Go kart Tour from Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku

Imagine zipping through Tokyo’s bustling streets in a go-kart, dressed in a fun costume, with a knowledgeable guide pointing out sights and snapping photos along the way. For around $112 per person, you get 75 to 105 minutes of pure exhilaration, visiting iconic locations like Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Roppongi, and Omotesando. This tour, operated by Monkey Kart, offers a fresh perspective on the city, blending sightseeing with adventure.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines adrenaline with cultural sights—you’re not just on a bus or walking; you’re in the middle of it all, feeling the energy of Tokyo firsthand. Plus, the chance to choose a cute costume adds a layer of playful fun that makes the photos unforgettable. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that traffic and weather conditions can affect the experience, so flexibility is key.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an offbeat Tokyo adventure—those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, fun, and a bit of thrill. It’s especially suited for guests comfortable with driving a go-kart and who want to see some of the most famous spots from the driver’s seat. If you’re up for a lively, memorable way to explore the city, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Unique Perspective: Explore Tokyo in a go-kart, passing iconic landmarks.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and share interesting insights.
• Fun Costumes: Dress up to add humor and create great photo opportunities.
• Flexible Itinerary: Visits include Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Roppongi, and Omotesando.
• Safety & Requirements: Drivers need a valid international license and permits; safety is a priority.
• Great Reviews: An average rating of 4.7/5 from nearly 500 reviews highlights its popularity and quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

From the moment you book, you’ll notice that this is far from your typical city tour. Monkey Kart offers a guided go-kart ride that takes you through Tokyo’s most famous districts with a small group of no more than 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized and safe experience.

Meeting Point & Starting Off

The meeting point varies depending on your booking, but the coordinates place you in Shinagawa, a convenient area for many travelers. The guides speak English, ensuring clear instructions and friendly conversation. You’ll need to bring your passport and international driver’s license—a critical detail that can’t be overlooked. They require a hardcopy of your Geneva Convention IDP from an official agency, and for certain countries like France, Switzerland, Taiwan, Germany, Monaco, and Belgium, a Japanese translation of your license is also necessary.

The Route & Stops

Once you’re ready, the adventure kicks off with a drive towards Tokyo Tower. The thrill begins as you navigate through the city’s streets—expect to see a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic sights. Your guide will lead the way, managing the traffic and keeping everyone safe, while you focus on enjoying the ride.

Next, you’ll make your way to Roppongi, known for its vibrant nightlife and contemporary architecture. From there, your route takes you to Shibuya Crossing, arguably the world’s most famous pedestrian scramble. As other travelers stop to watch, you’ll zoom past in your go-kart, drawing curious stares and photos from onlookers. The final stop is Omotesando, a high-end shopping street lined with designer stores and stylish cafes—perfect for some sightseeing and photos in your costume.

What Makes It Special

One of the standout features is the option to dress up in a costume, which adds a layer of hilarity and makes the photos truly memorable. Whether it’s Pikachu or another cute character, dressing up transforms the experience into a playful adventure. Many reviews mention that guides like Gus and Ren go above and beyond—they take plenty of photos, check in on safety, and ensure everyone remains together. One reviewer said, “Reece & Rakesh made us feel so safe that we really could enjoy all the fun the ride had to offer.”

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Safety & Comfort

Safety is a recurring theme in reviews. Guides are praised for their professionalism, clear instructions, and attentiveness. The tours are conducted in small groups, which helps ensure everyone gets individual attention. The guides also take pictures during stops, so you leave with plenty of fun memories. However, some reviews mention the fumes from the petrol carts and the need to be prepared for traffic, especially at night.

The Fun & The Challenge

Driving in Tokyo traffic can be daunting, but guides like Shin and Federico are experienced at navigating the chaos while keeping everyone safe. Expect speeds up to 50 km/h in some stretches, which many reviewers describe as “exhilarating” but still safe with professional guidance. The overall consensus is that this activity offers a mix of thrill and sightseeing that’s hard to match.

The Reviews & What They Say

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides, who often go out of their way to take photos and share insights about Tokyo’s neighborhoods. One said, “Our guide Ken was terrific and highly entertaining,” and another mentioned how their guide Adam was “great at making us feel comfortable” despite initial fears.

Many visitors note that this experience is a highlight of their trip—one called it “a once-in-a-lifetime adventure,” while others appreciated the value for money—75 to 105 minutes of fun for just over a hundred dollars. Several reviews mention that even in rainy weather, the guides are flexible and accommodating, rescheduling as needed.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Tokyo Tower: Starting point and iconic landmark, offering a great first impression of the city’s skyline. Expect to see this towering structure as you begin your ride, often with plenty of photo opportunities.

Roppongi: Known for its lively atmosphere, this district offers a chance to see Tokyo’s modern side, with skyscrapers, art galleries, and nightlife. The guide often shares interesting tidbits about the area, enriching your visit.

Shibuya Crossing: The most recognizable pedestrian crossing in the world, sheer chaos turned fun as your go-kart zips across the intersection amidst a crowd of travelers and locals. Many reviews mention how they loved the photos taken here and how it felt surreal to drive through the famous scramble.

Omotesando: A stylish shopping street, perfect for a more relaxed stop. You can enjoy street views, window-shop, or simply take more photos in your costume among the fashionable crowd.

Throughout the tour: The guide manages the pace, checks in on safety, and ensures you’re comfortable. Expect a mix of high-energy driving and moments to pause, take photos, and soak in the environment.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

• Drivers must have a valid international license and a hardcopy of their Geneva Convention IDP. Without this, you cannot participate.
• Age limit is 18+ due to licensing requirements.
• The tour may be rescheduled if it rains, so flexibility is advised.
• For safety, pregnant women and those without drivers licenses are not allowed to join.
• The tour lasts between 75 and 105 minutes, with check-in times varying.
• You’ll be guided in English, and small groups ensure personal attention.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is a perfect fit for adventure seekers who aren’t afraid to drive through busy city streets. If you enjoy cultural sights combined with adrenaline, you’ll find this tour a memorable highlight. It also appeals to those who love fun costumes and photo ops, making it ideal for travelers wanting to share lively social media moments.

Travelers who appreciate professional guides that prioritize safety and fun will feel especially reassured, as many reviews highlight how guides like Gus, Ren, and Federico make the experience both safe and entertaining.

Final Thoughts

Driving through Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods in a go-kart is a one-of-a-kind experience. It offers a different perspective on the city’s famous sights—more immersive than a bus or walking tour. The guided aspect ensures safety and provides interesting commentary, while the fun costume option adds a playful touch that makes photos stand out.

For those looking to combine sightseeing with a thrill, this tour provides exceptional value. It’s perfect for adventure-loving travelers who want memorable stories and photos from their time in Tokyo. Be prepared for traffic, follow safety instructions, and you’ll find yourself with an exhilarating, fun-filled adventure that truly captures the spirit of Tokyo.

If you’re after a lively, memorable experience that blends culture, fun, and a bit of adrenaline, this go-kart tour is hard to beat. It’s a playful way to see the city, meet fellow travelers, and come away with stories that will make friends back home jealous.

FAQ

Do I need a special driver’s license?
Yes, you must present a hardcopy of a Geneva Convention International Driving Permit issued by an official agency in your country.

Can I join if I don’t have a driver’s license?
No, you must have a valid driver’s license. This activity is for licensed drivers aged 18 and over.

What if it rains?
The tour may be rescheduled due to rain. It’s best to check the weather forecast and be flexible with your plans.

How long does the tour last?
Expect between 75 and 105 minutes, depending on your booking and traffic conditions.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women are not recommended to participate for safety reasons.

Are the guides helpful?
Absolutely. Reviewers praise guides who are friendly, informative, and attentive, often taking photos and making everyone feel safe.

Can I dress up in costumes?
Yes, many participants choose to wear fun costumes like Pikachu, which adds to the enjoyment and photo opportunities.

What sights will I see?
You’ll visit Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, Shibuya Crossing, and Omotesando, enjoying both the sights and the thrill of driving through them.

Are the carts safe to drive in traffic?
With professional guides managing traffic and safety, most reviews confirm it’s a safe and controlled environment, though you should be comfortable with city driving.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

This go-kart adventure from Tokyo Tower to Shibuya Crossing offers an energetic, fun way to see Tokyo’s highlights while getting a rush of adrenaline. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s a lively experience that’s sure to be a distinctive memory from your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: