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MariCAR Akihabara Tokyo

4.9
·3k reviews·Chiyoda City, Japan

Experience Tokyo like never before! Drive go-karts through iconic streets in costume, feeling like a real-life video game character.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon drives

See city lights come alive

CrowdMedium
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MariCAR Akihabara Tokyo - Image 1

MariCAR Akihabara Tokyo

Best Time

Afternoon drives

See city lights come alive

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience Tokyo like never before! Drive go-karts through iconic streets in costume, feeling like a real-life video game character.

4.9
(3k reviews)

"This was truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime bucket list activities you have to experience at least once in Tokyo!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Get Your IDP!

An International Driving Permit is mandatory for street karting.

📸 Book Ahead for Popular Routes

Tours, especially Shibuya, sell out. Book your spot in advance!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Akihabara Street Kart Adventure

Akihabara Street Kart Adventure

Akihabara District

Zip through Tokyo's electric town in costume, feeling like a character from your favorite game!

Shibuya Crossing Drive

Shibuya Crossing Drive

Shibuya District

Experience the thrill of navigating the world's busiest intersection from a unique go-kart perspective.

Rainbow Bridge Cruise

Rainbow Bridge Cruise

Tokyo Bay Area

Enjoy stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline from your go-kart.

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Planning Your Visit

International Driving Permit is a Must

You absolutely need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally drive a go-kart on public roads in Tokyo. Don't forget this crucial document, or you won't be able to join the fun! TikTok+2

Book in Advance & Consider Your Route

Popular tours, especially those with specific routes like Shibuya Crossing, fill up fast. Booking ahead is essential. Think about whether you want to see iconic spots or explore a specific district like Akihabara. TikTokReddit+1

Best Times

When
Afternoon drives
Why
See city lights come alive
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening drives
Why
Beat the heat & see city lights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things to know before doing Mario Kart (street kart) in Japan, Tokyo. I chose Street Kart Tokyo Bay and it cost ¥17,500 ($111.00 USD) I added a head mount camera which I will show footage from on my YouTube channel Rasheda Be. The camera was an additional ¥1500 ($10.00 USD). Any questions feel free to ask… * * * #tokyojapan #tokyo #mariokart #streetkart #tokyostreetkart #thingstodointokyo #thingst...
@gekata4tmg
71.2K likes • 760.4K views

🎯 Get Your IDP!

An International Driving Permit is mandatory for street karting. TikTok+1

📸 Book Ahead for Popular Routes

Tours, especially Shibuya, sell out. Book your spot in advance! TikTokReddit

ขับโกคาร์ทที่ Shibuya 🏎️🏁 งบ 3 แบงค์เทามีทอน มันส์มากแม่ 📍Street Kart สาขา Shibuya1st 15-3 Maruyamacho, Shibuya,Tokyo @StreetKart *ต้องมี passport และใบขับขี่สากลน้า ❤️ #tokyo #gokart #shibuya #tiktokพาเที่ยว #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น #โตเกียว #fypシ゚ #ญี่ปุ่น #djiosmopocket3
@jerryxarmy
61.2K likes • 584.2K views
#Japan #지종" #筑地 #Tsukiji #tokyo #shibuya #AKIHABARA #shibuyacrossing #fishing #visitjapan #sushi #tempura #sashimi #instajapan #초밥 #도쿄 #텐푸라 #낚시 #긴자 #일본 #寿司 #日本 #东京 #天妇罗 #钓鱼 #银座 #ramen #maricar #fishingtokyo
fishing_adventure2023
26 likes • 1.7K views

🎭 Embrace the Costumes

Dress up as your favorite character for the full, fun experience! TikTok+1

📱 Consider a Camera Mount

Capture your adventure with a head-mount camera for epic POV shots. TikTok+1

ZOOM ZOOOMING our way through the streets of Akihabara, Tokyo 🇯🇵 This was the ✨HIGHLIGHT✨ of our Japan trip - sooo much fun weaving around and so happy we did it at night! 1) because it was summer and it was soo hot during the day and 2) to see the city lights 😍😍✨💫 #hangryhelenainjapan . . . . . #traveljapan #japanoninsta #japan_of_insta #traveljp #japantravel #explorejapan #visitjapan #japane...
hangryhelena
144 likes • 5.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Get Your IDP!

An International Driving Permit is mandatory for street karting. TikTok+1

📸 Book Ahead for Popular Routes

Tours, especially Shibuya, sell out. Book your spot in advance! TikTokReddit

🎭 Embrace the Costumes

Dress up as your favorite character for the full, fun experience! TikTok+1

📱 Consider a Camera Mount

Capture your adventure with a head-mount camera for epic POV shots. TikTok+1

🌟 Request a Great Guide

Guides like Billy, Usama, Sam, and Gyula are highly praised for fun and safety. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

MariCAR Akihabara offers an incredibly fun and unique street karting experience, with many visitors calling it a highlight of their Tokyo trip. The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness, safety focus, and ability to enhance the overall enjoyment. While the cost is significant and an International Driving Permit is mandatory, most reviewers feel it's well worth the investment for the unforgettable memories created.

"Street Kart in Akihabara was an absolute blast! Driving through the streets of Tokyo dressed in costumes and feeling like a real-life video game character was such a unique and unforgettable experience.

What made it even better was our guide Billy. He was super friendly, fun, and made sure everyone felt safe and confident before we hit the road. He took the time to explain everything clearly and kept the energy high the entire ride. You could tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and that vibe made all the difference.

From start to finish, this was one of the best activities I’ve done in my four years living in Japan. Highly recommend booking with Street Kart. And if you can, request Billy!"

Julia Davenport

"What a blast! Highly recommend! Get your IDP, make an appointment, pay the cost and ENJOY! One of the best highlights of our trip!!
From their outgoing personalities, to the costumes to the route, to the photography: 10/10!!
We felt safe the whole time!
I wanted to book another ride as soon as we were done!"

Susan Marsh

"Usama is the best tour guide and the best driver. It was an unforgettable memory to visit Tokyo, and if you are visiting, make sure to reserve the Akihabara Kokart here for a drive! It's such a shame that you only rode for an hour. You won't regret it after two hours."

최민준

What People Like

Unique street karting experience
Friendly and safe guides
Fun costume options

What People Dislike

Cost can be high
IDP requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

MariCAR Akihabara is easily accessible by train. Take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Akihabara Station. The karting location is a short walk from the station. Many TikTok videos showcase the journey to various karting locations, giving a good sense of the urban navigation involved. TikTok

Most users recommend following the specific address provided upon booking. Some TikToks show the general area, but it's best to rely on GPS or the company's directions once you're close. TikTok

Yes, all major MariCAR locations are accessible via Tokyo's extensive public transport network. Shibuya is served by multiple JR and subway lines, while Tokyo Bay can be reached via the Yurikamome Line. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Prices vary depending on the tour duration and route, but expect to pay around ¥17,500 ($111 USD) for a typical tour, with optional add-ons like camera rentals. Some users mention booking through platforms like Klook for potential discounts. TikTok+1

Absolutely! It's highly recommended to book your slot in advance, especially for popular routes like Shibuya Crossing or during peak seasons, as tours can sell out quickly. TikTokReddit

You must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and be at least 18 years old to drive. Some companies may have height restrictions as well. TikTok+2

The price typically includes the go-kart rental, a costume of your choice, a lead guide, and insurance. Optional extras like helmet cameras are usually an additional fee. TikTok+1

It's best to check the cancellation and modification policy of the specific company you book with. Most platforms will have clear terms and conditions regarding changes. TikTok

🎫 🚦 Onsite Experience

You can choose from a wide variety of popular character costumes, often inspired by video games and anime, to enhance your street karting experience. TikTok+1

Tours usually last around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the chosen route and package. Some users wished their tours were longer, highlighting how enjoyable the experience is. Reddit

The go-karts are designed to meet safety standards for street use, and you'll be accompanied by a lead guide who ensures the group stays together and follows traffic rules. TikTok

Yes, you'll be part of a group led by a guide. This creates a fun, convoy-like atmosphere and ensures everyone stays on the designated route. TikTok

Many guides are happy to take photos of you, and you can also rent a helmet camera or bring your own action camera to capture the entire experience. TikTok+2

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic locations like Akihabara's neon-lit streets, Shibuya Crossing, and the Rainbow Bridge offer fantastic photo opportunities. Your guide will likely know the best vantage points. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, most companies offer helmet camera rentals for an additional fee, allowing you to capture your entire adventure from a first-person perspective. TikTok

Many guides are excellent photographers and will take numerous photos of you and your group throughout the tour, often sharing them afterward. TikTokReddit

Action cameras like GoPros or Insta360s are ideal for their durability and wide-angle views. Some users specifically mention using Insta360 X3. TikTok

Evening and night tours offer dramatic city lights, while daytime tours provide clearer views of landmarks and street scenes. Consider what kind of photos you want to capture. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Street karting can be an exhilarating experience for families, provided all participants meet the age and licensing requirements. The costume aspect is a huge hit with children and teens, making them feel like they're part of a real-life video game. TikTokReddit

When booking, confirm the minimum age and height requirements for both drivers and any potential passengers. While the primary driver needs an IDP, some tours might allow a passenger if they meet certain criteria. The guides are experienced in managing groups with varying levels of driving confidence, ensuring a fun and safe ride for everyone. Consider an afternoon tour so younger participants can enjoy the daylight and still see some city lights as dusk settles.

💰 Budget Travelers

While not the cheapest activity, MariCAR offers a unique experience that many consider worth the splurge. The cost, around ¥17,500 ($111 USD) for a typical tour, includes the kart, costume, guide, and insurance. TikTok To potentially save money, look for discounts on booking platforms like Klook, where promo codes might be available. TikTok

Consider if a shorter tour duration might fit your budget better. Also, factor in the cost of an International Driving Permit, which needs to be obtained in your home country. While it's an investment, the memories created are often described as priceless and a highlight of a Japan trip. Reddit

📸 Couples & Friends

This is an incredibly fun and memorable activity for couples and groups of friends looking for an adventure. The shared experience of dressing up, navigating Tokyo's streets, and laughing together creates fantastic bonding moments. InstagramReddit

Book a tour together and choose complementary costumes for some epic photo opportunities. The guides are often happy to take group photos, and renting a camera can provide hilarious, action-packed footage to relive the experience later. Opting for an evening tour adds a romantic or exciting ambiance with the city lights. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The International Driving Permit (IDP) Explained

To legally drive a go-kart on public roads in Japan, you must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is not optional and is a strict requirement enforced by the authorities. Without it, you will not be allowed to participate in the street karting experience. TikTok+2

Ensure your IDP is issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. You typically need to obtain this permit in your home country before you travel to Japan. It's a straightforward process through your country's automobile association or equivalent body. Always double-check the specific requirements for your nationality.

Many travelers emphasize the importance of having this document readily available. It's often checked at the start of the tour, and failure to present a valid IDP means you'll miss out on the adventure, even if you've already paid. Reddit

Choosing Your MariCAR Route: Akihabara vs. Shibuya vs. Tokyo Bay

MariCAR offers various routes, each providing a distinct Tokyo experience. The Akihabara route immerses you in the vibrant heart of Tokyo's anime and electronics district, a sensory overload of neon signs and bustling streets. It's perfect for those who want to feel the pulse of this unique subculture. TikTok

The Shibuya route is arguably the most iconic, allowing you to drive through the legendary Shibuya Crossing. This offers a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime perspective of one of the world's busiest intersections, with crowds often waving as you pass. TikTok+1

For breathtaking views, the Tokyo Bay route takes you under the magnificent Rainbow Bridge, offering panoramic vistas of the Tokyo skyline. This route provides a more scenic and perhaps slightly less chaotic driving experience compared to the city center routes. TikTok Consider what kind of scenery and atmosphere you're most excited about when making your choice.

Safety and Guidance on the Streets

Safety is a top priority for MariCAR tours. Each group is led by an experienced guide who ensures the go-karts stay together, follow traffic laws, and navigate the streets safely. Guides communicate with drivers via walkie-talkies and are trained to handle the unique challenges of driving in Tokyo traffic. TikTok

Many reviews highlight the exceptional quality of the guides. Individuals like Billy, Usama, Sam, and Gyula are frequently praised for their friendly demeanor, clear instructions, and ability to make participants feel confident and secure, even if they're not experienced drivers. Reddit The go-karts themselves are equipped with safety features, and participants are often provided with helmets and costumes that enhance visibility. TikTok