Tokyo is huge bustling city filled with tons of choices to entertain. If you're into anime, cartoons, games or the sort, Tokyo is your place! It's best know for being the home of technology and specifically the creator of Nintendo. As a world wide phenomenon, Nintendo took the world by storm when they launched Super Mario Brothers and continued sweeping the globe with additions to the beloved brother's story: Mario Kart is undoubtedly one of Nintendo's greatest creations. Today you can opt to ride around the famous Mario Kart Rainbow Road in a few easy steps.
Booking is Easy
When it comes to booking this amazing experience, you have a few choices. You have the main site of Street Kart where you can book in multiple cities including: Osaka, Kyoto, Okinawa and 7 options in Tokyo. Street Kart offers a wide range of ways to book on their site. It's important to note that you will be required to provide some additional information upon booking your excursion. If however, you would like a more direct booking experience, you can also book through Viator which allows you the ease of book now, pay later. There is only one small catch with Viator, you will only have a singular option of booking the Tokyo Bay Location. On the flip side, if riding Rainbow Bridge and seeing Tokyo Tower is on your to do list this would be your best choice.
Listed on Street Kart are the routes to choose from for each shop. You can even opt for a night ride and see Tokyo light up! Some routes are longer than others ranging from 2-3 hours. Pricing can range from ($110-150 USD). You can also upgrade your ride with selections of go-pros, speakers, helmets and goggles.
3 Things to know ahead
Driving in Japan can often be dangerous. When you sign up for Mario Karting, you will be required to obtain documentation such as an International Driver's License, Japanese Driver's License or a SOFA drivers license. An IDL is easy to get and the process can be completed online.
You may also be driving on the opposite side of the road; no reason to panic as you'll be in a group. Your Street Kart company takes this experience very seriously and want you to have a great time without injury. When you arrive to your location; always recommended to arrive at least 20-30 minutes in advance of your ride, you'll watch a short video and they will go over a safety briefing with you. One very important thing to note is Yellow lights mean speed up; contrary to some other countries, you will want to ensure you stick with your group and go through those Yellow lights.
Unlike Mario Kart the game, you will not have items to throw at one another and will be required to maintain your lane as you will be driving on real Japanese roads that locals take daily to commute on. Sadly, there will also not be any bananas or balloons.
Book your Karting experience here
Getting there
If you plan to visit one of the locations outside of Tokyo, be sure to inquire about the location address in your confirmations or communicate with the company prior to arrival. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your karting destination, especially if you plan to walk or Uber. Should you arrive by train, it's likely your train will depart and arrive promptly.
Tokyo locations are scattered about the city, if you booked directly with Street Kart, write down the location address you chose or reach out a few days ahead of your arrival to confirm your location. Booking with Viator will take you directly to the Tokyo Bay location (only) and is fairly easy to access from Uber or train. You may still need to walk down the alleyway to find the destination.
WhatsApp is generally the best way to contact the main line and they're fairly prompt with responding.
Enjoy the Ride
Once you've arrived and gotten settled in, you'll want to choose your character. There are hundreds of choices to pick from and often you may have to select something you didn't anticipate because sizing of characters may not be available for all. If you're concerned with not having a Mario suit available you may want to consider bringing your own.
There will be some down time before your ride but there are a few places to hang out and watch the crew prep the karts and depending on what time of year you visit you may want to consider bundling up as it can get a little chilly on the streets.
Once in your kart, your instructor will lead you through the route. Be sure to take in as much of the sights as possible but also be mindful that a full sized car or even 18 wheeler might be at your side. Pay attention to the road and how closely you're following your pack, the karts don't have bumpers on them so crashes could potentially happen. You will get some time to observe landmarks and if you take the longer ride there will also be a pitstop. Highly recommended to grab a snack of hot coffee from the vending machines. Enjoy the ride and have fun, your inner child will thank you.
