Street Karting In Tokyo

Are you gearing up for an exciting international road trip or want to take part in this amazing street Mario kart activity? Yes! you are right you will get a real life driving experience (street karting). Well, here’s a golden ticket you won’t want to leave home without – your International Driving Permit (IDP)! It’s your passport to exploring the roads of 150 countries worldwide. Whether you’re planning to rent a car or simply embark on a thrilling adventure on foreign highways, your IDP is your ultimate travel companion.

Here's a step-by-step guide to get you on your way for street karting

Application: First things first, you’ll need to fill out the application form. You can do this in person at your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) or conveniently through online at parivahan.gov.in. Second option here is you can hire an agent to make this process easy for you.

Documentation: Head over to your nearest RTO armed with the required documents listed below. If you’ve applied online, make sure to bring along your acknowledgement receipt, original documents, travel documents, and two passport-size photos for verification.

Fees: The cost for obtaining your IDP is 1000 INR and if you doing this process via an agent then the price might be higher up to 2000 INR.

Verification: Once you’ve submitted your documents, an officer will perform the necessary verifications.

Waiting Game: Patience is key here – give it about 3-4 business days for your IDP to be processed. But here is the tea, if you are doing all of this by your own then it will take more then 15 days than the actual time period.

Pickup: When the time comes, you can swing by the RTO to collect your shiny new IDP. And then, you’re good to hit the road and all the activities you have planned for yourself.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Your valid Driver’s License and copies of it
Valid Passport and copies of it
Valid Visa (if applicable) along with copies
A copy of your air ticket for verification
A Medical Certificate (Form – 1A)
Your completed IDP application (Form- 4A)
Two passport-size photos
The prescribed fees (that’s 1000Rs.) or user charges if you’re going through an agent.

Now, here’s a little tip: If your driver’s license is less than 3 months old when you apply, you might need to retake the driving test or else you won’t be allowed to do street karting in Shibuya or any other locations.

So, get ready to rev up your engines and embark on an unforgettable journey across international landscapes. Your IDP is not just a piece of paper; it’s your ticket to freedom on the open road.

Till now you might have gotten the idea of this epic crossover of IDP and Japan, yes, here we are talking about driving or we could say street karting in Shibuya, Japan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or maybe more than that. A famous street kart in Shibuya, which you will get a guided tour of the vibrant Tokyo city. On the trip to Tokyo, there is a lot to explore so recently many have discovered one of the coolest and unique experiences in the city that has to offer: cruising through the streets of Tokyo in a Go-Kart, Mario kart, street karting. Everything is the same so all we do in a dressed up in an attire as superheroes! Tokyo is renowned for its cute and quirky attractions, and this adventure definitely lived up to that reputation.

Well it is crucial to have knowledge and be precise about wants, surety should be about what kind of things you want to try in a whole Japan trip. This makes it clear that you are not up for any basic touristy things. So in search of the same, I found something unique and cool and it is about this real life street Mario karting in Shibuya, Tokyo. This also happens in Okasa, Kyoto and Okinawa. Despite all these places which are prominent, everyone chooses to enjoy this activity here in Shibuya.

The phenomenon of real-life Mario street Karting was propelled to fame by a company known as StreetKart (formerly MariCar), which specializes in renting out Go karts and superhero costumes. Their rapid rise in popularity garnered the attention of Nintendo.

A legal battle ensued between Nintendo and the MariCar company due to MariCar operating without seeking permission from Nintendo. Nintendo, understandably, was not willing to allow its intellectual property to be utilized for another entity’s profit. Eventually, in 2018, the case was resolved, with Nintendo emerging as the victor. Consequently, MariCar was prohibited from promoting itself as a real-life Mario Kart. Instead, they rebranded as “Real Life SuperHero Go-Karting in Tokyo.” Although they can no longer rent out Nintendo’s Super Mario Brother costumes, they continue to offer similar costumes that bear a resemblance to the iconic Super Mario Brothers. Even if you can’t dress up as Super Mario or Luigi, you can still have an incredible time driving a Go-Kart through the streets of Tokyo. Following the pandemic, other companies have also emerged, offering similar services with different routes, giving travelers more options for this thrilling experience

Is street karting legal in Japan?

You must be thinking that is street karting is even legal, so yeah it is fully legal to drive these carts on streets wearing funny and cute costumes and of course you can take as many pictures and videos you want around the Shibuya area. These Go Karts adhere to Japan’s local governing laws, and their safety standards surpass the regulations set forth by the police. Consequently, you can have complete confidence that driving these Go Karts on the streets of Tokyo is entirely within the bounds of the law.

In Japan, as in countries like the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, and India, people drive on the left side of the road. However, if you’re arriving from North America, including the United States and Canada, or most of Europe and India, it’s the opposite of what you’re accustomed to. This means that when you take the Go-Kart for a spin on Japanese streets, you’ll find yourself driving on the opposite side of the road compared to your usual driving habits. It’s important to be well prepared for this adjustment.

Which type of course to choose?

The Street Kart Tokyo Bay location exclusively offers a specific course that takes you to Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Bay BBQ, without including the famous Shibuya crossing in its route.

When it comes to this Go-Kart experience, you’ll have two distinct options:

Skytree route: This route covers Sensoji Temple, Skytree, and Akihabara.
Shinjuku route: This route takes you through Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya, including the iconic Shibuya Crossing.

Depending on the company you select and the route you prefer, you’ll get to explore different parts of Tokyo. It’s also worth noting that the two companies may offer varying costume choices to enhance your experience. But no other company has a rote like street kart, the route they provide is the only reason for being prominent.

Furthermore, there are multiple appointment times available, depending on availability and your personal preferences. Opting for evening appointments can provide a delightful opportunity to witness Tokyo illuminated by its vibrant lights. You have to visit 15 minutes prior to the appointment so that you can easily try the costumes of your choice.

From where to book an appointment?

Back in the time, street kart only accepted booking via Facebook. But now there are so many means to book a convenient slot as they expanded due to the utmost higher demand. Now it is much easier to book super hero go-kart.

To make a reservation for Tokyo Street Karting, you have several convenient options:

Facebook Messenger: Booking through Facebook Messenger is the quickest and most efficient method. Simply visit their Facebook page and use Messenger to access their booking platform.
Phone Reservation: Another option is to call MariCar directly at +81-80-8899-8899. They are proficient in both English and Japanese, ensuring smooth communication.
Line App: Line is a popular messaging app in Japan, similar to WhatsApp. It’s their second-preferred method for booking, following Facebook. You can use Line to make your reservation.
Web Form: While it is possible to book online via a web form, Street Kart encourages customers to utilize Facebook Messenger and Line for booking, as per their official website’s recommendation.

Choose the method that suits you best to secure your Tokyo Street Kart adventure! To make this drive a cheaper version, book it from facebook as there you can bargain and it will cost you less then original price.

Checklist

To ensure you have the best experience, here’s a checklist to keep in mind:

First and foremost, make sure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) ready, as it is a requirement for this unforgettable journey. You must also be at least 18 years old to participate.
Safety is our top priority, so remember to abstain from consuming any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Your safety and the safety of others on the road are paramount.
Choose the right footwear for your ride to ensure comfort and control throughout the journey. Proper shoes can make a significant difference in your driving experience.
Respect and obey every traffic rule and signal along the way. This not only keeps you safe but also ensures a smooth and enjoyable ride.
The cost for this incredible experience ranges from 7,000 to 8,000 Indian Rupees per person. Plan your budget accordingly to make the most of your adventure.
In terms of time, allocate approximately 40 to 50 minutes for this thrilling ride. It’s a short but exhilarating journey that you won’t want to rush.

To make sure you secure your spot and choose your dream driving route, be sure to pre-book your slot at least two weeks in advance. This will guarantee you the ultimate joyride you’ve been dreaming of. So, gear up, follow these guidelines, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish.

What all documents are allowed and not allowed?

To drive a Street Go-Kart in Tokyo, it’s essential to possess a valid driver’s license that falls into one of the following categories:

Japanese Driving License
SOFA Driving License for US Forces in Japan
International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA or AATA, accompanied by your Driver’s License
Japanese translation of your driving license if your original license is issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Slovenia, Monaco, or Taiwan
Passport with an international driving permit issued by a signatory to the 1949 Geneva convention.
Driving in Japan with a plastic driver’s license card is prohibited. Additionally, any paper-book style driver’s license lacking the “1949” designation on its surface is also not permitted for driving in Japan.

The international driving license remains effective for a one-year duration from its issuance date, and its validity for driving in Japan lasts for one year from the moment of entry into the country. It’s important to emphasize that individuals possessing international driving permits issued under alternate conventions, specifically the 1926 Paris Convention, the 1943 Washington Convention, and the 1968 Vienna Convention, are prohibited from operating vehicles in Japan.Please be aware that citizens from certain countries, such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, are not permitted to drive in Japan. To confirm the specific passport and driver’s license requirements and restrictions for your country, it’s advisable to consult the booking website or reach out to their customer support for the most up-to-date information. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience when driving a Street Go-Kart in Tokyo.

Rules and Regulations

Even though you’ll have a guide leading your tour, it’s essential to maintain awareness of your surroundings and keep these safety pointers in mind.

Firstly, keep in mind that in Japan, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. Also, it’s crucial to note that racing is strictly prohibited, and proper attire is necessary (high heels, sandals, and long skirts are not allowed).Tokyo’s streets can become quite congested, and the go-karts have a lower profile than typical vehicles. However, as long as you drive responsibly and closely adhere to your guide’s instructions, your Tokyo tour will undoubtedly be a memorable and safe experience. They also have an easy cancellation policy which can be opted till 15 days prior the trip.

Costing and rentals

The cost per person for your real-world Mario Street Karting experience can vary depending on the course you choose and the prevailing exchange rate, but it’s currently around $125 USD. It’s worth noting that prices have experienced a notable increase in the post-COVID era. Additionally, they provide extra add-on options like an “Action Camera” (akin to a Go-Pro rental) and a photo shoot experience, both of which are billed on an hourly basis. Furthermore, you have the option to acquire items such as fake mustaches, costumes, and microSD cards for an additional fee.