Driving a go-kart through Shibuya Crossing looks incredible on video — and it's a genuinely fun, unique Tokyo experience. But two things surprise tourists: it costs more than they expect, and the licence rule quietly turns people away at check-in. Here's the money and the paperwork, so you don't lose a booking.
| Tour type | Typical price / person |
|---|---|
| Short route (~1 hr) | ~¥10,000–13,000 |
| Standard route (~1.5–2 hr) | ~¥12,500–17,500 |
| Long / premium route | up to ~¥22,000 |
Prices vary by operator, route, duration and time slot (night runs cost more). Costumes (non-Mario) and photos may be included or extra — check the specific plan.
Street karts are real vehicles on public roads, so you must legally be allowed to drive. That means a valid Japanese licence, or an International Driving Permit — and the details matter:
• It must be the paper 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. 1968 Vienna Convention IDPs are not accepted in Japan.
• You must get it in your home country before you travel — you cannot obtain one in Japan.
• Some countries (Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan) don't issue the accepted IDP and instead need an official JAF Japanese translation of their licence — exactly like renting a car.
The famous costumes are gone: Nintendo sued the original operator (MariCar) for unauthorised use of its characters, won under Japan's Unfair Competition Prevention Act, and that company shut its public tours. Today's operators run generic street go-karts and can't rent you Mario/Nintendo costumes — you can only wear your own if you bring one. Set expectations accordingly.
Worth it if you genuinely want the "drive through Tokyo" experience — just don't treat it as a cheap, walk-up thrill. Budget ~¥15,000, book a route that fits your time, and above all sort your paper 1949 IDP (or JAF translation) before you fly — that single step is what separates a great night from a turned-away booking. And know it's regular go-karting now, not a licensed Mario experience.
Mio