Tokyo Go-Kart Tour: Shibuya Crossing, Tower & Costumes

Summary

Zip past Tokyo Tower in costume, cross Shibuya on a go-kart, laugh with locals and see city icons up close

You’ll feel like part of Tokyo’s pulse as you zip through Shibuya Crossing in costume, wave back at locals, and catch city icons up close from your go-kart seat. With a friendly guide leading the way, stops for photos, and that odd mix of nerves and laughter — this is sightseeing that sticks with you long after you’ve parked.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to be dressed as Luigi and waiting at a traffic light under Tokyo Tower. The engine was rumbling under me — not loud but you feel it in your hands — and there was this weird thrill knowing I was about to drive a go-kart through actual city streets. Our guide, Kenji, grinned and told us to “drive like you’re in Mario Kart but… safer,” which made everyone laugh (and also made me a little nervous). The smell of petrol mixed with street food from a nearby stall — yakitori maybe? — drifted over as we set off.

The first big moment hit at Shibuya Crossing. It’s one thing seeing it from the sidewalk; it’s another rolling right through the middle, people waving and taking photos. Some teenagers shouted “kawaii!” at our costumes. Kenji kept checking on us in his rearview mirror — he really knew how to keep things moving without making it feel rushed. We zipped past Roppongi Hills and into Harajuku; the light changed so fast between glass towers and old shrines that my head spun a little. I tried saying something in Japanese to a local at a stoplight (Li laughed at my accent), but honestly everyone seemed happy to see us having fun.

By the time we got near Jingu Stadium, my hands were cold from the wind but I didn’t care. There’s something about seeing Tokyo this way — low to the ground, part of the noise and color instead of just watching it all pass by from a bus window. Kenji took photos for us at every stop (I still have mine on my fridge), and I remember thinking I’d never look at these neighborhoods the same way again. So yeah, if you’re even half-considering this go-kart tour from Shinagawa through Shibuya Crossing and beyond… just do it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Go-karting tour through Tokyo highlights

• Start at Monkeykart Shinagawa store
• Put on go-karting costume
• Drive past Tokyo Tower
• Drive through Roppongi Hills
• Drive across Shibuya Crossing
• Drive through Harajuku
• Drive along Omotesando
• Drive by Jingu Baseball Stadium
• Guide takes photos during tour

Top questions

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

Yes, you need a physical International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention or an approved Japanese license translation.

Where does the Tokyo go-kart tour start?

The tour starts from Monkeykart Shinagawa store in Tokyo.

How long is the go-karting route?

The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What sights are included on this day trip?

You’ll drive past Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Jingu Baseball Stadium (Shinjuku).

Are costumes provided for the go-kart tour?

Yes, there’s an exciting collection of costumes included for riders.

Is pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; the meeting point is Monkeykart Shinagawa store.

Can someone take photos during the experience?

Your local guide takes pictures throughout and gives you printed copies after.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included with your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a custom go-kart with petrol covered, costume rental so you can get into character before hitting Tokyo’s streets, bottled water for when nerves kick in or after laughing too hard at your friends’ outfits, secure locker storage for your things while you drive, photo shooting by your guide along several stops (with printed copies to keep), plus all guidance along the route from start to finish.