Tokyo Shibuya: Go Kart Tour with Costumes & Photo Stops

Summary

Drive a go kart through Shibuya Crossing past neon crowds to Harajuku with photos and costumes

You’ll slip into costume and drive a go kart through Shibuya Crossing with a local guide leading you past neon crowds into Harajuku and Omotesando. Expect laughter, unexpected photo stops, and sensory overload in the best way possible—plus you’ll get printed pictures to remember how surreal it all felt.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from the Monkey Kart shop in Shibuya, helmets on and already laughing at each other’s costume choices (I went for Mario — not original, but it felt right). The city noise was everywhere — that low Tokyo hum mixed with sudden bursts of music from shopfronts. Our guide, Kenji, kept waving us forward with these big, easy gestures. I remember my hands gripping the tiny steering wheel tighter than expected as we turned toward the Shibuya Crossing. It’s wild how exposed you feel sitting so low to the ground while people tower above you, some waving or snapping photos. I caught this whiff of sweet crepe batter drifting over from a stand as we waited at the light — totally random detail but it stuck with me.

Driving a go kart in Tokyo isn’t what I thought it’d be — it’s less about speed and more about being part of the street itself. We zipped through Harajuku where teenagers in wild outfits barely glanced at us (guess we weren’t that weird after all). Kenji stopped us at Omotesando for a quick photo session; he had this whole routine down, telling us exactly where to stand so the city lights would hit just right. My friend tried to say “arigatou” and butchered it so badly even Kenji cracked up. There was this one moment near Meiji Shrine where everything got quiet for half a minute — just engine purrs and that faint cedar smell from the trees.

I didn’t expect to feel so much like a character in someone else’s story — people pointing, laughing, sometimes cheering us on as we drove by. The printed photo they gave me at the end is now stuck to my fridge back home. Every time I see it I get this weird mix of nostalgia and adrenaline again. If you’re thinking about doing go karting in Shibuya, just double check your license situation first (Japan’s rules are strict), but honestly — it’s worth sorting out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Go kart tour in central Tokyo

• Present International Driving Permit
• Start at Monkey Kart Shibuya store
• Drive through Shibuya Crossing
• Drive to Harajuku shopping district
• Drive along Omotesando
• Drive past Meiji Shrine
• Wear costumes for the ride
• Guide takes iconic photos

Top questions

Do I need an international driving permit for go karting in Shibuya?

Yes, you need a hardcopy International Driving Permit booklet under the 1949 Geneva Convention issued by official agencies like AAA or CAA.

Where does the Tokyo go kart tour start?

The tour starts at the Monkey Kart store in Shibuya.

How long is the go kart experience?

The tour lasts about 1 hour.

Which areas do you drive through on this tour?

You’ll drive through Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku shopping district, Omotesando, and near Meiji Shrine.

Are costumes included for go karting in Tokyo?

Yes, there’s an exciting collection of costumes included so you can dress up before driving.

Are photos taken during the tour?

Your guide will take pictures along the way and give you a printed photo at the end.

Is bottled water provided on this tour?

Bottled water is included for each participant.

Is public transportation nearby after finishing?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point in Shibuya.

What’s included

Your hour-long adventure includes a go kart with fuel, bottled water for each driver, secure lockers for your stuff, fun costumes to wear along the route, plus both digital and printed photos taken by your guide—so you’ll have proof you really did drive through Tokyo dressed as Mario or Pikachu (or whatever you pick).