Tokyo Shibuya: Street Go-Kart Tour in Costume & Photos

Summary

Dress up and drive a go-kart through Shibuya Crossing with photos

You’ll drive a go-kart through Shibuya Crossing dressed as your favorite character, wave back at crowds snapping photos, cruise Harajuku’s pop fashion streets, and roll past Omotesando’s glowing trees—all with a local guide leading and snapping pictures for you. Expect laughter, city smells, maybe some nerves—and memories that stick around longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d see Tokyo from this angle—sitting low to the ground, engine humming, dressed as Mario (yes, I went for it). The first seconds were honestly nerve-wracking. Our guide, Kenji, was super chill though—he checked our licenses again at the garage and made sure we understood the rules before we rolled out into Shibuya’s chaos. It smelled like city air and exhaust, but not in a bad way—more like energy. People on the sidewalks started waving right away. Some even shouted “kawaii!” which made me laugh under my mask.

Driving straight into Shibuya Crossing felt unreal. There’s this weird moment where you’re just another part of the crowd—except you’re in a go-kart dressed as an anime character, and every phone is pointed at you. The lights changed and suddenly we were moving with hundreds of people all around us. Kenji kept checking on us in his own kart at the front, making sure nobody got left behind. I caught a whiff of sweet crepes drifting over from somewhere near Harajuku as we turned off the main drag. That part surprised me—I expected noise, but there were these pockets of quiet between intersections where you could almost hear your own heart.

We cruised down Omotesando too, past trees strung with lights and shop windows full of things I couldn’t afford (or pronounce). At one point Li from our group tried to say “Harajuku” in Japanese and Kenji just grinned—“Close enough!” he said. It was colder than I expected for Tokyo spring; my hands felt it through the gloves they gave us. But honestly? The adrenaline kept me warm. We stopped for quick photos here and there—Kenji snapped a ton—and by the end I’d almost forgotten how silly I looked.

I still think about that feeling rolling back into the garage: half-embarrassed, half-proud, everyone grinning like idiots under their helmets. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like part of Tokyo’s wild side—even just for an hour or two—this street go-kart tour is probably as close as you’ll get.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive through Shibuya and Harajuku

• Drive through Shibuya Crossing
• Pass by Harajuku fashion district
• Drive along Omotesando boulevard

Top questions

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

Yes, all participants need an International Driving Permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention format or an official Japanese translation for certain countries.

How many people can join each street go-kart group in Shibuya?

The maximum group size is six drivers per guide; larger groups are split up.

Is costume rental included in the street go-kart experience?

Yes, costume rental is included—you can choose from various comic or anime characters.

Where does the street go-kart tour route go?

The route covers Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku fashion district, and Omotesando boulevard.

Are photos provided after the street go-kart tour?

Yes, your guide takes photos during the tour and shares them with you at the end.

Is hotel pickup included for this activity?

No hotel pickup; you'll meet at the designated location near Shibuya.

Can travelers with mobility or hearing impairments join?

You must inform them if you have any level of hearing or mobility impairment before booking.

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

Wear flat closed footwear; avoid long skirts or dresses for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes all taxes and fees covered up front plus your kart rental and fuel surcharge; costume rental so you can pick your favorite character; a lead guide driving along in their own kart to keep everyone safe; tons of photos taken throughout (shared digitally at the end); just show up with your permit and passport ready to roll through Tokyo’s wildest streets together.