Tokyo Go Kart Tour: Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku Drive

Summary

Go karting Tokyo’s wildest streets from Shibuya to Shinjuku

You’ll drive your own go kart through Tokyo’s wildest neighborhoods — from Shibuya crossing past Harajuku’s shops to neon-lit Shinjuku — with a local guide leading the way. Costumes are included (pick your favorite), plus photos taken by your guide so you can relive those moments later. It’s fast-paced, funny, and honestly unforgettable in ways you don’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I’d never driven a go kart anywhere near real traffic before, let alone through the middle of Tokyo. But there I was in Shibuya, squeezing into a bright costume (I picked Luigi, no regrets) while our guide, Kenji, checked everyone’s permits and cracked jokes about my “serious racing face.” The city noise felt different down at street level — more raw somehow — and I could smell sweet bread from a bakery as we waited for the light to change at that famous crossing. People waved and snapped photos. I waved back, probably looking ridiculous but not caring at all.

We zipped through Harajuku next — you know that stretch where the shops spill out onto the sidewalk? The karts are lower than you’d think; you feel every bump and see people’s shoes up close. Kenji led us like a little parade, pointing out a shrine tucked behind some trees (I almost missed it because I was too busy grinning). There was this moment at a red light when an old lady gave me a thumbs-up and said something in Japanese I didn’t catch. It just made me laugh. The whole thing felt half surreal, half like being part of the city’s pulse for an hour.

By the time we hit Shinjuku, the sun was slanting between buildings and everything looked gold for a second. Kenji kept stopping to snap photos — he really got into it, making us pose or just catching us mid-laugh. My hands smelled faintly of engine oil after we parked (not complaining), and someone handed out bottled water while we traded stories about who almost missed which turn. You end up feeling sort of giddy — maybe it’s the adrenaline or just seeing Tokyo from such a weird angle. Either way, I still think about that view down Omotesando with all those neon signs flickering on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Go-kart tour through Tokyo landmarks

• Present International Driving Permit
• Wear costume for go-karting
• Start go-karting in Shibuya
• Drive through Shibuya crossing
• Drive through Harajuku shopping district
• Drive through Shinjuku area
• Guide takes photos during ride

Top questions

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

Yes, you must bring a hardcopy International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention or specific Japanese translations depending on your country.

Where does the go kart tour in Tokyo start?

The tour starts in the heart of Shibuya.

Is there a guide during the go kart tour?

Yes, a local guide leads the group throughout the route.

Are costumes provided for the go kart ride?

Yes, there’s an exciting collection of costumes you can wear during the tour.

How long does this go kart experience last?

The main route takes about one hour from Shibuya through Harajuku to Shinjuku.

Can my friend without a driving permit join as passenger?

No, each participant must have their own valid permit; no passengers allowed.

Are photos included in this day trip?

Yes, your guide will take photos during the ride and provide printed copies afterward.

What is included in this Tokyo go kart package?

Your ride includes fuel, bottled water, locker use, costume rental, photo shooting with printed photo, and guidance throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes go kart rental with fuel covered, bottled water to keep you going (trust me—you’ll want it), use of lockers for your stuff while you drive around Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods with your local guide leading every turn. Costumes are part of it—pick whatever suits your mood—and your guide takes care of snapping pictures along the way so you get printed photos after parking back in Shibuya.