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.
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:
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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!
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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!
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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.
| Tokyo Street Kart Shop | Tokyo MariCar Courses | Length | Duration (Hours) | Price (JPY) | Areas Seen |
| Street Kart Shinagawa Shop #1 | SM/S2M | Medium | 1.5 to 2 | 10,000 | Tokyo tower, Roppongi, and Shibuya crossing |
| Maricar Shinagawa Street Kart Shop #2 | SL/S2L | Long | 2.5 to 3 | 13,000 | Rainbow bridge, Tokyo tower, Roppongi, Shibuya Crossing |
| Maricar Akihabara Shop #1 | A1-M | Medium | 1.5 to 2 | 10,000 | Tokyo station, Ginza, Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Skytree |
| Maricar Akihabara Shop #2 | A2-S | Short | 1 | 7,000 | Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, and Ryoguku |
| A2-M | Medium | 1.5 to 2 | 10,000 | Center of Tokyo | |
| Maricar Shibuya Street Kart Shop | H-S | Short | 1 | 8,000 | Shibuya crossing, Harajuku, and Omotesando |
| Maricar Asakusa Street kart Shop | SK-M | Medium | 1.5 to 2 | 10,000 | Asakusa, Ueno, Tokyo Dome, and Tokyo Skytree |
| Maricar Tokyo Bay Street Kart Shop | K-M | Medium | 1.5-2 | 10,000 | Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo tower |
| K-L | Long | 2.5 to 3 | 13,000 | Rainbow bridge, Tokyo tower, Shibuya crossing, and Tokyo gate bridge | |
| KB-M | Long | 3 | 18,000 | Tokyo gate bridge, Rainbow bridge + Cruise tour |
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.
#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.
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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 2 official site
Akihabara shop 1 official site
Akihabara shop 2 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
- Helmet
- Costume
- Shades
- Face mask
- 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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