Go kart Tour from Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku

Traveling through Tokyo offers endless sights and experiences, but picture doing it in a way that mixes adrenaline, sightseeing, and a touch of playful cosplay. This guided go-kart tour from Monkey Kart has been turning heads with its unique approach to exploring Japan’s bustling capital. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a culture enthusiast, or someone looking for unforgettable photos, this tour promises a memorable adventure.

What we love about this experience is how it combines safety with excitement, offers fantastic photo opportunities, and lets you see Tokyo’s top landmarks from a truly different perspective. The chance to don a costume and zoom past Tokyo’s neon-lit streets is undeniably fun. However, it’s worth noting that this trip requires a proper international driver’s permit and is not suitable for pregnant women or those without a valid license.

This tour generally suits anyone over 18 who loves a bit of adventure, enjoys sightseeing with a twist, and is prepared to drive in a busy city environment. If you’re comfortable on a scooter or bicycle and want a new way to experience Tokyo, this is a fantastic pick.

Good To Know

• Thrilling city exploration in a modified go-kart for an adrenaline rush
• Iconic sights like Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, and Omotesando
• Opportunity to dress up in fun costumes for memorable photos
• Guided experience with professional, friendly English-speaking instructors
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before
• Good value for a unique, action-packed sightseeing tour

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Adventure Like No Other: Tokyo in a Go-Kart

This tour transforms the typical sightseeing day into an action-packed ride through Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods. Starting from the Shinagawa area, you’ll hop into a go-kart with a guide leading the way. The route covers the city’s highlights including the towering Tokyo Tower, the vibrant Roppongi district, the bustling Shibuya Crossing, and the upscale Omotesando street.

What makes this experience stand out is not only the speed — with some guests mentioning speeds up to 50 km/hr — but the vibe. You’re not just a tourist snapping photos from the sidewalk; you’re part of the city’s lively pulse, zipping past neon signs and street crowds.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Tokyo Tower provides a striking start to your journey. Your guide will typically lead you here first, allowing for some fun photos against the city’s skyline. The tower offers a sense of scale as you look up at the iconic structure, and it’s a great spot to kick off a day that’s about blending sightseeing with adventure.

Next, the tour heads to Roppongi — an area famous for its nightlife, art galleries, and restaurants. From the go-kart, you’ll get a glimpse of the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers. It’s a lively area where you might get some interesting street views and selfies.

Shibuya Crossing is arguably the highlight. As you dive into the famous scramble, you’ll be weaving through the crowds and traffic with your guide. Many reviewers mention how fun and surreal it is to zoom past the enormous LED screens and pedestrians on foot — a completely different way to experience this well-known icon.

Finally, the tour routes through Omotesando, often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, with its luxury boutiques and tree-lined streets. It’s a more relaxed contrast to the bustling Shibuya, giving you some space to enjoy the vibrant cityscape while still riding in style.

The Costume Element: Bringing Playfulness to the Streets

One of the most memorable parts of this tour is the option to dress up in costumes such as Pikachu or other cute characters. Several guests, including families and couples, find this adds an extra layer of fun and perfect photo ops. Reviewers have shared how dressing up made the experience even more enjoyable, especially for kids or those young at heart.

Photos and Memories

Your guide will take plenty of photos throughout the trip, capturing moments that can make for fantastic souvenirs. Users praise guides like Gus, Reece, or Shin for their professionalism and their knack for snapping great pictures while ensuring safety. Having these shots helps extend the joy of the experience long after the tour ends.

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The Practical Side: Booking, Duration, and Price

This 75 to 105-minute tour offers a very reasonable price point of $112 per person, especially considering the blend of sightseeing and adventure. The cost covers the use of properly maintained go-karts, guided navigation, costumes, and the photo service. Reviewers often mention how this is good value for a one-of-a-kind experience in Tokyo.

The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, making it a low-pressure option for last-minute planners.

Important Driver Requirements

To participate, you need an international driver’s license, specifically a hardcopy Geneva Convention IDP issued by your home country’s authorized agency. Some countries’ licenses require a Japanese translation — notably France, Switzerland, Taiwan, Germany, Monaco, and Belgium. It’s essential to check your licensing status well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Participants must be over 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. The tour isn’t suited for pregnant women or those without driving privileges. The experience can be rescheduled in case of rain, so keep an eye on the weather forecast before booking.

What Makes This Tour Truly Special

Beyond the obvious thrill of driving through Tokyo’s streets, this tour offers a unique vantage point of the city’s energy. You’re experiencing Tokyo from the inside of a go-kart, navigating traffic and stopping at iconic locations, rather than standing on the sidelines.

Guides like Ken, Federico, and Adam have been praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to keep everyone safe while making the ride fun. Many reviews highlight how guides actively check in, take photos, and provide insightful commentary along the route.

Guests frequently comment on how safe they felt—even at higher speeds—thanks to professional guides like Ren and Shin who explained driving tips beforehand and kept a close eye on the group.

Addressing the Fumes and Traffic

A minor drawback mentioned by reviewers is fumes from the petrol-powered carts, particularly in congested areas. Also, driving on busy city streets can be intimidating for some, especially if unfamiliar with traffic rules in Japan. However, guides often give clear instructions, and many guests felt reassured by their professionalism.

The Sum Up

This go-kart tour from Monkey Kart offers a thrilling, fun-filled way to see Tokyo that combines sightseeing with an adrenaline rush. It’s ideal for travelers who love a bit of adventure, enjoy quirky photo moments, and don’t mind navigating city traffic on a motorized cart. The inclusion of costumes adds a playful element that makes it perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends.

The small group size and attentive guides create a safe environment, while the iconic stops ensure your photos and memories will be memorable. Plus, the overall value—given the duration, guided service, and fun factor—makes it a worthy addition to any Tokyo itinerary.

If you’re after a unique, energetic way to explore Tokyo’s highlights, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with an experience that’s both exhilarating and downright entertaining.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license?
Yes, all drivers are required to have a valid international driver’s license, specifically a hardcopy Geneva Convention IDP issued by an authorized agency. Make sure to check if your license is recognized before booking.

Can I cancel or reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour can be rescheduled due to rain. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if weather conditions aren’t suitable.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those without a driver’s license. Participants need to be over 18 years old and comfortable driving in traffic.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the go-kart rental, guide service, costumes (if chosen), and photos taken during the tour. It’s considered good value given the duration and experience.

How long does the tour last?
The actual driving experience is around 75 to 105 minutes, depending on the option you select and traffic conditions.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point varies depending on the booked option but is typically around the coordinates 35.62405776977539, 139.71978759765625, in the Shinagawa area.

If you’re looking for a fun, adrenaline-pumping way to see Tokyo’s top sights, this go-kart tour is hard to beat. With safety, guides, and a dose of playful competition, it offers a truly memorable adventure that turns a sightseeing day into a story to tell for years.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby