tokyo streets in costume past temples neon & sumo stadium

You’ll drive your own go kart through Tokyo’s wildest neighborhoods — costumed up and led by a local guide who knows every shortcut and photo spot. Expect real city traffic (and stares), stops at Skytree, Senso-ji Temple and Akihabara’s neon chaos, plus printed photos to take home. It’s fast-paced but oddly grounding — you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own Tokyo story.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the guy at the shop door grinning and asking which costume I wanted — Mario or Pikachu? I went for Luigi, but honestly the helmet felt a bit tight. Our guide, Kenji, checked my international permit (the real paper one — he was strict about that), then handed out bottled water and gave us a quick safety talk that was half serious, half jokes. There was this faint smell of engine oil mixed with street food from a yakitori stand nearby. It made me nervous and hungry at the same time.

We pulled out into the Tokyo traffic — yes, actual traffic — and suddenly I was eye-level with taxi bumpers. Kenji led us in single file toward Skytree. People waved or stared; one old lady clapped when we passed. The city felt different from down there: neon buzzing overhead in Akihabara, the air thick with fried batter smells and a bit of rain on my sleeves. At Senso-ji Temple we stopped for photos (Kenji took them — he’s got this way of making you laugh right before he snaps it). The temple’s lanterns glowed red even though it was still afternoon.

Driving past Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, Kenji pointed out a group of wrestlers heading inside, huge and silent except for their sandals scraping the pavement. I tried to say “sumo” in Japanese and totally failed — Kenji laughed so hard he almost missed the light. We zipped over Nihonbashi Bridge after that; skyscrapers reflected off the river like something from a manga panel. My hands were cold on the steering wheel but I didn’t care much by then.

I didn’t expect to feel so visible — like part of Tokyo’s show for an hour or so. When we got back to the shop they handed me a printed photo where I’m grinning like an idiot in my Luigi hat. I still think about that view under Skytree, all those lights flickering above us while we waited at a red light together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Go kart tour of Tokyo landmarks

• Start at go kart store
• Drive past Tokyo Skytree
• Drive past Asakusa Sensoji Temple
• Drive past Kokugikan Sumo Stadium
• Drive through Akihabara electric town
• View skyscrapers at Nihonbashi city

Top questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit for this Tokyo go kart tour?

Yes, you need a hardcopy 1949 Geneva Convention IDP or approved Japanese translation/permit to drive legally in Japan for this tour.

What landmarks do we pass on the go kart day trip?

You’ll drive past Skytree Tower, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara electric town, Nihonbashi Bridge and Kokugikan Sumo Stadium.

Are costumes included in the Tokyo go kart experience?

Yes, you can choose from various costumes at no extra charge before starting your drive.

Is there a guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide leads your group through Tokyo streets and takes photos along the way.

How long does the go kart tour last?

The standard route lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes including all stops.

Are photos provided after the tour?

Your guide will take pictures during the drive and you’ll get printed copies afterward.

Is bottled water provided on this tour?

Bottled water is included for each participant before departure.

Where does this go kart tour start?

The meeting point is at their central Tokyo store; details are sent after booking.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water before departure, all go-kart rental fees with fuel covered, use of fun costumes at no extra charge (yes really), storage lockers for your stuff while you drive around Tokyo’s main sights with a local guide leading the way. They’ll snap plenty of photos en route and give you printed copies when you finish back at base.