mario tour japan

The 5 Best Mario Kart Tours in Tokyo [2024 Reviews]

How’d you like to race through Tokyo’s dazzling maze of neon, where ancient traditions and futuristic innovations merge? You could don costumes of beloved Mario Kart characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, revving up your own kart to see how fantasy and reality blur.

Tokyo is transformed into your very own real-life racetrack where you can zoom through with your friends and family for an experience like no other.

If you’re looking for something fun and unique to do in this skyscraper-filled city, look no further than the top Tokyo Mario Kart tours!

Be sure to see our reviews of Tokyo Food Tours , Mt Fuji Day Trips and Guided Tours of Tokyo .

Best Street Go-Kart Tours in Tokyo

Quick answer: the 5 best mario kart tours in tokyo for 2024.

• Tokyo: Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot
• Kart experience in Shinjuku drive metropolitan area **IDP must**
• Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop
• Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa
• Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Shinagawa Shop

Tokyo Mario Kart Tour Reviews

1. tokyo: go-kart tour and photoshoot.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Departure: 3-chōme-33-2 Sasazuka, Shibuya City, Tokyo
• Departure Time: 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM
• Includes: Tour guide, go-kart, photoshoot, costume

This is one of those activities that is more than worth the bit of extra planning getting an international license requires.

Trust me, when you’re in Tokyo you’re not going to want to miss out on this unreal experience that will make it feel like you’ve just been transported into one of your favorite video games!

The Tokyo: Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot not only provides tons of fun and adrenaline, but also some great mementos to take home with you!

Picture this: you get your partner, friends, or family and head out to the center of the city and sit behind the wheel of a custom-built go-kart.

You don your favorite character’s costume and get ready for a turbo-charged joyride through the same streets where Godzilla and Gundam arose. Safety is always the top priority here, and the staff does a great job of ensuring that throughout the tour.

Expand To See More See Less

Your first stop is Shinjuku, which will have you zooming past the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the iconic Love Sign, amongst other landmarks.

My favorite part was near the nightlife hub of Shinjuku Station, which provides a sensory overload of neon lights, laughing, technology, and energy that perfectly exudes that “Tokyo” feel. Of course, cruising through Harajuku feels wonderfully youthful and trendy with its melding of cultures and colors. 

Shibuya Crossing was insane, which feels like some sort of wild choreography of humans walking, driving, and zooming by with other forms of transportation. To top it all off, your guide will be there capturing the best moments of the ride so you can forever have some legendary memories to revisit!

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. kart experience in shinjuku drive metropolitan area **idp must**.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure Time: Between 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Includes: Go-kart, guide, photo shooting, costume, Bluetooth speaker

Next up, we have yet another tour that’s super easy to fit into even the busies of schedules. For thrillseekers and video game aficionados alike, this experience breaks the mold of traditional tours!

Zoom through this amazing metropolis in a way no other compares with the Kart Experience in Shinjuku Drive Metropolitan Area Tour ! They couldn’t possibly make this tour more convenient either, with tons of different start times available.

If you’re looking to race through the neon-drenched labyrinth that is Shinjuku, this is one of the best tours out there. Dress up as Pikachu, Mario, or other fun and famous characters and get buckled in!

Once you arrive to the go-kart rental location, your guide and other staff will be there to make sure you’re comfortable and have any and all questions answered. Then, you’re ready to set off into a whirlwind of color, lights, and noises as your kart weaves through the tides of people and cars!

The first stop of the journey is the infamous Shibuya Crossing, which is quite possibly the coolest intersection in the entire world. 

Keep on cruising through Harajuku, which hasn’t lost any of its style since the famed Gwen Stefani track came out. The fashion mecca feels more like some kind of futuristic runway than a street road, where you’ll race by like some kind of mobile work of art.

Shinjuku Golden Gai consists of a maze of little winding alleys thriving with hidden taverns and secrets waiting for you to discover (highly recommend checking this out more later on). 

You’re surely never going to forget this tour, but just to keep memories fresh in your mind, they’ll even take photos throughout the tour for you to keep!

3. Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop

• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Departure:  2-chōme-10-10 Shinkiba, Koto City, Tokyo
• Departure Time: Between 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Fuel surcharge, Costume Rental Fee, Kart Rental Fee, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Kart Insurance

If you’re looking to explore Tokyo, I can’t think of a cooler way to do it than with a Mario Kart excursion. It’s definitely not a tour you’re likely to become bored by, like so many tours that just rattle off facts and check off a list of landmarks.

With the Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Tokyo Bay Shop , you’ll cruise past famous sites but also get to experience the authentic sounds and scenes like a local would from the street. 

Of course, things will take a little bit of a twist from the “average” day, as you’re going to be donning fun character costumes, sliding into go-karts, and cruising through this mind-blowing city’s neon-lit streets. It doesn’t get more Tokyo than this!

If you’re over boring tours that just herd tourists around like cattle, this is definitely the right experience for you!

Your guide will lead the way to ensure you don’t get caught up in the chaos or lose your way, as safety is always a priority. After all, this is all about good times and fun, and you can’t have that if you’re stressed out. 

You’ll zip by the looming modern icon that is the Tokyo Tower, decked out in its signature red and white stripes and standing high among the rest of the skyscrapers.

You may have only experienced the Rainbow Bridge in the actual Mario game on your TV, but did you know that you’re going to experience it for real with this tour? That’s right – you’ll be racing over the real-life rainbow bridge that spans Tokyo, like a gateway to breathtaking vistas. 

While an international driving permit is necessary in order to partake, it’s surprisingly easy to get. Not to mention, with the guide leading you, it’s much less intimidating and allows you to simply enjoy this experience with loved ones.

4. Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa

• Departure:  3-chōme-25-31 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035
• Departure Time:  Between 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, Fuel surcharge, Costume Rental Fee, Kart Rental Fee, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Kart Insurance

Are you in the mood for a hassle-free tour where you can get to know Tokyo from a super unique perspective? Perhaps you really loved Mario Kart and want to get a real-life taste?

Well, I can’t say you’ll be allowed to throw bananas at your friends, but you’ll get as close as possible to the game with the Official Street Go-Kart Tour in Asakusa ! 

If you ever played Mario Kart with friends and wondered what it would be like to ride around like that in real life, you’re in luck. It’s time to strap into a real-life go-kart and rev those engines to dive right in to the home of Nintendo: Tokyo.

You’ll be riding around this incredible city in style, dressed up as characters either from Mario Kart itself, comics, or various anime!

With various start times available, this tour was super easy to fit into our busy schedule. However, the organization was top-notch, with incredible customer service and friendly guides there to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable.

Not to mention, they take photos of you and your party throughout the entire time for fun mementos!

The guide offers a kind of secret map to the city’s hidden treasures and hot spots that most tourists don’t get a chance to see. The Asakusa Shrine was a quiet oasis in the midst of Tokyo’s chaos, which was pretty cool to experience for a moment.

The Tokyo Skytree stood out like a needle in the sky, piercing it with a kind of neon flair that you’d only see here.

If possible, I highly recommend doing both the daylight tour and the nighttime tour. It was a little nervewracking at first driving on the left side of the road, but the guide made sure no one was left behind and was super easy to follow to ensure no cars or buses got too close to our karts. 

5. Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Shinagawa Shop

• Duration:  2 to 4 hours
• Departure:  1-chōme-23-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM
• Includes:  Driver/guide, fuel surcharge, costume rental, kart and helmet rental, all taxes, fees and handling charges

I couldn’t talk about this type of tour without mentioning our fifth excursion: the Official Street Go-Kart Tour – Shinagawa Shop ! This is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, totaling anywhere from 2 to 4 hours but if you have the extra time it’s worth it.

This fun and exhilarating tour plunges you headfirst into the vibrant madness of Tokyo in a way like no other, so let’s jump right in!

I can tell you that there’s literally limitless opportunities for fun and adventure in Tokyo, but this is one of the most unique. In fact, despite all of the fun and interesting experiences I had here, this tour stood out the most to me.

If you’re looking to get a lay of the land and would like to see all the main sites, it’s also a fantastic way to kick off any trip here.

I wasn’t expecting to learn so much about the different landmarks and sites, considering I knew we’d all be driving around in our own go-karts.

However, our tour guide was nothing short of excellent, offering us tons of interesting facts, anecdotes, and historical accounts of the different neighborhoods and spots. They even took photos of us for free, showing us not only the biggest tourist sites, but plenty of hidden gems.

Just like with the others, you can expect to see the Tokyo Tower in its signature red and white stripes, and the even more colorful Rainbow Bridge which stretches across Tokyo Bay.

This urban marvel was one of my favorites, and I ended up coming back later to enjoy it with my camera. The Shibuya Crossing was an experience in itself, seeing as you’re literally driving through the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing – like Times Square on steroids.

Tour Guides

The Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot is our Editors Choice for the best Mario Kart Tour in Tokyo.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], the 5 best halong bay cruises [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best mekong delta & cu chi tunnels tours [2024 reviews].

Real-Life Mario Kart in Tokyo

Race like super mario.

Playing Mario Kart no longer has to be limited to a video game. The time has come where you can finally experience it in real life! We drove Mario Kart in Tokyo during our first visit and have to admit that it was one of our highlights. 

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UPDATE: Sadly, you can no longer rent Mario-Kart costumes. However, instead of Mario, Luigi, and friends, you can dress up as your favorite superheroes!

CHOOSE ROUTE

Table of Contents

How does Mario Kart in Tokyo work?

Mario Kart in Tokyo has been around for the last couple of years and even though it’s not officially “Mario Kart” it feels exactly like it! You’ll be driving Tokyo’s streets in a go-kart dressed as a Mario character ! We first tried the tour in 2017 and would surely do it again! In total, there are 7 different Mario Kart locations in Tokyo and several more across Japan. Visitors to cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa can also take advantage of this fun tour!

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment , so you can check in, store your belongings and choose your Mario-themed costume! It’s first-come-first-served. Once it’s time to start, you and your small group of max 10 travelers will head out to the go-karts, where you’ll get all important safety instructions.

Mario Kart in Tokyo is not really a race, but a tour. Considering that you are driving with regular traffic, a race would never be possible. You’ll be going fast, though. The maximum speed of the karts is about 40 mph and you’ll be driving on the left side of the road .

Mario Kart Routes

What you need to drive mario kart in tokyo.

Mario Kart in Tokyo is suited for travelers age 18+ that are between 4.9 and 6.1 feet tall. In order to drive, you further need:

• your passport
• an international driving permit (IDP)

There are absolutely no exceptions! Should you not have an international driver’s license yet, don’t worry: it’s very easy to get. It’s a paper document that is only valid in combination with your driver’s license. You can, for example, head to your nearest AAA-branch and you’ll have it within 20 minutes and it will cost you approximately $20. You’ll need to present the filled out form and present it together with two original passport pictures.

Mario Kart Prices

Tickets for participating in the Mario Kart Tour in Tokyo start at $57 per person . Prices depend on the selected location and tour length: 1 hour, 2 hours, or 3 hours.

What’s included:

• the go-kart rental
• introduction & safety precautions

Store your belongings securely in one of the provided bags!

Or else you may lose them. It’s not recommended to try to grab your phone during a traffic light or any other part of the tour. Your guide will take a few photos of you and your team during your ride. You can also opt to rent a GoPro for an additional fee to record your ‘race’.

• action camera
• photoshoot experience
• fake mustache (you get to keep it)

When you get to your locations, you can choose to add on an action camera to record your drive or, going one step further, a photoshoot experience.

CHOOSE RACE

My Review of Mario Kart in Tokyo

Mario Kart in Tokyo was easily one of our travel highlights. It’s not only fun in itself but also a different way to see Tokyo during your ride! We drove over the Rainbow Bridge and saw many other sights such as Tokyo Tower on the way. It’s a cool experience just to be driving on the left side. It’s also a cool experience to be driving a go-kart in normal traffic. Driving around like this in costumes will put smiles on people’s faces , regardless of whether Japanese or other travelers. Pedestrians and drivers alike will cheer you on everywhere you look! So would we say that Mario Kart in Tokyo is worth it? Absolutely YES, it’s an unforgettable memory! Mario Kart in Tokyo is enjoying increasing popularity, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

RESERVE TOUR

All Mario Kart Locations in Tokyo

There are several Mario Kart shops across the city, making it very convenient to get to the start of your tour. Even though there are two Shinagawa locations, please be informed that they offer identical routes, unlike Akihabara.

• Shinagawa #1 Address: 1-23-15 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Shinagawa #2 Address: 3-16-46 Higashi-gotanda Shinagawa ward Tokyo, Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Akihabara #1 Address: 4-12-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda 101-0021, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Akihabara #2 Address: 4 Chome-16 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda 101-0025, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Shibuya Address: 15-3-3, Maruyama-Cho, Shibuya, 150-0044, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Tokyo Bay Address: 2-10 Shinkiba Koutoh Ward, Tokyo Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
• Asakusa Address: 3-25-31 Nishi-Asakusa Taito Ward Tokyo Opening hours: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm

You can also drive Mario Kart in:

Is it dangerous to drive Mario Kart in Tokyo? It can be. Remember that you are driving on the left side of the road at high speeds without a helmet and with regular traffic. You should always be alert. Should you separate from the group or experience another issue, it’s always best to pull over instead of trying to catch up or drive by yourself.

Is Mario Kart in Tokyo legal? Yes, it is. The government has approved Mario Kart in Japan.

Can children drive Mario Kart in Tokyo? Drivers need to be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.

How many people can fit into one go-kart? Each go-kart can hold one person.

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Go-Karting in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

The options for seeing Tokyo are varied—from busy trains to taxis , and of course cheapo-friendly feet . But what if you want something different? How about riding a go-kart through the streets of Tokyo? Yes, this is something you can actually do! Read on to find out how.

Wait, wasn’t street go-karting banned in Japan ? Nope! You can most definitely go-kart in Tokyo, Osaka and some other parts of the country. For example, you can take this go-kart tour of Asakusa, Skytree and Akihabara , slightly longer Akihabara and glitzy Ginza go-kart tour , or an epic two-hour go-kart tour around Tokyo Bay, through Headout . Availability can vary between go-kart experience providers, particularly during peak travel seasons, so we recommend checking the table below .

Go-karting in Tokyo: How it works

While go-karting around Tokyo sounds wacky and carefree, it is not the sort of activity you can just do on a whim. It takes some prior planning.

The first thing you need to do is confirm that you have the correct driver’s license (more on that below). You also need to be 18 years of age or older.

Then you need to book a tour online, in advance. Depending on the provider and time of year, you’ll need to book between 2 days and 1 month ahead!

At the shop, you’ll get a brief tutorial on driving the karts. (It’s different from a car, as you’ll use a different foot for the gas and for the brakes).

Before scorching the tarmac, you can stash your belongings in a locker at the shop and change into your costume, which is usually included in the price.

In most cases, the tour guide will set the pace and the route, so you don’t need to worry about taking a wrong turn and ending up in, say, Hokkaido .

Important: Driving is on the left side of the road in Japan.

Also make sure to show up for your tour on time — or it might leave without you!

Hokkaido . You can also try go-karting under the neon-lights of Osaka or Kyoto . -->

Tokyo go-kart tickets

One of the most popular Tokyo go-kart options is Go Karting in Akihabara (via Klook) , with a 1-hour ride costing ¥ 7,200 , or 2 hours for ¥ 13,217 (also available from Viator and Rakuten Travel Experiences ). You’ll likely need to book at least a month in advance during peak times.

Another popular option is this go-kart tour of Asakusa, Skytree and Akihabara . The tour comes with free photography and costs ¥ 18,500 .

Whatever you choose, be sure to read the fine print, especially about cancellations. There’s no reason you can’t drive a go-kart in the rain, but you probably don’t want to.

Not in Tokyo? Japan go-kart tours are also available in:

• [affiliate id="rakuten" text="Chiba (near Tokyo)" link="https://experiences.travel.rakuten.com/experiences/22064"].

Choosing your shop and tour(s)

• Short course, priced at [price amount=7000]: 35 minutes driving time, taking you around Minato Ward, including past Tokyo Tower
• "Popular" course, priced at [price amount=8500]: 90 minutes driving time, taking you around Harajuku, Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Roppongi (including Tokyo Tower)
• Quick go-kart lesson
• Fun costume
• Tour guide driver
• GPS & speakers (subject to availability)
• Fuel (and no, you don't need to fill up on the way back)
• Accident insurance

Go-kart locations in Tokyo

There’s quite a bit of choice — whether you want to cruise by Shibuya Crossing or drive through the Akiba gaming district , here’s a quick overview of the main go-karting locations in Tokyo.

Getting kitted out to go-kart in Tokyo

If you’re going to zoom through the streets, you’ll need some accessories—either for safety or fun. Rentals typically include a face-guard mask and shades, to protect you from dust or other irritants the street might kick up, plus your favorite costume.

All the operators mentioned in this article include costume rental in the price, but no all of them have Mario character costumes. However, if there’s a specific character on your go-kart bucket list, you can probably buy it yourself quite cheaply at the variety store Donki .

Depending on the shop, you can also sometimes rent LED shoes, a bluetooth speaker or a 4K action camera. Memory cards might also be available if you need one—just ask.

One great element is that the shops don’t prevent you from bringing your own cameras, costumes or anything else — and don’t charge you either, so you can use your own equipment as you please.

Go-karting in Tokyo: Safety precautions

Riding through the streets at knee-level might seem a bit dangerous when confronted with trucks, boy-racers, and never-re-tested pensioner-drivers, but the rental companies do have safety measures in place. Accident insurance is included, and there are some general rules to follow that are designed to keep you alive that little bit longer.

• No racing allowed
• Dress appropriately: no heels, sandals, or long skirts allowed
• Follow your guide’s advice and route, including hand gestures and speed

Editor’s note: I have tried this (in the name of research) and frankly found it terrifying, even though the tour I participated in was conducted responsibly. Just that, well, riding through the streets at knee-level alongside trucks is terrifying. But everyone else seemed to be having fun, so I guess it’s just me.

What license do you need to drive a go-kart in Japan?

Although it might look like a game, this adventure takes place on real-life streets and is regulated by Japanese law. Anyone wanting to drive a “Mario Kart” in Tokyo will need to have one of the following:

• A full Japanese driving license
• This permit can only be obtained outside of Japan and lasts for one year from the date of entry to Japan and/or issuance. It is easy to get, for example, it can be obtained from the AAA for around $20 in America.
• It must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention; the permit cannot be issued under the 1926 Paris Convention, the 1943 Washington Convention, or the 1968 Vienna Convention.
• An American driving license with US military ID is also acceptable.
• A foreign driving license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Estonia, Taiwan, Slovenia, or Monaco. Residents of these countries are allowed to drive in Japan for one year from entry, provided they have a Japanese translation by an authorized organization. Bring these two documents and your passport with you. Pro tip: You can get your license translated here .

What about the non-drivers?

If you can’t drive, don’t have the paperwork, or just don’t trust yourself (or others) on the road, you can still take part in the fun. There is sometimes an option for a non-driver to travel in a special tuk-tuk or convertible to take photos of the team. The boarding fee of approximately ¥ 3,000 may be waived if the person travels in the same car as the staff. If that isn’t available, you can always park yourself at a cafe along the driving route and wave as the go-karts cruise past.

A word of warning before you roar off

There have been a few incidents with people driving a go-kart in Tokyo, including a hit-and-run with a cyclist and some very, very dodgy driving on very busy roads. It can’t be stated enough that you need to drive responsibly at all times. Enjoy the experience, but keep in mind that you need to be extremely careful—and also respectful of your surroundings. Some go-karts have been getting on the nerves of local residents, so try to keep the peace.

Copyright issues: A couple of years ago, Mari Mobility (the old MariCar company) found itself in very hot water with a certain video game company. Fortunately for folks wanting to rent a street kart in Tokyo, they weren’t the only provider on the block.

While we do our best to keep things current, all prices and other details are subject to change. Last updated in March, 2023.

閱讀中文版本: 去日本東京體驗高卡車 (Go-Karting) 的詳盡指南

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Mario Kart In Real Life In Tokyo – Complete Guide 2024

Do I need to tell you how crazy this thing was? I definitely do. It was huge ! I drove a go-kart, dressed-up as Mario, through the streets of Tokyo. It was a thrilling experience and I had so much fun! It’s also a great trip if you’d like to visit popular Japanese districts like Roppongi and Shibuya .

But before to start, here is what you can expect during your Mario Kart trip:

Let’s get right into it! Here’s how you need to plan everything to get in one of those go-karts and free the Mario in you! Right in the middle of Tokyo.

Driver’s Licence – Can I drive a kart in Tokyo streets?

Good news! If you come from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco or Taiwan, you’re allowed to drive during your stay in Japan if you manage to get your licence translated in Japanese. Let me explain to you how to do that in this blog post .

You’ll be asked to provide a translated copy of your driver’s licence automatically before to start the tour. You can’t really skip this step so just get your licence translated.

If you come from a different country, you will need an international driving licence.

How to book your Mario Kart Tour?

There are several ways to do this but the easiest option is to book your trip with Klook . That’s what I did and everything went smoothly. It was actually less expensive to book via Klook as they run many sales campaigns but I highly recommend you to book in advance to make sure you get a spot.

Mario Kart Tokyo – Available Tours

The Kart tours use to include a trip around Roppongi and it’s actually the one I did but unfortunately they stopped that tour because of a parking issue. But don’t worry as they are 2 other amazing tours.

The first one is the Asakusa tour where you will have the chance to visit obviously Asakusa but also Ueno area, Akihabara and many other places in the north east part of Tokyo. This tour is quite popular so make sure your book in advance to get a spot. You will also have 2 options available: the short with only one hour of driving and the middle course with 2 hours of karting. I highly recommend the 2-hour course to get the full experience.

The second option available is the Akihabara tour. Akihabara is the place to be for all Otaku (geeks or anima fans)and it’s really a cool place to drive your kart with your costume. People in the streets of Akihabara will get crazy as soon as they see you and they will take a ton of pictures. You will be like a star ! 🙂

In terms of time, you have 3 options this time: 1-hour, 2-hour or 3-hour course. As this tour is not so expensive, why not booking the 3-hour tour! 🙂

Mario Kart Tokyo – How much does it cost ?

As described above, you have in total 2 tours available with different courses.

For the Asakusa tour, here are the prices:

• 1-hour course: 72$
• 2-hour course: 101$

For the Akihabara tour, here are the prices:

• 1-hour course: 42$
• 2-hour course: 49$
• 3-hour course: 77$

Not so expensive, right? 🙂 By the way, Klook currently runs sales so you can get 37% off on your tickets. Feel free to book as soon as possible to take advantage of the sales: Street Go Karting Experience Tokyo .

What about costumes ?

All costumes will be provided at the workshop so don’t worry at about it. Try to be there 15 to 20 minutes prior to the reservation time just to make sure you have enough time to put on your costume.

You’ll also have access to many other accessories like the famous Mario banana. Do I have to tell you not to throw that on the streets? Of course I don’t. It’s part of the costume, although I admit I was tempted to throw it under a cab that got a bit too close to me. 🙂

To finish, a big thumbs up to the staff who were really nice before and during the tour. You guys rock! 😉

There you go, now you know all there is to know about this crazy attraction! All you have to do is get your costume on and jump into your go-kart for a mad drive! If you want to try more unique activities that you can do only in Japan, fee free to read these articles too: Weird Japan .

Don’t forget you can always follow my journey on social media here:  Facebook Page , Facebook Group , Instagram , Youtube and Twitter .

Talk to you all very soon,

PS : For more stuff to do in Japan’s capital, you can also check out this blog post: Best things to do in Tokyo .

Hi there, is there a height restriction for the karts? And are there any other good karting experiences that perhaps dont have this height restriction?

Hi Saira, I think there’s a height restriction (above 1m40) but I’m not 100% sure.

Hey just wondering. How long before my trip should I book this

Hi there, thank you for your comment. I would say you should book as soon as possible cause this activity is often “Sold Out”, especially during high seasons (Spring and Autumn).

Hey,nice informative post. I also wanted to check..in this tour you basically explore the sights from outside and dont actually go in right? For example one of their tour has Tokyo SkyTree as a part of the tour and i have a city tour which covers it too..so was wondering if it will be an overlap. Also do you recommend doing it during the day or night and which tour is the best according to you?

Hi Neha, you are right, you don’t go inside the Tokyo Skytree, you just see it from outside. And I recommend to do the tour during the night, it’s even more fun! 🙂 Enjoy your trip in Japan. 😀

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Take On A Street Go-Kart Thru Tokyo! Once in a lifetime experience and Once is Never Enough!

Thank you for your continuing support. We at Street Kart is providing our service as usual. Street Kart is fully complied through local governing laws in Japan.Street Kart is in no way a reflection of Nintendo, the game 'Mario Kart'.(We do not provide rental of costumes of Mario Series.)

Street Go-Kart Tour "Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting" in Tokyo.

Extremely exciting and a must have experience when you visit Tokyo Japan. Just imagine yourself on a custom made go kart specifically tailored to realize the Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience! Dress up in your favorite character costume, playing the music of your choice and driving through the city of Tokyo. All eyes on you guarantee! You can ride with a group or ride privately, Street Kart is fully equipped to make your experience a very important one. Don't trust us but trust our valued customers, because they say "Once is never enough"!

Street Kart's custom made go-kart is for Streets in Japan. You will need a valid Japanese driver's license, or an International Driving Permit , or an SOFA License for US Forces Japan, or your own driver's license and an official Japanese translation of the license if you are from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Estonia, Monaco. Remember! NO LICENSE NO DRIVE!! For more information .

Why You Would Love It:

Street go-karting.

No special license is needed! Just have a valid Japanese License, International drivers permit, or a SOFA license and you're ready to ride all through Tokyo! For more information

Safety and compliance

Our custom made go-karts are fully complied with local governing laws in Japan. Also company safety regulations exceeds the safety requirements by police officials therefore our street kart experience is not only exciting and fun but also very safe.

Many Awesome options!

We have all the optional gear to make you private or group karting a tailored one. Communication bands to talk to your friends while driving! Action cameras to capture that "absolute" moment of fun and excitement!

Street Kart Options

Action camera.

We have the latest and most powerful 4k action camera so you can record yourself or family/friends have the best time in the streets. You can always bring your own action camera. You can use your own microSD card or you can buy the microSD cards at the shop.

Bluetooth Speaker

All our custom-made karts is equipped with bluetooth speakers.You can create your own personal driving experience with your favorite music!

Rental Costumes

How can you say you had a “Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience” without dressed up like him! We have all the costumes you can think of to make this a “Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting experience”! For all those Super Hero fans, don't worry we have them all too!

Street Kart is healthy adventurous recreation service that provides our customers the opportunity to ride our custom go-cart on the street. Street Kart is in no way a reflection of Nintendo, the game 'Mario Kart'.(We do not provide rental of costumes of Mario Series.)Street Kart is a very exciting once in a life time experience tour you can enjoy in the streets of Japan. Safety is our top priority. We wish our customers to respect the safety of yourself and other while having fun. Thank you.By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use.

Reservations

• 01 Check availability thorough Facebook, email, telephone, web form, and local tour companies.
• 02 Please agree to our terms and be sure to have your valid drivers license in Japan.
• 03 Please confirm our confirmation email regarding your reservation.

Activity flow

• 01 Be sure to come to our shop 15 min prior to your reservation. *We usually proceed out tour despite the weather. But if you are unsure please contact the shop.
• 02 Upon arrival, make sure to present your reservation and time to the cashier. Upon confirmation, please present your valid drives license and ID(Passport).
• 03 We will provide wrist bands according to reservation. After receiving the wrist bands, please fill out our questionnaire.
• 04 Please put all your belongings in the locker (ID and drivers license needed). Then choose your favorite costume! All costumes are washed.
• 05 When the group is ready for the tour, our guide will brief you how to drive and safety precautions of the kart.
• 06 ENJOY YOUR TOUR!

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User's voice, unforgettable memories.

It's one of the funniest things we have ever done in our life, we loved the course, it is safe, people are very respectful of the GoKarts on the street, and pedestrians are always amazed of seeing Street Kart on the street. We loved it so much, our tour guides where very attentive and always aware of everything. If you are in Japan and love Karting, you have to do this, it's something you will miss so much.

Wow!!! This was such an amazing experience. I can't put words to how fun this truly was. Best time I had in Japan hands down!!! such an epic experience. I'll never forget this!! Huge thanks to Street Kart and the staff that helped make this happen!!For anyone in the USA, if you're thinking of doing this, stop thinking and start booking. To get your international drivers license/permit, just go to AAA and pay $20 plus passport pictures and in 15 minutes you're a licensed international driver!

I expected to have fun, but it was so much more than that. This was an unforgettable experience. We went on Friday, it's now Sunday and we are STILL talking about how much fun we had!! The employees were so nice, fun and helpful. If you are near Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa or planning on visiting, this is a MUST DO! We did the night drive, but will be doing the daytime drive next time....YES! We are going again! Definitely money well spent . Thank you for a great experience.

High Speed Karts!

One of the best highlight of my Japan trip! Before going for this, I was worried that it might be dangerous, but on the contrary I felt really safe on the road. With us dressed up in Mario on the go kart on the streets with other vehicles, at a speed of 60km/hr, it was definitely a exhilarating experience for me.Given a chance, I would definitely go again for my next trip.

This is Japan!!

Our last day after 8 months in japan we did this and wow! What a send off! An incredible experience with non stop laughs as we go-karted our way around the city, would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to have a bit of crazy fun while dressed up. Definately one of the best experiences in japan and our guide was awesome! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting is coming true

SO much fun! A great and unique way to enjoy City! Our guide was awesome and made sure we all stayed together throughout the drive. Plenty of stops for pics and rests along the way. Our guide even took group photos and shared them with us! HIGHLY recommended! A "don't miss" during your Tokyo, Osaka, Okinawa visit!

Great Service!

Had a great time driving around Tyoko and a wonderful tour the city, there is something for everyone great views of the city, a cool look into the cosplay world, and a lot of positive reactions from the people on street. There was a good selection of characters to choose from, the staff was delightful and helpful the carts are in good running shape all around good time we will be doing this again thank you Street Kart for a good day and good service.

No words can describe how awesome this experience was! This is the best way to see the city! Our guide Ryou-san was extremely nice and took some amazing pictures for us. He made sure everyone was safe and following. Though we were nervous in the beginning, we quickly gained confidence and enjoyed the drive. Thank you Street Kart staff! We will be back!✌

Felt like celebrities

This was such an amazing activity! I've been living in Japan for almost 3 years and had never had the chance to do it. During my last month here we decided we had to make a go of it. I'm so glad we did! We were able to drive around the city, seeing the sites from a whole new perspective. Getting dressed up is a must, made us feel like we were celebrities and was such a unique experience. This is an absolute MUST DO for anyone visiting Japan!!! I hope more cities in the world start this!!!!

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** SNS Review Price:Just talk about your experience or share it at your SNS/Blog. We welcome reviews on TripAdvisor, but please be advised that due to our company regulations, the review itself is not valid for any discounts. ** VIP Desk:We have a concierge VIP desk for those who require exceptional care during our Kart experience. We also appreciate enthusiastic optimist to experience our cart sensation tailor made (blogers, you-tubers, instagramers, and etc.) Please fell free to contact us when such service is needed. VIP admin . ** Press Center:We treasure any press that is interested in experiening our sensational tour and we are also capable to tailor make your experience to your needs. Please contact us at Press Center .

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• Regular Price JPY 29,000/pax
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Our each shop provide the original cource (different from each other). if you are the repeater and want to go another cource, try to visit another shop.

• ** We purchased our microSDs in a bulk from overseas therefore each microSDs are brand new but are not packaged separately)
• ** We don't charge for bringing your own Action Camera, microSD, or Costume.

Please beware We advise all customers to show up with proper attire(no heels, no sandals, or long skirt.)

Station Name: Shinkiba Station What type of train lines reach Shinkiba Station: Jr Higashi Nihon: Keiyou Line Tokyo Metro: Yurakucho Line Tokyo Rinkai Kosoku Tetsudo: Rinkai Line (around 10 to 13 minute walk from station to shop)

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How To Book Real Mario Kart In Tokyo? | Street Kart In Tokyo Guide 2024

There are many ways to tour Tokyo but the most fun way is to take a MariCar for a spin! Check out this guide on How To Book Real Mario Kart In Tokyo so you’re ready to zoom off in the street kart during your Tokyo vacay!

Experience the thrill of real-life Mario Kart racing through the bustling streets of Tokyo!

Our guide will steer you through the process of booking this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, from securing your international driver’s permit to choosing the perfect costume, ensuring you’re ready to hit the road, Mario-style.

Page Contents

How To Book Real Mario Kart In Tokyo?

Booking Mario Kart in Tokyo typically involves contacting a rental service that offers Mario Kart tours or experiences. Here are some steps you can follow:

• Search online for Mario Kart rental services in Tokyo. Look for reputable companies with good reviews.
• Visit the chosen company’s website or contact them directly to inquire about Mario Kart availability and booking options.
• Be prepared to provide details like the desired date, time, duration, and number of participants.
• Finalize the booking by confirming details and making any necessary payments.

Here are some popular Mario Kart rental services in Tokyo:

• MariCar Tokyo
• B-Max Tokyo
• Tokyo Kart Tour

Related: Don’t miss out on the Japanese Izakaya experience. Here’s a guide!

Let’s check out what are the best Maricar courses in Tokyo you can take and its prices. Before that, this Mario Kart in Tokyo guide also discusses some Tokyo go-kart tips – so make sure you read that as well. This way you’re ready with everything you need!

Real-life Mario Kart In Tokyo Guide

There are several Street Kart shops in Tokyo you can choose from depending on the course you’d like to take and the length of the course you prefer. Check out the best Maricar courses and prices on this Mario Kart in Tokyo guide down below! 

The duration required to complete each course, its prices, and the areas you’ll visit during the course are all mentioned down below in this Mario Kart in Tokyo guide! Have a look!

Related: Here’s how to get a tourist SIM card in Japan!

What You Need To Know To Take Mario Kart Tour In Tokyo

Now I know you’re super excited about go-karting in Tokyo but first let’s look at some tips before you take the go-kart tour in Tokyo!

ID Proof: Passport, Driver’s license, and International Driver’s Permit (IDP)

Since you will be actually driving the go-kart on the streets of Tokyo along with the regular traffic, it’s mandatory for you to carry your license. In case you get stopped by the Japanese po-po, you’ll have to show your foreign driver’s license and your IDP so they can translate your foreign driver’s license. You can get your IDP from your local road assistance office from your city. 

And as for your passport, by law, it’s mandatory for tourists to have their passports on them at all times. 

But drivers who have a license from Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Belgium, France, Taiwan or Monaco, don’t have to get an IDP I

Instead simply get a translated copy of your driver’s license along with your original driver’s license.

To get the Japanese translation of your driver’s license, simply head to the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF). This will cost you around JPY 3000. The JAF offices are open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, so if you go there first thing in the morning, chances you can get your translated driver’s license on the same day!

Book in advance:

Go-karting in Tokyo is quite popular and one of the favorites of amongst the tourists. So getting a spot at your preferred MariCar shop might be difficult at the last minute. So make sure you book your spots in advance through their website or Facebook page. Links to booking for each shop are provided down below. 

It’s not a race:

Don’t try to race or overtake the driver in front of you. You simply have to follow your MariCar guide as you enjoy the beautiful views around you. 

Wearing any protection is optional:

While driving the MariCar it’s not compulsory for you to wear a helmet, nor is there a seatbelt. So if you’re worried about getting into an accident, or hurting yourself, better get your own. 

You can bring your own costumes and accessories if you want:

You can rent your favorite superhero costumes at the Maricar shop you choose. But, you can also buy your own, in case you don’t want to wear one of theirs. You can also rent or bring your own accessories like Bluetooth speakers, plastic banana, or whatever compliments your costume. 

And lastly,

Don’t throw banana peels on the street!

No, you’re not real real-life Mario and no you cannot throw banana peels on someone just cause another car got too close to your MariCar! 

Related: Here’s a guide to climbing Mt Fuji! Check it out!

Safety Precautions During Mario Kart

Mario Kart might be a little daunting as it’s on the streets with loads of trucks, cars and other vehicles so it’s better to take safety precautions to ensure that there are no accidents taking place. Although accident insurance is included, it’s always safe to be prepared. 

Here are a few rules to follow: 

• Racing isn’t allowed so don’t try to overtake cars
• Heels, sandals, skirts etc. are not allowed so dress appropriately and accordingly.
• Always follow what the guide says and follow his hand gestures, speed and route.

Best Mario Kart Tickets and Courses In Tokyo

Taking a Maricar by Street Kart for a spin in Tokyo is one of the best things to do in Tokyo, amongst other things! 

Check out this quick summary of the best Street Kart shops in Tokyo and the MariCar courses they offer. 

Now let’s look at all the Maricar courses in this Mario Kart in Tokyo guide in detail!

Shinagawa Mario Kart Courses

You’ll find two Street Kart shops in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Both the shops offer the same MariCar Tokyo tours.

#1 — Street Kart Shinagawa Shop #1

Course: SM/S2M

This is a medium-length course and will take you about 1.5 to 2 hours to finish. You’ll drive through Tokyo tower, go through Roppongi, and Shibuya crossing before you come back to Shinagawa. This one will cost you about JPY 10,000. 

You can book it here!

#2 — Maricar Shinagawa Street Kart Shop #2

Course: SL/S2L

This is a long course and will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours to finish. You’ll drive through Rainbow bridge, Tokyo tower, Roppongi, Shibuya Crossing before heading back to Shinagawa. This one will cost you about JPY 13,000. Since it’s a longer course and you zoom through the Rainbow bridge (no, not the 2 fast 2 furious types!) 

Maricar Akihabara Courses

There are two Street Kart shops at Akihabara, Tokyo. Each Street Kart shop offers different courses. Check it out now!

#3 — Maricar Akihabara Shop #1

Course: A1-M

This is a medium-length course that will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll go through Tokyo station, Ginza, Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Skytree before heading back. This one will cost you about JPY 10,000. 

#4 — Maricar Akihabara Shop #2

This Street Kart shop has two courses to offer. 

Course 1: A2-S

This is a short course and will take you about an hour to finish. You’ll go through Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, and Ryoguku before you head back to the shop. This one will cost you about JPY 7,000. 

Course: A2-M

This is a medium-length course and will take you about 1.5 to 2 hours to finish. Taking this course, you’ll drive through the center of Tokyo before you get back to the shop. This one will cost you JPY 10,000. 

Related: Here’s how you can buy tickets to a Sumo Match in Tokyo!

Maricar Shibuya Courses

#5 — Maricar Shibuya Street Kart Shop

Course: H-S

This is a short course and will take you about an hour to finish. You’ll drive through Shibuya crossing, Harajuku, and Omotesando before you head back to the shop. This one will cost you about JPY 8,000. 

Go-kart Asakusa Courses

#6 — Maricar Asakusa Street kart Shop 

Course : SK-M 

This one is a medium-length course and will take you about 1.5 to 2 hours. In this course, you’ll drive around Asakusa, Ueno, through Tokyo Dome, and Tokyo Skytree before heading back to the shop. It will cost you about JPY 10,000

Street Kart Tokyo Bay Courses

The Tokyo Bay Street Kart shop offers 3 courses. 

#7 — Maricar Tokyo Bay Street Kart Shop

Course: K-M

This is a medium-length course and will take you about 1.5-2 hours to finish. You can drive through Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo tower before you return back to Tokyo Bay. This one will cost you JPY 10,000. 

Course: K-L

This one is a long course and will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours to finish. You’ll drive through Rainbow bridge, Tokyo tower, Shibuya crossing, and Tokyo gate bridge and then head back to Tokyo bay. This one will cost you about JPY 13,000 and is totally worth it!

Course: KB-M

This course option includes a 45-minute boat cruise! The course starts with you driving to the Tokyo gate bridge, Rainbow bridge, which is followed by a tour on a cruise. This one costs about JPY 18,000 and is worth every yen!

How do I book Mario Kart Tickets?

You can book MariCar through the Street Kart shop’s official website or their Facebook page through messenger.

Shinagawa shop 1official site

Shinagawa shop 2 official site

Akihabara shop 1 official site 

Akihabara shop 2 official site 

Shibuya shop official site 

Asakusa shop official site 

Tokyo Bay shop official site

Mario Kart Tokyo Day or Night Tour – Which One Is Better?

Taking the Mario kart Tokyo tour during the day or night is a personal choice. Obviously, taking the Mario kart Tokyo night tour is an exciting experience because the Tokyo city really comes to life in the night.

You can see all the iconic Tokyo attractions lit up and driving past them with your street kart will definitely be an unforgettable experience. But all you need to be vary of is the weather.

It can get really cold at night in Tokyo. So as long as you’re dressed to face the cold weather – you’re good to go! The best thing to do is opt for a late afternoon slot and take a longer course so you’ll end the course towards the night. 

How much is Mario Kart in Tokyo?

Go-karting in Japan by booking through any of the Street Kart shops can cost you approximately anywhere between JPY 7000 to JPY 18,000. The price depends on the course and the length of the course you choose. The Tokyo Bay Street kart shop offers a MariCar course that’s also inclusive of a cruise tour in the end at JPY 18,000. 

Is MariCar safe?

MariCar is safe as long as you follow the instructions to the T and drive safely on the road. There have been a couple of accidents where the driver got mildly hurt but nothing too serious. Just make sure you follow the guide and the instructions he/she gives you during the course and you should be okay. While helmets and face mask guards aren’t compulsory, you can rent or buy one before you get on the Maricar. 

Can you take part in Mario Kart if you don’t know how to drive?

If you’re under confident about driving or don’t have documents, it’s not a big deal because you can still be a part of the fun. You can go from a special tuk-tuk or convertible to take pictures or you can also travel with staff. 

A fee of JPY 3,000 will be incurred but it might be waived off if you’re travelling with staff. If the karts aren’t available then you can sit at a cafe and wave at the karts.

Can children drive Mario Kart in Tokyo?

Children below the age of 18 years cannot drive the Mario Kart. Everyone driving Mario Kart needs to hold a driving license. 

Is it dangerous to drive Mario Kart in Tokyo?

It can be a little dangerous driving Mario Kart in Tokyo but if you follow rules and safety precautions then you’re good to go. Always wear a helmet and drive on the left side. Be alert and always stay with the group. Don’t try to overtake other carts because it’s not a race.

What does the Mario Kart package include?

Here are the things included in Mario Kart package:

• Accident insurance
• Tour guide driver
• Speakers and GPS
• Fuel (fill up the fuel on your way back)
• Go Karting lesson

What license do you need to get Mario Kart?

It might look fun and games but driving rules and driving license are the most important things required to go for Mario Kart. Here’s what you need to have:

• International driving permit used with home country license and passport.
• Full Japanese driving license
• SOFA Driving License
• Foreign Driving License
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Buckle up for Tokyo Mario Kart Tours

Tokyo Mario Kart Tours!? These Nintendo-esque go-kart street tours have to be one of the most talked about and instagrammable experiences in town. For visitors not in the know, it won’t take long on the city streets before a fleet of brightly coloured go-karters whizz past, begging the question ‘ what was that !?’. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen these tours go past, never imagining that I would one day be on the other side of the onesie.

Mario Kart Tours in Tokyo

The tours launched in 2011 and have steadily grown in popularity. So popular in fact that Nintendo sought legal action against ‘MariCar’ regarding their name and the use of Nintendo costumes in the carts. In my recent visit, there wasn’t a Nintendo character in sight, though there were some off-brand Disney, Sanrio and anime costume options.

There are a few companies operating the ‘Mario Kart’ tours; Street Kart and Tokyo Kart to name a few. You can book directly or through sites like Trip Advisor. Each company offers a slightly different experience. Street Kart seems to have more location and length options, perfect if you’re just wanting a taste. They run regularly throughout the day and at night, so flexible for any travel schedule. You can choose what area you’d like to drive in, too. Do you want the lights of Shibuya, Tokyo Tower, or some bays and bridges? They and Tokyo Kart also offer longer 2–3 hour journeys where you see a number of sights. For those not in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Okinawa and Mt. Fuji offer go-kart experiences, too.  

The process

Once you’ve booked, you can eagerly await your upcoming race—err, drive! You and your fellow drivers should arrive at the location 15 minutes early to take care of paperwork, safety procedures, a nervous bathroom break and most importantly, costume selection. There are other add-ons available, such as the 4K action camera (GoPro) to rent for your drive. This whole process can take around 30 minutes.

We should note: all drivers must have a valid driver’s license to ride—sorry kids. It can be a Japanese Driver’s License, an international driving permit, Japanese SOFA license or a license translation (certain countries only). Be sure to check the stipulations of your go-kart company ahead of time otherwise you’ll be turned away.

The Safety Briefing

For our Roppongi Street Kart experience, we signed our wavers, paid 500 yen insurance and were almost on our way. Honestly, the thought of driving on Tokyo streets, among traffic, in a low cart was a little daunting. Luckily the English subtitled video demonstration covered how to operate the kart, follow the leader and stay safe. It wasn’t long before we were lead down to the karts to practice our newly learned skills in a controlled environment before taking to the streets in formation.

On the Road

The heady petrol fumes, a Tokyo breeze ruffling the polyester hair of your onesie; what a rush! We drove in single file until the leader’s fist shot up in the air—our signal to form two lines at traffic lights. People stared, waved and took pictures as we sat idle, waiting for the green. Being at the back of the pack, I had to run a few orange lights to avoid being separated from the group. That being said, none of the dangers seemed to bother me much. I looked up and waved at bemused drivers, simply talked raised my talking voice to counteract the trucks roaring past. A great feature of the carts are the zippable pouches under the steering wheel which means you can bring a phone to take photos.

The whole experience was a delightful balance of fear and fun; definitely one of the best Tokyo tours going around. Highly recommended. Just don’t shoot any turtles or launch any bananas!

Post by Japan Journeys .

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How To Experience Real Life Mario Kart In Japan

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This is now ranked number 1 on my Japan “things-to-do” list!

Fast forward to some months later, the incident was almost completely forgotten. For a different reason, I was planning a trip to Japan and the Mario Kart activity immediately came back to the forefront of my mind – it was going to be a definite must-do on my trip!

There is currently only one major company that runs the Mario Kart tours (MariCar) in various major cities around Japan. Their company was sued previously by Nintendo for using the idea of Super Mario, and so they now offer other cartoon characters you can also dress up as as “Cosplay” Go-Kart tours.  It is important to note that you can only join a tour if you have a Japanese drivers license, or an International Drivers Permit (“IDP”).  Having a drivers license in any English from any western country is not sufficient, and the company won’t let you join the tour without an official IDP.

After going on one of their “short” tours around Tokyo (the total time took about 1.5-2 hours) where they stopped at a few of the major tourist attractions on a pre-defined route (my tour took me past the Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and through the famous Shibuya crossing). Upon getting in the tiny Karts and seeing other tour group members in front of you dressed up as Mario characters (or other cartoon characters), it’s easy to forget that you’re not in a video game, and I had to remind myself constantly to obey the Japanese traffic rules.  But being in Japan, the other cars also obey the rules diligently and drive carefully so being in a tiny go-Kart still fees very safe. Pedestrians (locals and tourists alike) get very excited seeing the Karts on the streets, as it’s still a random and infrequent occurrence, taking out their phones immediately to take photos of you and wave hi. The pedestrians aren’t the only ones taking photos of you – your tour guide also takes photos at every attraction stop so you don’t need to worry about photos yourself. GoPros are also allowed, but if you forget yours, you can always rent it with the company.

Japan has a whole plethora of things to do and see in the country, but doing a Mario Kart tour is now ranked number 1 on my Japan “things-to-do” list!

Tracy Cheng

Contributor, jst shop vendor.

Tracy loves photography and documenting her travels. She has lived in Hong Kong, London, Toronto and Los Angeles, and has a piece of her heart in each city.

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Super Nintendo World

The first mario theme park in the world.

Super Nintendo World is a thematic zone that opened in 2021 in Osaka’s Universal Studios Park and dedicated to Mario, the famous Italian plumber. As a video game franchise and the first official Nintendo Park in the world, this attraction park is unique in its category. After 3 years of works and a delayed opening, it was inaugurated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Located in the eastern part of Universal Studios Japan (USJ), the first interactive Nintendo Park in the world , dedicated to the Mario series , has officially opened to the public on March 18, 2021. The opening was delayed several times, and coincided with USJ’s 20th anniversary. However the international context is unfavorable with a lingering Coronavirus   🦠 pandemic and only 5 months before the summer Tokyo Olympic Games   🏅 , postponed to 2021 and to which overseas spectators were not allowed.

Compared to Harry Potter world, Super Nintendo World covers a larger area, its construction budget was about 25% more than the famous wizard’s and amounted to 50 billion yens (~326.5 million dollars). The construction began in early June 2017 and lasted 3 years.

One month after Super Nintendo World’s opening, the sanitary conditions still require to limit visitors’ number in the park. For this first visit , we knowingly chose a low attendance day: on a weekday and not during Japanese school holidays . A little bit after the gate-opening hours, USJ is still quite empty and waiting times for attractions, even the most popular, do not exceed twenty minutes. Despite the happiness of enjoying the park without the crowd, one cannot help feeling the empty alleys weight on the atmosphere which is not as cheerful as usual.

We did not need to book a timed ticket, as the day pass (or year pass for us) was enough to enter immediately Super Nintendo World on days when visitors’ numbers were low. Note however that it is almost impossible on the weekends and holidays: due to the quota instated, registration for a time slot will be required. At the time of writing, this reservation, named Area Timed Entry Ticket , can only be made on site and for the same day, either via:

• A connection to the USJ official smartphone app; or,
• A specific booth upon arriving in the park.

With the gradual reopening of the borders and the complete reopening of Japan to tourism in October 2022, the Nintendo Park has become very popular and the timed ticket an essential to enjoy it. We strongly recommend to arrive as soon as USJ opens to register as early as possible to the dedicated counter or connect to the official app, so as to get the precious QR Code necessary to enter.

The real-life Mushroom Kingdom

The entrance to the land is one of the famous warp pipes that leads to the heart of the colorful Mushroom Kingdom . The scenery is beautifully done and includes countless details and moving elements, to the wonder of visitors totally immersed in this impressive view . In the background, various soundtracks from Mario 's universe video games play softly and offer a musical environment all along the journey.

The awesome monumental decors, built on 2 levels, include:

• Princess Peach’s Castle ,
• Bowser’s Castle (Bowser is named Koopa in Japan), and,
• Mount Beanpole.

Walking inside the park, you will easily encounter the main protagonists and even take a picture with them:

• Mario and Luigi ,
• Captain Toad, and,
• Princess Peach .

For this overview of Super Nintendo World shortly after its inauguration, we will see two main attractions, an interactive treasure hunt, two merchandise shops, one cafe-restaurant and a couple of snack vendors.

Interactive game with the Power-Up Band

Pass holders don’t need to pay additional fee to access Mario’s world in Universal Studios Japan, but the Power-Up Band bracelet is certainly a must-have to enjoy all the subtleties of this universe.

The Power-Up Band is a kind of magnetic key similar to a smartwatch without screen and working with a smartphone  📱 app . The Band exists in 6 types available to purchase and each of them represent a team: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi...The game can start and the goal is to to score and secure a high ranking by playing interactive mini-games and collecting a maximum of coins and digital stamps throughout the park.

The Power-Up Band is a replacement for game console paddle and allows gamers fan of Nintendo to play their favorite video games in real life. The park’s hyperconnectivity and the immersive digital technology were thoroughly designed to experience:

• Punching cubes to *virtually* collect coins,
• Solving riddles, some of which based on sounds,
• Escaping Piranha Plants, or
• Defeating a Goomba.

To access Bowser Jr’s Castle  🏯 in the hidden world of Super Nintendo World , 3 keys are necessary and to be collected in a quest. The final fight against Mario’s sworn enemy takes place on screens in an original setting.

The virtual treasure hunt is particularly suited to children and without a doubt enhances the interest of this Mario Park. The Power-Up Band can also be used in the 2 main attractions, then as an Amiibo with the Nintendo Switch at home.

The attractions

Mario kart koopa's challenge.

Despite its attractive name, Mario Kart is not really a racing game as speed is not the core of the action. It is more akin to an augmented reality shooting game . Equipped with a red helmet on which the affixed visor serves as a screen, 4 people ride the kart, 2 at the front and 2 at the back.

Then the race ride begins and players shoot shells on opponents and other targets appearing before their eyes, as they move forward. The digital technology is successfully harnessed with sharp and seamless animations . That is certainly where the true challenge lay for the designers.

Yoshi's Adventures

Yoshi’s Adventures is the best attraction to ride with children : an omnimover ride constituted of variously colored Yoshis. Decors are dazzlingly cute, ideal to delight the younger ones and please lovers of kawaii sceneries. Moreover, the itinerary of this little train  🚅 -like attraction winds in the park allowing for nice panoramic views from above and sweeping views over all of Nintendo Park.

While on the ride, players can collect a maximum of colored eggs hidden in the decor.

Upcoming attractions

The construction of new attractions is expected, to enhance the theme park  🎡 in the near future. Some have been confirmed, such as attractions related to Mario and Zelda, but their openings are scheduled later.

In October 2021, USJ partnered with the Pokémon Company for an attraction that is yet to be unveiled.

The Donkey Kong Area is to open in 2024 , featuring a roller coaster and restaurants, it will make the park 70 % bigger.

The opening of a museum dedicated to Nintendo's history in Uji (near Kyoto ) by the end of 2023 was announced . The place named “Nintendo Gallery” will use the "Uji Ogura Plant" premises, a plant formerly used by the company between 1969 and 2016.

Moreover, 2 American versions of Super Nintendo World are expected:

• California's Universal Studios Hollywood, opened since February 17 , 2023 and,
• Florida’s Universal Orlando Resort for 2025 .

Mario universe in all its variations: gifts and food

The official park would not be complete without a comprehensive offer of Mario merchandise . And the creative design team really racked their brains to provide a large array of items of the Italian plumber’s universe. You can find anything: the unavoidable soft toys, tableware, original figurines, vivid color tee-shirts, hats of all shapes, the famous Groucho-glasses, bath towels, decorated boxes for tissues, and senbei crackers, it is almost impossible not to buy something!

Lastly on the food side, Kinopio's Cafe is a restaurant serving Mario-ized dishes. The menu is both of Italian inspiration , to remind of the plumber’s origins, and American with the classic bacon cheeseburger. Mushrooms are naturally references to Chef Toad, the owner of the restaurant.

We also recommend a stop at the Pit Stop Popcorn , that sells popcorn of course, but in unusual containers, such as a Power Star that lights up and can be used later as a souvenir lamp.

Super Nintendo World is mainly targetted to children and huge fans of Mario , and is much more pleasant to visit in group , with friends or family. The beautiful decors of the park faithfully recreate the universe of the famous video games and hopefully they will not age too much before foreign tourists can come back. It is a good place for interactivity and friendly competition , but if you are looking for thrills you’d better visit the other USJ lands.

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Experience Real Life Mario Kart Racing On The Streets Of Tokyo Japan!

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories Japan

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

You know the saying that something is so good it should be illegal? Now how often have you heard that said about a tour??? Well, that’s exactly what I was saying after my real-life Mario Kart Tokyo tour with MariCar !  

Note – the name has absolutely no affiliation with Super Mario Bros (what even is that, please don’t sue us Nintendo!).  

This is a big call I know, but I guarantee you’ll be saying the exact same thing after you experience real-life Mario Kart Racing around Tokyo.

Who would have thought that Japan, a country of strict rules and no-nonsense conformist culture, would ever allow a bunch of tourists to hurtle around their capital city of Tokyo in (I absolutely kid you not) a bunch of street legal go-karts!

Yes, you read that right, we’re talking about real life Mario Kart racing through the most populated city on earth, adrenaline pumping, wind blowing in your face as you pass by many of the most famous landmarks of Tokyo!

Now let’s just be clear, it’s MariCARS, an innocent name completely of its own origin. We are not sure what Mario refers to. It could be Mario Sciacca (half of the Danish-Italian pop duo Muri & Mario)  12931 Mario (an asteroid),  Mario (a 1984 Canadian drama film) or really anyone with the given name Mario…

Why would it necessarily refer to Super Mario Kart, an acclaimed video game by Nintendo released in 1992 that featured gamers racing against computer-controlled characters including a particular fictional Italian plumber… I mean, I can’t possibly see any similarities at all, can you?

For any traveler that’s been to any of the biggest cities in the world before you no doubt know that upon arriving in Tokyo you are initially going to be a little overwhelmed.

Where to go, what to see etc – there are just so many options of unusual things to do in Tokyo. Simply getting your bearings in Tokyo so you can come up with the best plan that suits you is going to be difficult. Now I’ve always said if you’re not sure where to start with a city the best thing to do is jump on a city tour of some sort.

Generally, this would involve something like a free walking tour some cities offer or perhaps a food tour that shows you around at the same time.  However, when visiting Tokyo it would be a struggle to cover any decent ground with those other more traditional ideas given the size of the city, meaning you only get to see a small area of Tokyo and spend plenty of time underground in crowded subways.

Thankfully here in Tokyo, however, you have a 3rd option for exploring the city – with a big point of difference – MariCARS!!! Head out on a tour with MariCARS and you’ll be traversing a big chunk of the central city along with the wind in your hair and adrenaline pumping through your veins – no boring facts, forced souvenir shopping or stuffy museums guaranteed!

Real life Mario Kart racing on the streets of Tokyo Japan offers a brilliantly novel way of getting a snapshot of all the best parts of Tokyo from a completely different angle.

On arriving at the MariCARS shop the first order of business is, of course, a bit of paperwork. It goes without saying this type of activity doesn’t come without risk but the professional team has been running this operation for years without serious incident however full insurance is offered just to be on the safe side (and just like hiring a car in Tokyo , you would be crazy not to take it!).

After some simple digital forms and a check of your international driver’s license it’s time to make some big decisions…..what am I going to wear!?

Remember this is Japan and simply karting around the city isn’t crazy enough. To really set the mood you have the option of uncountable different animated characters from movies and video games to choose from. Are you feeling particularly Super….man? Maybe your friends a little nervous and you need to Poke-em-on? Or perhaps you feel the need to live out your fantasy life as that Italian plumber mentioned earlier?

Whatever you choose it all adds to the hilarity to come for both you and passers-by as you whizz through the streets. The outfits are also washed after each use so no concerns there either.

Important note: A valid international driving license is required for any drivers in Japan – real-life Mario kart or otherwise.

To drive in Japan, you must have either a Japanese Driving License, a SOFA Driving License for US Forces in Japan, a Passport issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia or Monaco with Foreign driving license and Japanese Translation by authorized organization or most likely  –  an international driving Permit (issued by a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention) which you need to apply and receive from your home country! 

“It’s-a-me, Mario! “Here we go!”

Real-Life Mario Kart tours with MariCARS range from 1.5 to 3 hours – but you should go for the longest length possible as once you start you are not going to want to stop, plus you already have gone through all the effort of getting your international drivers license for Japan go-karting right?

Make sure you dress appropriately for the season – it can be bitterly cold in winter, but if you dress properly it won’t be a problem and the epic onesie of famous animation characters available for use free of charge do help to keep you warm! It’s also OK to take phones or small cameras with you and secure bags are provided on the karts.

Normal road rules apply here though so no photos or use of devices are allowed while driving as being pulled over is a stop on the tour you probably don’t want to make. Plus trust me, it is really hard to drive and take photos without your phone going flying…..

“Wha-wha-wha-wha-WAHOO!”

If it’s your first time go karting in Toyko, or anywhere, there’s also nothing to worry about it turns out. I was nervous beforehand but the street-legal go karts have simple controls and a full safety pre-briefing including revising the Japanese road rules is covered, meaning you’ll be zipping around with confidence in no time.

So after more selfies in our ridiculous costumes than I’d care to admire – hey don’t judge, Mario kart cosplay is not an everyday occurrence for me – we finally set off on our go karting experience!

Maricar starts all their tours out in quiet back streets of Tokyo so you get chance to get comfortable with driving your go-kart before you get to any tricky parts.

Soon you’ll be racing along like it’s nobodies business. It’s a bit of a surreal feeling at first, something you think just should not be happening.

Forget virtual reality, real-life Mario Kart racing is truly like playing a video game from your childhood… if there was a video game involving colorful characters zipping around tight corners and bizarre landscapes.

“Wow, an invitation from Peach! I’ll head out right away. I hope she can wait for me!”

The guys at MariCARS really have planned out some great routes, managing to take you to all the best spots to see the sights while avoiding things like traffic or difficult roads.

But they also manage to deliver some great fun simply from the driving! Exciting winding roads to nice open straights, I wish my daily commute was as much fun so if you have the time you really should give their longer tour a go!

A real highlight of our real life Mario Kart adventure was making the climb over Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge, exhilarating would be the only way to describe it, and the icing on the cake was being rewarded after with spectacular views across to Tokyo City and a visit to the Japan Statue of Liberty (yes, that’s a thing!) where curious onlookers will be gagging over your Mario Kart cosplay.

And yes, they will probably want a few photos too!

Even when you’re not looking up at all of the must-see attractions in Tokyo, just taking in the out-of -the-way-areas you wouldn’t have seen otherwise in Tokyo was brilliant. Then there are the slightly more curious parts of the real Mario Kart tour in Tokyo such as filing through a car park building looking for a park (potentially with a few sneaky hand-break drifts.

Not only will there be a giant smile across your face the entire time but you’ll also be getting plenty of attention from everyone else thanks to your Mario Kart cosplay as you go too!

Even though MariCARS has been in operation for a few years the locals still can’t get enough of it – I’m talking kindergarten children running after you or girls ditching their boyfriends to chase you down the street (you won’t find this experience in your Japan Lonely Planet!) .

Or maybe its just that there are simply so many people here not everyone has seen the real-life Mario Karts driving in Tokyo yet.

No matter where we went it was us, the tourists, that had become the attraction (which was kind of similar to our later trip to Nasu, the Imperial Resort town outside of Tokyo).

You better practice your best smile, brush your hair and expect to be the focus of plenty of peoples selfies as just about everyone you’ll pass will be taking a double look, and who could blame them really! Waiting for traffic lights to go green was suddenly a completely different affair.

Rather than being a monotonous wait, it was more like a red carpet photo shoot with people waving and cameras flashing. I for one have never felt more glamorous in my life – in Mario Kart cosplay no less – and it was almost disappointing when it was time to go and leave my new fans.

Driving a real life Mario go-kart may, in fact, be the perfect solution to completely eliminate road rage, and I hope they expand outside of Japan soon!

“A plan this maniacal, this cunning…this must be the work of Bowser!”

If you want to get in on the action and take some pictures of your own during the trip you can either bring your own action-can with you or otherwise MariCARS have their own which you’re able to hire for a pretty low price and keep the microSD card.

Strapping a GoPro to your head is your best bet for some amazing photos or awesome videos that are bound to make every one of your friends at home jealous… Or if you’d rather take the whole real life Mario Kart experience in and not worry about a bulky camera the MariCARS guys are great at taking plenty of pictures of everyone during the occasional stops at the traffic lights which they share with the group at the end of the trip free of charge.

It’s all about going the extra mile with these guys (finally I got to work this pun in!)

“Nighty nighty. Ah, spaghetti. Ah, ravioli. Ahh, mama mia.”

Now generally you’d think that smaller group sizes are better but surprisingly this isn’t the case when heading out on a real life Mario Kart adventure.

We were a group of 10 which made it all the more cooler when there’s so many of you snaking through the streets. Later we saw much smaller groups of 3 to 4 with a competitor company (they were not even in Mario cosplay – BOOO!) and they didn’t really get any attention from the crowds and looked a little sad if I’m honest. And don’t worry about getting lost with larger numbers, during your Mario Kart Tour through busy Tokyo, MariCARS has a guide in front and one bringing up the rear ensuring nobody gets left behind.

 “‘Ohana” means “family.” “Family” means “no one gets left behind.”

That reminds me, you can totally go as Stitch if you want, which judging by the reactions of people on the streets of Tokyo and in DisneySea (the best Disney Resort in the world!).

The whole concept of a real-life Mario Kart tour in Tokyo really is bonkers, but it works so perfectly I can’t believe it hasn’t expanded globally….and I really can’t see any way that you won’t enjoy yourself!

It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll be wanting to do again as soon as you pull up back into the MariCARS shop. And almost certainly one of the weirdest possible things to do in Tokyo , up there with the incredible Robot Restaraunt , DisneySea and the Pokemon Cafe.

Go Karts in Mario Kart cosplay around Tokyo really will be one of the highlights of your time in Tokyo, something unique that you won’t find anywhere else in the world (yet…) Forget the boring walking tours, embrace your childhood video game fantasies and join MariCars go-kart city tour of Tokyo with a difference.

P.S MariCAR has 8 shops dotted around Tokyo so you can probably find one nearby your Tokyo accommodation. There is even now a MariCar in Osaka in case you want to match the nearby Kyoto Fox Shrine with something more exhilarating!

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Super Nintendo World at Japan’s Universal Studios

Super Nintendo World at Japan’s Universal Studios

January 5, 2023

Japan’s much-anticipated Super Nintendo World opened its doors for business on March 18th, 2021, coinciding with the start of Universal Studios Japan (USJ ) ’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Located in USJ in Osaka Prefecture, Super Nintendo World allows guests to experience the wonderment of playing their first Mario video game all over again. Get all the details you need to plan your Universal Studios Japan vacation .

Park Design and Layout

Resembling a Mario game come to vivid life, the pastel-colored park is accessed by a green warp pipe that leads to Princess Peach’s Castle and the Mushroom Kingdom familiar to players of the long-running saga.

The area is dominated by a huge replica of the castle tower scaled by Mario in many of the games, complete with the iconic goal pole on top and other recognizable features such as statues of Goombas and Piranha plants.

Other notable features include the imposing facade of Bowser’s castle , home to a massive statue of Mario’s archenemy and the park’s most exciting attraction, the Mario Kart ride.

The original creator of Super Mario Bros, Shigeru Miyamoto was heavily involved with the design of this attraction, adding to its authenticity. Inside, guests can marvel at a range of faithfully rendered Mario props as they wait to enjoy the ride.

Costumed characters will also be available for meet and greets. Kids will have the chance to get a photo taken with Mario , Luigi, Toad, and Peach.

On the USJ site, there is an interactive map providing a virtual walkthrough of the park which you can enjoy from home.

Rides and Attractions

Two rides are currently open at Super Nintendo World: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventures , a brightly colored children’s attraction based on everyone’s favorite green dinosaur.

The entrance to Koopa’s Challenge is located within Bowser’s Castle and the ride is a fully immersive rollercoaster based on the Mario Kart games that will delight avid gamers young and old.

Making use of cutting-edge AR and projection mapping technology, riders don AR headsets shaped like Mario’s cap to race on multiple rails alongside popular characters from the franchise such as Toad, Luigi, and Princess Peach.

The karts are equipped with a steering wheel and riders are encouraged to collect items and throw shells just like in the video game , as they race through multiple levels including the iconic Rainbow Road.

Additionally, the park will expand in the near future with the addition of a large area dedicated to Donkey Kong , including a mine kart ride. Donkey Kong Land will open in 2024.

Smart Mario-themed wristbands

Guests can interact with many of the park’s attractions via magnetic bracelets called “Power-Up Bands” . These allow visitors to collect points as they move through the interactive attractions before climaxing in “a dramatic boss battle with Bowser Jr.”

They also track your progress through the park , and allow guests to collect stamps through actions such as hitting the ‘power-up blocks’ scattered around the Nintendo World Area.

The bands come in six different Mario-themed designs and each bracelet costs around 3, 200 yen. The final point count from each visit is sent to your Nintendo game console, allowing you to build on this score with each successive visit to the park.

Shops and Restaurants

Super Nintendo World offers guests a range of Mario-themed dining opportunities, including:

• Kinopio’s Cafe – A restaurant inspired by the character Toad , which serves amazing themed food such as Super Mushroom Pizza Bowls and Piranha Plant Caprese Salads
• Pit Stop Popcorn – A stand where fans can pick up Mario and Super Star-themed popcorn buckets
• Yoshi’s Snack Island – Sells Yoshi-themed treats such as a green shell calzone filled with Yakisoba & Cheese and green cantaloupe lassis

There are also 2 stores which sell Mario-themed merchandise , the 1UP Factory and Mario Motors. Here guests can pick up fun souvenirs such as plush hats and toys, T-shirts, and even Nintendo-themed cushions.

Safety measures against covid 19

Universal Studios Japan have implemented several COVID-19 safety measures to safeguard the health of guests and staff alike, including:

• Enhanced sanitation measures such as use of alcohol-based cleaning solutions in areas if high guest contact
• Requirement for all guests to wear masks at all times and have their temperature taken at the entrance to the park
• Placing hand sanitizer at all attractions and encouraging guests to frequently wash and disinfect their hands
• Asking guests to maintain good social distanc e practices in queues.
• A forbidden ent ry policy for anyone who has had close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has displayed any of the main symptoms.

Guests who are planning to visit Super Nintendo World from outside of Japan should check COVID-19 restrictions before planning their trip to avoid disappointment.

How to get there

You can easily reach USJ using your Japan Rail Pass . The park is located about 7 kilometers from Osaka. You can therefore take the Osaka Loop Line from Osaka Station City to Nishikujo Station . Then, transfer to the Sakurajima Line to Universal-City Station .

This trip takes about 13 minutes , and trains depart about every 15 minutes. You can walk from the station to the park in under five minutes.

Hours and admission fees

USJ’s hours vary by the season , but opening time is typically between 8:30 and 9:30 am, and closing time between 7 and 9 pm . Extended hours are implemented on some weekends and on public holidays . The park remains open every day of the year .

Tickets typically cost between 2,500 yen and 7,315 yen . Express Passes and VIP wristbands are also available, allowing you to bypass the long lines that are sure to follow this new attraction.

Other USJ attractions

In addition to Super Nintendo World, you’ll likely want to spend time in some of the park’s other themed zones . These include:

• San Francisco
• Jurassic Park
• Minion Park
• Amity Village
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Universal Wonderland

At Universal Studios Japan, your favorite entertainment and childhood dreams come to life to make for an unforgettable vacation.

Super Nintendo World US

Japan’s Super Nintendo World in Osaka is just one such attraction opening in Universal Studios theme parks around the world. Super Nintendo World attractions will soon be opening in Orlando , Hollywood, and Singapore Universal Studios.

Super Nintendo World Hollywood is due to open in 2023 , to coincide with the release of the new Mario animated film. The Florida site will be included in the new Universal’s Epic Universe area at the Orlando park, planned for a 2025 opening.

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Want to Drive Mario Kart in Tokyo? There’s a Catch.

September 4, 2023 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

Although I was never much of a gamer growing up, I did have my moments. A big one was Christmas 1996, when my siblings and I (for reasons I no longer remember) became relatively early adopters of Nintendo 64.   

Our favorite game? Mario Kart, as I imagine was the case for many people currently in their mid-to-late 30s.

The bad news for 90s kids like us? Due to legal issues, no Tokyo street kart tour is able to use Mario paraphernalia in the marketing or execution of its product. The good news? Driving a go-kart around Tokyo is still the closest you can get to Mario Kart in real-life.

Why Mario Kart Go Banned in Tokyo

From its launch in the mid-2010s to just before covid-19, the Tokyo Mario Kart tour was just that. You could dress up as your favorite Nintendo characters, and the company offering the tours marketed them as such. Unfortunately, Nintendo’s 2017 lawsuit ended up being successful, leading the tours to re-brand as MariKar; they had to give away all their Mario-related costumes in favor of much more generic ones.

While the company appealed the court ruling in 2020, it unfortunately lost that as well. As a result, when Japan reopened post-pandemic, any semblance of Mario was gone from the company’s branding. The various outlets around Tokyo are now known as STREET KART; although you can dress in various costumes, these are secondary to the experience of the karts themselves.

How to Ride a Street Kart Through Tokyo

Book well in advance.

Japan is bursting at the seams in the wake of covid-19, and that doesn’t look to change anytime. Once you decide which date and time you want to drive, as well as which location (popular ones include Akihabara and the Tokyo Bay shop, from which you can cross the Rainbow Bridge), go ahead and lock in your tour.

Get your international driving permit

Every participant in a Tokyo go kart tour needs to be licensed to drive in Japan, which means having an international driving permit or IDP. If you’re American, you can get this at any AAA office. Just make sure to bring a valid US driver’s license with you!

Clear your schedule

The street kart experience will take at least an hour—on the road. However, you’ll also need to reach whatever shop you choose, and leave some time at the end to find your way back to your hotel, assuming you aren’t so hyped up after driving that you need a drink. I recommend availing at least 3-4 hours, when all is said and done.

To photograph or not to photograph?

Your Tokyo Mario kart tour will include the option to rent a GoPro, which you can strap to your head and use to capture your entire drive. However, you may also choose to bring your own phone or camera to take pictures, although I warn you: You won’t stop often, so there might not be many opportunities to do this. The choice is yours!

Make peace with wearing a lame costume

Mario costumes haven’t been available on Tokyo street kart tours for many years. The costumes that currently exist are less than inspiring, if I’m totally honest, to the extent that I might not even recommend that you wear one, unless you find one that really suits you.

Is a Tokyo Street Kart Tour Worth It?

Would you believe that I’ve considered—many times—reprising my own Mario Kart experience in Tokyo? This didn’t happen in 2022 because the company that operates the tours had not resumed them; in early 2023, I was too busy with other activities. However, in late 2023, I opted to give Tokyo Mario Kart a second shot, this time at the Tokyo Bay location. Riding over the Rainbow Bridge really felt like Mario Kart!

If you’re on the fence about taking a Tokyo go kart tour, ask yourself why. Is it the price? This can be hard to grapple with, although it’s currently at its lowest rate in years, thanks to the weak Japanese yen. Is it the idea of driving in Tokyo? Well, as long as you haven’t had anything to drink and aren’t too jet-lagged to function, you should be fine. If you just can’t get over not being able to dress like Princess Peach, however, I really can’t help you!

Other FAQ About Driving Street Karts in Tokyo

Is it legal to go karting on the streets of tokyo.

Although companies offering street kart tours of Tokyo have faced various legal challenges over the years, the tours remain legal as of late 2023. The key thing to understand is that you won’t be able to dress up like characters from Mario Kart, intellectual properties around which were at the core of the aforementioned lawsuits.

Can you still go-kart in Tokyo?

You can still go-kart in Tokyo, so long as you’re over the age of 18 and have an international driving permit, or IDP. However, you won’t able to wear Nintendo-related costumes, which can be a bummer if you want to live out your Mario Kart fantasy.

How much does it cost to go-kart around Tokyo?

Depending on which Street Kart location you choose and which specific experience you select, you can expect to pay somewhere around or just north of 100 USD for a street karting experience on the streets of Tokyo. The price may raise or lower slightly, depending upon the current USD-JPY exchange rate.

The Bottom Line

A Tokyo street kart tour may or may not be what you’re expecting. For starters, the companies that operate them are no longer allowed to use Nintendo branding, which means you can’t dress up as Mario or Peach as you zip beneath the Tokyo Skytree or over the Rainbow Bridge. Secondly—and this is more my opinion than a hard-and-set fact—the karts go much faster than you’re expecting, and there’s nothing separating you from actual street traffic. This makes the entire experience exhilarating to the point where it’s sometimes scary. Want to make sure your trip to Japan hits all the right notes? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today .

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The Tokyo Tour was the second tour of Mario Kart Tour , which began on October 9, 2019 and ended on October 22, 2019. Reflecting its theme, it introduced a new course , Tokyo Blur , as well as variants of Mario and Peach in traditional Japanese attire, with Mario's being his hakama from Super Mario Odyssey . The tour also introduced Rosalina , Baby Rosalina , Wario , Lakitu , Bowser Jr. , and the Koopalings ( Lemmy , Larry , Morton , Wendy , Iggy , Roy , and Ludwig ) as new drivers, as well as Mario Circuit 2 , Choco Island 2 , and Rainbow Road from Super Mario Kart , Kalimari Desert from Mario Kart 64 , and Mario Circuit and Neo Bowser City from Mario Kart 7 as classic courses . This tour's Coin Rush course was SNES Rainbow Road, which was reused from the game's beta ; it is the only tour that introduced a new city course to not use it as the tour's Coin Rush course, as Tokyo Blur would only be used as a Coin Rush course in the 2022 Anniversary Tour , 77 tours later. The menu's background featured Mount Fuji as the landmark for this tour.

• 1 Spotlights
• 2.1 Signature kart sets
• 4.3 Drivers
• 4.5 Gliders
• 4.6 Courses
• 5 Paid banners
• 6 Challenges
• 7.1 Tokyo Pipe 1
• 7.2 Tokyo Pipe 2
• 10 Names in other languages
• 12 References

Spotlights [ edit ]

Cups [ edit ], signature kart sets [ edit ].

Drivers with a corresponding cup in the tour were bumped one rank up in every course of their cup. Each one had a specific kart and glider pair that were also bumped one rank up, though these sometimes changed between tours.

Rewards [ edit ]

Gold cells indicate rewards exclusive to Gold Pass members.

New content [ edit ]

Items [ edit ].

Rosalina Cup

Bowser Jr. Cup

Baby Daisy Cup

Baby Rosalina Cup

Peachette Cup

Drivers [ edit ]

Baby Rosalina

Peach (Kimono)

Mario (Hakama)

Karts [ edit ]

Blue Biddybuggy

Cheep Charger

Chrome DK Jumbo

Koopa Clown

Kabuki Dasher

Circuit Special

Black Circuit

Gliders [ edit ]

Paper Glider

Droplet Glider

BBIA Parafoil

Oilpaper Umbrella

Lightning Oilpaper

Purple Oilpaper Umbrella

Full Flight

Cloud Glider

Courses [ edit ]

Tokyo Blur (N, R, T, R/T)

SNES Mario Circuit 2 (N, R, T)

SNES Choco Island 2 (N, R, T)

SNES Rainbow Road (N, R, T)

N64 Kalimari Desert (N, R, T)

3DS Mario Circuit (N, R, T)

3DS Neo Bowser City (N, R, T)

Paid banners [ edit ]

Challenges [ edit ], initial pipe appearance rates [ edit ], tokyo pipe 1 [ edit ], tokyo pipe 2 [ edit ], profiles [ edit ].

• " A new tour is coming to #MarioKartTour ! "Tokyo Tour" starts at 11pm on October 8th (PT), with additional new and nostalgic courses. Of course, new characters will be added too! Race your way through the Tokyo metropolis! " [1]
• " The two-week Tokyo tour starts today! Plus, the starting line is near for those who want to race on additional classic #MarioKart courses. Are you excited to race throughout Tokyo? Start racing now! " [2]
• " The Tokyo tour is here! Mario and Peach had fun exploring Tokyo and getting into the classic Japanese style before the start of the tour! They even snapped a pic at a location that appears in the Tokyo Blur course! The Tokyo tour lasts until 10:59 PM PT on Oct 22. " [3]

Gallery [ edit ]

Launch artwork

Names in other languages [ edit ]

Trivia [ edit ].

• This was the only tour to feature bonus challenges taking place in the same course back-to-back, the course being SNES Choco Island 2 .
• Without counting the base game content added in the New York Tour , this was the tour that added the biggest amount of new content to the game, with fourteen new drivers, thirteen new karts, ten new cups, nine new gliders, seven new tracks and two new items.
• In the Baby Rosalina and Daisy Cups , SNES Mario Circuit 2 depicted Lakitu and GCN Yoshi Circuit T depicted Metal Mario on the icons despite them not being favorite courses. This was the first tour that had this oddity.

References [ edit ]

• ^ mariokarttourEN (October 7, 2019). Twitter . Retrieved March 14, 2020.
• ^ mariokarttourEN (October 9, 2019). Twitter . Retrieved March 16, 2020.
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Important information, maximum group size.

The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

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Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room. Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

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All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.

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All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.

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All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport. We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure . You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

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Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.

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Japanese Style Hotel

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Bullet Train

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Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea 1 Day Tickets & Free Shuttle Arrangement

Discover the Magic Kingdom in Tokyo during your vacation. Add a day trip to either Tokyo Disneyland to discover the Happiest Place on Earth , or set sail for adventure at the nautical-themed Tokyo DisneySea. (*Free shuttle service is only available from Tobu levenat Tokyo Hotel.)

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What to do in Tokyo Japan

Wondering what to do in Tokyo? Discover the best sites and most exciting things to do in Tokyo Japan.

No trip to Japan would be complete without visiting the capital city of Tokyo. As polite, respectful, and mild-mannered as the Japanese are, it can also be a fun and quirky culture. Tokyo is definitely evidence of this. This huge city is full of light, color, and craziness all around contrasted by serious businessmen and women bustling on their way to work and serene ancient temples and shrines.

If you’re going to Japan and seeing more than just Tokyo, explore my Japan first timer’s guide and itinerary .

Planning a Trip to Japan?

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, let me do the work for you. This 2 week Japan Itinerary is a detailed step-by-step guide for how to visit this amazing country.

Getting Around Tokyo

Getting around Tokyo is easy, especially if you plan on having a phone with your service turned on or using a portable WiFi device. If you’re using a Japan Rail Pass , the Tokyo metro will be covered. Read more about why you may NOT want to use your JR Pass in Tokyo here.  You might end up wanting a Tokyo Metro Pass and using your Japan Rail Pass for the rest of the country. 

Where to Stay in Tokyo

I was lucky enough to have military friends who hosted us in the military hotel in Tokyo, which was very affordable. But for the rest of our trip we stayed in Airbnbs or Hotels. See this great list of where to stay in Tokyo  and where to stay in Tokyo with kids. 

What to Eat in Tokyo

One of the best things to do in Tokyo is to try ALL the food! Seriously, this city is a foodie paradise! You can find anything from gourmet steak to quirky desserts! Be sure to read this guide to food in Japan.  

There are so many things to do in Tokyo. It could possibly take you a lifetime just to get through the list of this big city. I was there for only a week and was able to see a lot, but could have stayed forever, I loved it so much! But these were my favorite things to do in Tokyo Japan:

If you want to see some wacky sites, be sure to head to Harajuku for some sugar and fun. Known for its funky shops and sugar overload, Harajuku will overstimulate your senses and have you laughing at the same time! It’s just one of the craziest things to see in Tokyo and you will not forget it! 

Keep an eye out for some amazing Japanese street fashion, also known as Harajuku style. Harajuku style is a fun, colorful mix of punk and pink that is very popular among Japanese teenagers seen mainly around the Harajuku district.

You can find the main street for Harajuku on Takeshita street, which will be teeming with Harajuku girls, funky shops, and colorful food!

Some of my favorite stops in Harajuku were the giant rainbow cotton candy, rainbow ice cream, rainbow slushies, and jiggly Japanese pancakes from Rainbow Pancake .

You may hear a lot of Japanese saying “kawaii,” this just means “cute.”

Be sure to check out these incredible places to have high tea in Tokyo too!

For a list of foods you MUST try in Japan Read my Japan Food Guide Here:

Take a Cooking Class in Tokyo 

Even better than eating all the amazing food in Tokyo is learning how to make your own Japanese food! These are a few of my favorite in-home cooking experiences in Tokyo:

Noodle & Ramen Making

Gyoza Making

Udon Noodle Making

Sushi Roll Workshop

Meiji Shrine

In the heart of the city, right next to Harajuku lies Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine and temple. Covering 170 acres of beautifully forested land, the Meiji Shrin complex is sort of like Tokyo’s Central Park. The original shrine was constructed in 1920, destroyed in the air raids during WWII and rebuilt in the 1950’s.

When you visit Tokyo be sure the visit the Meiji Shrine and leave a prayer or well wish on the wall. Also be sure to check out the beautifully covered sake barrels.

Mario Kart Tokyo

One of the most fun things to do in Tokyo was the Mario Kart Tokyo tour, also known as “Maricar.” We dressed up in Mario costumes and drove go-carts around the streets of Tokyo. I’ll be honest, to the mom in me, this felt a little unsafe, driving on the freeway with no helmets, etc. but it was such a blast! I was laughing the entire time, it was just so crazy! I’d say this is one of the top 10 things to do in Tokyo. 

Mario Kart is a bit of a splurge, but honestly, this is a once in a lifetime experience and one you don’t want to miss in Tokyo! You can book your Mario Kart Tokyo tour here. I’ve been dying to take my kids back here and do this, it’s a perfect thing to do with teens in Tokyo if they’re 16+ and have a driver’s license and international driver’s permit.

Note: You must be 18 or older and have an international driver’s permit. You can easily get one of these for $20 at any AAA office. 

Book a Photoshoot

We always love to book a photoshoot when we’re traveling. As a mom, it’s tough to get in the photos since I’m always behind the camera. We love using Flytographer to capture our memories. You can get $25 off your shoot by booking with this link or using code WANDERLUST.

Digital Art Museum teamLab

This one of a kind digital art museums is one of my favorite things to do in Tokyo. Not only can you get some really cool pictures, but it is also a great place to go to escape the heat of the summer or cold of the winter. Wander 100,000 square feet created with 520 computers and 470 projectors. The digital art will take your breath away! You can book your tickets here. 

Shibuya Crossing

This is one of the top things to do in Tokyo! Considered the busiest crosswalk in the world, hosting 2.4 million passengers a day, Shibuya crossing is a must do in Tokyo. I highly recommend going at night as this is when it’s the busiest and most exciting. Cross it a few times and take a video to say you’ve done it. It’s quite the experience. When you book a Mario Kart Tokyo tour you can also book the route that goes through Shibuya crossing, which I highly recommend!

Catch a Bird’s Eye View

There are several places in Tokyo to get a good view of the city. Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree are the most famous. You’ll recognize Tokyo Tower from almost any picture of Tokyo as the iconic Japanese Eiffel Tower.

Another good option is the Tokyo Skytree near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which is the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure, second only to the Burg Kalifa in Dubai. Both towers cost around $20 USD to enter and I think they’re worth the experience.

Shinjuku feels like the Vegas of Tokyo. It’s a little wild and very bright and colorful. Go at night to see all the lights. You’ll find a lot of interesting themed restaurants and shops here like the Robot Restaurant.

Robot Restaurant

Note: Robot Restaurant is now closed. This was recommended to us by several people living both in and out of Japan and let me tell you, it was wild and worth every Yen! Don’t go to the Robot Restaurant expecting a decent meal. You go for the experience, and what an experience it is. The only way I can really describe it is like watching a Vegas show while dropping acid. Not that I really know what that’s like, but I can only imagine. You can book tickets to the Robot Restaurant here. 

This district in Tokyo is a beautiful area full of temples, shrines, and tons of shopping. Like much of Tokyo, the area was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt post-war. Be sure to try the food in the stalls and the giant lantern at the entrance.

Tokyo Disney Sea 

A trip to Tokyo would not be complete without spending a day at Disney Sea. Many have said that this is the best Disney park in the world. The Japanese really go all out with characters and food so I can definitely see why! 

You can book your tickets to Tokyo Disney in advance here . Tokyo Disney is surprisingly more affordable than Disneyworld or Disneyland ! 

If this doesn’t keep you busy, check out these 51 fun things to do in Tokyo. 

Best Hotels in Tokyo

Are you visiting Tokyo and not sure where to go? These hotel recommendations are helpful as you plan your trip!

Toggle Hotel Suidobashi TOKYO

Located in Central Tokyo, the toggle hotel suidobashi TOKYO is a 4-star hotel that offers air-conditioned rooms, shared lounges, free WiFi, and a terrace in each room.

The rooms here are often small in size, yet they offer comfortable beds and amazing views of the city. Each room includes a desk and a flat-screen TV that guests can use to watch movies and shows. If you ask me what’s the major pros of this hotel, the location. It’s in a very convenient location near many shopping street and sightseeing. This hotel is great for backpackers and solo travelers who want a good deal while being the in the center of Tokyo.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills- a concept by Hyatt

The Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills opened in June 2014 and is the 12th Hotel branded by Hyatt. Well, if you know Park Hyatt Tokyo, you know how high the standards are for this one in particular.

This 5-star luxury hotel is right by the Tokyo Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu Shrine. In this hotel, they offer an indoor pool, full breakfast with a surcharge, comfortable rooms complete with modern amenities, a restaurant and bar, and an impressive view of Tokyo city. Plus, the concierge team is very helpful and provides excellent customer service.

The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, A Luxury Collection Hotel

This one is located in the Chiyoda neighborhood, so it’s close to Tokyo. What’s great about this hotel is that it’s conveniently connected to the rail/subway station, which if you’re going here from Tokyo, you can just take a train from Tokyo station.

The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is a 5-star hotel near Tokyo Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower. It has a modern design, spacious rooms with hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows to give you a stunning view of Tokyo.

Hilton Tokyo Hotel

Nearby Shinjuku Central Park and the Shinjuku Skyscraper District, the Hilton Tokyo Hotel is another great option for a stay in Tokyo. This Hilton hotel is within walking distance of the shopping, entertainment, and business districts of Tokyo. It offers free access to its indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center. Plus, their restaurant serves delicious traditional Japanese cuisine and offers a buffet breakfast.

It also has modern rooms with great city views, comfortable beds, and amenities like free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, and complimentary tea. This hotel is connected to the Tochomae Subway Station, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Best Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo in a day tour with yanasen and asakusa.

If you’re planning on staying in Tokyo for a short amount of time, then this guided tour can really help you get into the Japanese culture by visiting Tokyo’s most visited place. One of the best ways to do that is by taking the Tokyo in a Day Tour with Yanasen and Asakusa. This tour takes you through the colorful streets of Tokyo, including a visit to the vibrant Yanaka district and the famous Buddhist temple of Senso-ji.

Tokyo Pop Culture Tour for Kids

A great way to introduce Japanese culture to your children is by taking them on the Tokyo Pop Culture Tour for Kids. This is a 2-hour tour that takes you to Takeshita Street, Shibuya, a Themed café where your kids can play and explore the world of anime, arcades, and manga through these activities.

Tokyo Evening Sake Tasting Tour

Go on a 2-hour guided tour with a local expert that will let your experience the traditional Japanese drink “Sake”. This Tokyo Evening Sake Tasting Tour will take you to some of the best places to sample sake. During this tour, you’ll be visiting local bar located in Shitamachi where you can try different kinds of sake. The expert will also teach you about the history and culture behind this traditional beverage.

Tokyo Food Tour: Savoring Tsukiji Outer Market

A 3-hour tour surrounded by all things food and culinary. Tokyo Food Tour: Savoring Tsukiji Outer Market gives you the opportunity to learn about Japan’s unique food culture and have an amazing gastronomic experience. During this tour, you’ll be visiting the Tsukiji district which is known for its enormous and vibrant fish market. Get a chance to have Japanese cooking classes of a lifetime!

Here’s everything you can look forward on this tour:

• Learn about the history of Japanese cuisine
• Led by a culinary expert

Tokyo Night Food Tour in Shibuya

I’ll tell you, a night food trip in Shibuya is one of the best ways to experience Tokyo’s nightlife. This 3-hour tour will take you around Shibuya and visit some of its most famous eateries.

You’ll get to visit some of the inexpensive places to drink and enjoy snacks. You’ll get to enjoy the local Japanese craft beers and sake that are famous in Shibuya while snacking on Japanese street food. Plus, you’ll get to explore the amazing neon-lit streets of Tokyo and get a great insight into the city’s culture.

Tokyo Private Tour by Car / Van – Guide Option Available

If you’re not a fan of walking tours, this private car tour composes of 10 hours approximately, to explore Tokyo in a luxurious and personalized way. You’ll get to explore Tokyo at your own pace and spend as much time as you want at landmarks such as the Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, and Tsukiji Fish Market.

Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day

Another great private tour is the Tokyo in a Day Tour. This tour will pack as many sightseeing locations and attractions into your full day of exploring Tokyo. It could be a 4-hour or 8-hour private custom tour, it’s completely up to you.

The highlights of this tour includes:

• Let an experienced guide help you create a half-day or full-day sightseeing itinerary
• See city attractions like Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace, or discover Tokyo neighborhoods, depending on your interests
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (if full-day tour selected)
• Explore the city by train and subway, or upgrade for transport by comfortable, private vehicle

Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

Tsukiji Fish Market is one of the most famous markets in Tokyo, with a wide variety of seafood products. During this 3-hour you’ll be with some of the known Michelin-starred chefs as they shop for ingredients. As you wander around the market, your guide will explain the local culture and explain the different types of seafood that are being sold in the 80-year-old market.

Here, you’ll get to:

• Great way to get a sense for Japan’s unique culinary culture
• Sample a range of sushi, sake, fresh Tuna, and Japanese omelets Rub shoulders with Japan’s Michelin-starred chefs as they shop for ingredients
• Eat and drink like a Japanese local

Shibuya All You Can Eat Best Food Tour

I’d say this is one of the best parts of this tour list so far, a 4-hour All You Can Eat Best Food Tour. This food tour takes you to the lively Shibuya district and gives you the unique opportunity to try some of the best Japanese food.

Tokyo: 2-Hour G uided Sumo Mor ning Practice Viewing Tour

I love this tour as I am always very curious about how Sumo wrestlers train and compete. During this two-hour tour, your guide will take you to the popular Ryogoku district in Tokyo.

These are some of the highlights of this tour:

• Get the rare opportunity to enter a Sumo stable
• Watch Sumo wrestlers in training up close
• Learn about the history and the art of Sumo wrestling from your local guide

Tokyo: Ramen Tasting Tour with 6 Mini Bowls of Ramen

If I can only choose one favorite food among Japanese cuisines, it’s ramen. This 3-hour tour will take you to different ramen shops in Tokyo and let you sample up to 6 different bowls of ramen. Get ready to become a ramen expert, learning about ramen origins, types, preparation, and trends.

Tokyo: Tsukiji Market Walking Tour & Rolled Sushi Class

What a fun way to enjoy Japanese cuisine through these Japanese cooking classes amid touring the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market.

On this tour, you’ll get to:

• Experience the hustle and bustle of the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market in Tokyo
• Explore culinary traditions at the Tsukiji Fish Market and a cooking lesson
• Take part in a cooking lesson at one of Asia’s largest gourmet cooking schools
• Prepare washoku dishes, including rolled sushi, Temari sushi, and miso soup
• Sit down and savor a lunch comprised of the dishes you have prepared

Tokyo: Kimono Dressing, Walking, and Photography Session

Surely, a not to miss in Tokyo would be a kimono experience. This 3-hour tour will give you the chance to dress up in a gorgeous authentic kimono and take a leisurely walk around the city.

Here’s everything you’ll get to do on this tour:

• You can wear a real kimono, not a tourist one.
• You can learn how to walk and behave in kimono from a guide.
• You can choose from about 50 kimonos of your love.

I hope you have an incredible time when you visit Tokyo. It’s a place everyone should see and I just know that you’ll fall in love with it too!

Once you decide what to do in Tokyo, you can plan the rest of your trip to Japan. Check out these great day trips from Tokyo . Be sure you look into transportation and especially remember to buy your Japan Rail Pass BEFORE you go to Japan. You can learn more about the Japan Rail Pass and why you need it here.

Things to do in Japan FAQ

Anime, manga, and video games. These three are some of the top things Tokyo is best known for. Other popular attractions and things to do in Tokyo include shopping, the popular Japanese dishes, nightlife, sightseeing, and exploring Japan’s ancient culture and of course, Mount Fuji.

For an authentic experience, I enjoyed visiting the Tokyo National Museum and the Meiji Shrine. Other popular attractions include Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Tower, and Ueno Park.

It can be! You can take tours so that you can get a good overview of Tokyo. You can also take day trips to other cities nearby such as Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Visitors can do a wide range of activities in Tokyo. Popular activities include visiting museums and art galleries, exploring temples and shrines, shopping, eating out, attending traditional festivals and events, experiencing the nightlife, enjoying outdoor activities such as hot springs and hiking. There are also plenty of opportunities

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