Street Go-Karting in Shibuya: Licence Rules, Safety Tips and 10 More Fun Things to Do in Tokyo
Published: 2026-10-14
Race through Shibuya's crossings in a go-kart! Here's what licence you need for Tokyo's hugely popular street kart tours and the safety rules to know, plus more only-in-Tokyo experiences, from sumo practice to purikura and karaoke.
The short answer
| Street go-karting | |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A guided tour driving small karts on public roads through Shibuya, Akihabara, Tokyo Bay and more |
| What you need | A valid driving licence (Japanese, or a qualifying International Driving Permit, etc.) and your original passport |
| Watch out | Forget your licence and you usually can't join and won't get a refund |
| Duration | About 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the course |
Street karts are vehicles on real roads. Following traffic rules and your guide's instructions is non-negotiable.
What is street go-karting?
You drive a small kart through Tokyo behind a guide, past sights like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, with the wind in your face.
Karts in Shibuya at nightDrive in a convoy through the neon streets. People on the sidewalk often wave.- Courses vary by shop, with routes in Shibuya, Akihabara, Shinagawa, Asakusa and around Tokyo Bay.
- You get a briefing on driving and safety before you set off.
The licence you need (the most important part)
| Licence | Can you join? |
|---|---|
| Japanese driving licence | Yes |
| International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention (paper booklet) | Yes |
| Licence from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan + an official Japanese translation (from JAF and others) | Yes |
| 1968 Vienna Convention permits, card-type, digital or photocopied licences | No |
- An International Driving Permit can't be issued in Japan. Get it in your home country before you travel.
- On the day, bring your original licence and original passport. Copies and phone photos aren't accepted.
Requirements can differ in detail between operators. Always check the operator's official site before booking.
Shibuya go-kart tour (Akiba Kart Shibuya)
Follow an English-speaking guide through Shibuya, including the Scramble Crossing. An International Driving Permit or other valid licence is required.
Before you go
- Insurance: even with basic insurance, you usually pay a deductible if there's an accident. Check the cover when booking.
- Clothing: avoid high heels, sandals and long skirts. Some shops lend costumes.
- Not affiliated with video games: street kart companies are independent businesses, unrelated to any game company.
- Absolutely no alcohol before driving.
- Photos: using your phone while driving is dangerous. Leave photos to the guide or take them only when stopped.
More fun things to do in Tokyo
Sumo morning practiceTours let you watch wrestlers train at sumo stables in Ryogoku and elsewhere. Not every stable welcomes visitors, so a guided tour is the safe choice.
Arcades and gachaAkihabara and Ikebukuro have huge arcades lined with claw machines and capsule toys.
teamLabAn immersive digital art museum where you walk barefoot through water.Our in-depth experience guides
- Stroll Asakusa in a kimono → "Kimono rental in Tokyo"
- Try karate and tile breaking → "Karate experience in Tokyo"
- Try cosplay → "Cosplay in Japan"
- Arcades and anime shops → "Tokyo's anime and manga hotspots"
Frequently asked questions
Can I go street karting in Tokyo without an International Driving Permit?
Not without a qualifying licence: a Japanese licence, a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, or a licence from a designated country plus an official Japanese translation. IDPs can't be issued in Japan, so get one at home before you travel.
Is there a minimum age?
Age rules vary by operator. Since a driving licence is required, minors often can't join. Check before booking.
Do tours run in the rain?
Weather cancellation and change rules vary by operator. Check the cancellation terms when booking.
What other experiences are popular in Tokyo?
Sumo morning practice, purikura, karaoke, arcades, Shinjuku bar-hopping tours, kimono rental and karate experiences.
Official websites
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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