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I can’t remember when I first found out that driving around the streets of Tokyo in go-karts donning Super Mario Kart costumes was a thing.  But I do know that once I did find out that Mario Kart in Shibuya Tokyo was a thing, it was at the top of my list of things to do on my visit there. “You don’t stop having fun because you get old, you get old because you stop having fun.” That’s my motto! 

This 50-something-year-old woman was not at all timid about putting the pedal to the metal and letting it rip around those Tokyo streets. What adrenaline-fueled way to experience the sights and sounds of Tokyo!  Cars honking.  Children waving.  Tourists and locals, alike, taking our picture.  Plus, we hit the corners like race car drivers.  At least I did.  Well, I imagined I did anyway.  It was…BANANAS!  If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, I highly recommend that you add this to your itinerary.  

This is what you need to know…..

What is MariCar

MariCar is a tour company that provides go-karts and onesie costumes akin to the popular Nintendo racing game, Super Mario Kart.  Naturally, they ran into infringement problems with Nintendo.  In 2017, Nintendo sued and won. After paying fines and removing Super Mario Kart specific costumes (so you won’t find the one I have on) they are still in operation.  YAY!!!

Update: MariCar has changed it’s name to Street Kart.

International Driving Permit

In order to drive legally in Japan, you will need an international driving permit (IDP).  There are only two places in the United States that issue IDPs– American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). 

You must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license issued by a state or territory of the United States and your license must remain valid for at least six months from the issue date of your IDP.  I went to a local branch of AAA since I’m a member. 

There was a $20 permit fee.  The IDP in conjunction with your Passport and you are good to go.

Booking your Tokyo Mario Kart Tour

You must reserve your Tokyo Mario Kart tour in advance. Facebook Messenger is the BEST and FASTEST way to make your reservation.  I booked this way and was confirmed in short order.  However, you can also book through their website. 

Shop Locations

In Tokyo, there are 7 shop locations and based on availability your tour may originate out of any one of them. 

• Shingawa #1
• Shinagawa #2
• Akihabara #1
• Akihabara #2
• Shibuya
• Tokyo Bay BBQ
• Asakusa

When I booked my trip the availability for a single driver was out of Shinagawa #1. There are several different appointment times that you can book depending on availability and your personal preference.  I took the train to the Shinagawa station and it was a 15-minute walk to the shop.   

Provided with your confirmation are detailed instructions regarding train stops and the best ways to reach the shop from the train station.  I got turned around a couple of times once I reached my stop, but I made it.  Give yourself PLENTY of time if you’re taking the train.  If you’re not about that life…just take a taxi.

Course Options

Each shop has different course offerings. Depending on which shop you go to, you’ll see different things.  The Shinagawa #1 course offered 2 tour durations, 2-hour (SM-Middle Tokyo Tour) and 3-hour (SL-Long Tokyo Tour) rides. 

I choose the middle tour, a 2-hour ride which included Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and Roppongi.  That Mario Kart Tokyo through Shibuya Crossing was THE BEST! The Long Tour included Rainbow Bridge.  But I figured two hours would be plenty enough time for me and it was.  There are also day and night options.  

Costumes

I suggest you arrive early to pick out your costume.  I tried on a couple before I decided on this Mario Kart onesie.  You’ll have a wide array of costumes to choose from.  Since the Nintendo lawsuit, the Super Mario Kart specific costumes will no longer be available, but you’ll certainly get to choose from other cartoon characters such a Nemo, Buzz Lightyear, Pikachu and more.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the tour which includes go-kart rental fee, costume rental, gas fuel, photos, as well as optional face masks, shades, and helmets is $90 (JPY 10,000).  Another $5 (JPY 500) for non-refundable full coverage insurance fee is required.  If you have a GoPro you can bring it to capture action shots or rent one for an additional fee.

Can you handle it?

I’m living in Charlotte currently but was born and raised in NYC and I drive like it.  In other words, I’m a confident driver (may read: aggressive).  If you’re a timid driver than this may not be the tour for you.  We were required to alternate between a single file and tandem driving very quickly throughout the tour, often trying to beat the light. 

There were also a few stretches that we could really open that throttle up….MY FAVORITE PART!!!  My tour group was great, everyone drove well, kept up nicely, and wanted to go fast and our tour guide obliged.  

So if you’re a confident driver, like an adrenaline rush, and don’t mind donning a costume…THIS MARIO KART IN TOKYO TOUR IS FOR YOU!  This one of a kind experience will certainly be the highlight of your Tokyo trip.  It was for me!

Do you think you could handle it?  Is this something that you would try?  Comment and let me know.

If Tokyo is on your bucket list of places to visit, be sure to check out my blog post for the Tokyo travel guide for first-time visitors.

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