Real-Life Mario Kart in Tokyo
Race like Super Mario
Playing Mario Kart no longer has to be limited to a video game. The time has come where you can finally experience it in real life! We drove Mario Kart in Tokyo during our first visit and have to admit that it was one of our highlights.
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UPDATE: Sadly, you can no longer rent Mario-Kart costumes. However, instead of Mario, Luigi, and friends, you can dress up as your favorite superheroes!
Table of Contents
How does Mario Kart in Tokyo work?
Mario Kart in Tokyo has been around for the last couple of years and even though it’s not officially “Mario Kart” it feels exactly like it! You’ll be driving Tokyo’s streets in a go-kart dressed as a Mario character! We first tried the tour in 2017 and would surely do it again! In total, there are 7 different Mario Kart locations in Tokyo and several more across Japan. Visitors to cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa can also take advantage of this fun tour!
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment, so you can check in, store your belongings and choose your Mario-themed costume! It’s first-come-first-served. Once it’s time to start, you and your small group of max 10 travelers will head out to the go-karts, where you’ll get all important safety instructions.
Mario Kart in Tokyo is not really a race, but a tour. Considering that you are driving with regular traffic, a race would never be possible. You’ll be going fast, though. The maximum speed of the karts is about 40 mph and you’ll be driving on the left side of the road.
Mario Kart Routes
My Favorite | Most Scenic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Length | long | long | medium | short | medium | short | medium | long | medium | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours | 1 hour | 2 hours | 1 hour | 2 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Price | from $102 | from $102 | from $79 | from $79 | from $79 | from $79 | from $79 | from $102 | from $79 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Shibuya Crossing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tokyo Tower | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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What you need to drive Mario Kart in Tokyo
Mario Kart in Tokyo is suited for travelers age 18+ that are between 4.9 and 6.1 feet tall. In order to drive, you further need:
- your passport
- an international driving permit (IDP)
There are absolutely no exceptions! Should you not have an international driver’s license yet, don’t worry: it’s very easy to get. It’s a paper document that is only valid in combination with your driver’s license. You can, for example, head to your nearest AAA-branch and you’ll have it within 20 minutes and it will cost you approximately $20. You’ll need to present the filled out form and present it together with two original passport pictures.
Mario Kart Prices
Tickets for participating in the Mario Kart Tour in Tokyo start at $57 per person. Prices depend on the selected location and tour length: 1 hour, 2 hours, or 3 hours.
What’s included:
- the go-kart rental
- costume
- tour guide
- introduction & safety precautions
- face mask
- shades
- helmet
Store your belongings securely in one of the provided bags!
Or else you may lose them. It’s not recommended to try to grab your phone during a traffic light or any other part of the tour. Your guide will take a few photos of you and your team during your ride. You can also opt to rent a GoPro for an additional fee to record your ‘race’.
Upgrades:
- action camera
- photoshoot experience
- fake mustache (you get to keep it)
When you get to your locations, you can choose to add on an action camera to record your drive or, going one step further, a photoshoot experience.
My Review of Mario Kart in Tokyo
Mario Kart in Tokyo was easily one of our travel highlights. It’s not only fun in itself but also a different way to see Tokyo during your ride! We drove over the Rainbow Bridge and saw many other sights such as Tokyo Tower on the way. It’s a cool experience just to be driving on the left side. It’s also a cool experience to be driving a go-kart in normal traffic. Driving around like this in costumes will put smiles on people’s faces, regardless of whether Japanese or other travelers. Pedestrians and drivers alike will cheer you on everywhere you look! So would we say that Mario Kart in Tokyo is worth it? Absolutely YES, it’s an unforgettable memory! Mario Kart in Tokyo is enjoying increasing popularity, so be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
All Mario Kart Locations in Tokyo
There are several Mario Kart shops across the city, making it very convenient to get to the start of your tour. Even though there are two Shinagawa locations, please be informed that they offer identical routes, unlike Akihabara.
- Shinagawa #1
Address: 1-23-15 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm - Shinagawa #2
Address: 3-16-46 Higashi-gotanda Shinagawa ward Tokyo,
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm
- Akihabara #1
Address: 4-12-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda 101-0021, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm - Akihabara #2
Address: 4 Chome-16 Kanda Sakumacho, Chiyoda 101-0025, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm - Shibuya
Address: 15-3-3, Maruyama-Cho, Shibuya, 150-0044, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm - Tokyo Bay
Address: 2-10 Shinkiba Koutoh Ward, Tokyo
Opening hours: 10 am – 10 pm - Asakusa
Address: 3-25-31 Nishi-Asakusa Taito Ward Tokyo
Opening hours: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm
You can also drive Mario Kart in:
- Yokohama
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Okinawa
FAQ
Is it dangerous to drive Mario Kart in Tokyo?
It can be. Remember that you are driving on the left side of the road at high speeds without a helmet and with regular traffic. You should always be alert. Should you separate from the group or experience another issue, it’s always best to pull over instead of trying to catch up or drive by yourself.
Is Mario Kart in Tokyo legal?
Yes, it is. The government has approved Mario Kart in Japan.
Can children drive Mario Kart in Tokyo?
Drivers need to be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license.
How many people can fit into one go-kart?
Each go-kart can hold one person.