The Mario Kart in Tokyo and Japan experience where you dress up as your favourite Mario Kart character and drive a Go Kart around the streets of Tokyo up to a speed of 60 kmh is one which many visitors to Japan are keen to experience. Many of our readers have asked questions about where and how to book the Mario Kart experience so we decided to put together this comprehensive guide to respond to these questions.
The original experience was pioneered in Akihabara in Tokyo in 2011, and has since then become one of the most popular tours for tourists. Because of its popularity additional locations have been established in many great locations including multiple locations within Tokyo, Yokohama, Mt Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto and Okinawa.
As each Go Kart can only hold one occupant who is the holder of a drivers licence, what this means is that only adults can book a Mario Kart experience, and it is therefore not a feasible option for children or anyone without a driver’s licence.
For all locations plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before your booking, and have the expectation that the first 30 minutes will be focused on getting your costume, verifying your drivers licence and receiving a briefing on how to drive your Mario Kart.
Below I have provided information about all of the locations you can experience Mario Kart in Japan, including how to make your booking.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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You MUST have a Japanese Drivers Licence, Japanese SOFA Licence or a Drivers Licence and an International Drivers Permit (IDP)
Drivers without a Japanese driver’s licence or Japanese SOFA driving licence strictly MUST bring their passport and one set of the following:
1) A driving licence from Belgium, France, Germany, Monaco, Slovenia, Switzerland or Taiwan; and a official Japanese translation provided by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) or the country’s embassy or consulate in Japan.
OR
2) Both a driving licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
IMPORTANT: IDPs based on the 1968 Vienna Convention are NOT valid.
For more information on how to purchase an International Drivers Permit (IDP) check out my article on this topic. Note that you must purchase an IDP before you depart your home country.
Mario Kart Locations in Japan
The locations in Japan where you can have the Mario Kart experience are as follows, with further information on each option lower in the article.
You may notice that in the options below I have included multiple different companies (Klook, Viator, Voyagin, Get Your Guide and KK Day) through which you can make your booking. The reason for this is that no one company offers the full set of Mario Kart experiences, and there are slightly different packages on offer by each company. I have recommended the one which has the best deal, and have also included the alternatives to enable you to book through the company which is most familiar to you. All of these companies are reputable online travel agencies and can be relied upon to make your booking.
Voyagin September Sale
Voyagin are currently running their September Sale from 2-30 September 2019 where you can save up to $US40 per booking using the below coupon codes. Note that the coupon codes are not valid for Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan or any JR Passes.
- Save $10 when you spend $150, “TRAVELSEPT10”
- Save $25 when you spend $300, “TRAVELSEPT25”
- Save $40 when you spend $450, “TRAVELSEPT40”
| Mario Kart Locations | Pricing and Options | How to Book |
| Akihabara
Northern Tokyo |
1 / 2 / 3 / 5 hours (Kart only) – $US 28 / 38 / 55 / 88 (per person)
1 / 2 / 3 / 5 Hour English Driver Guide – $US 24 / 48 / 72 / 120 per group Departures hourly from 10am to 7pm, must return by 8pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Akihabara through Klook
This experience can also be booked through Get Your Guide, Voyagin and Viator. |
| Asakusa
Northern Tokyo |
1 or 2 hours, including a guide – $US 48 / 67 per person
Departures 9.30am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 6.30pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Asakusa through Voyagin
This experience can also be booked through Viator. |
| Shinagawa
Southern Tokyo |
2 or 3 hours, including a guide – $US 71 / 94 per person
Departures 9.30am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 6.30pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Shinagawa through Viator |
| Odaiba
Southern Tokyo |
2 or 3 hours, including a guide – $US 71 / 94 per person
Departures – 2 hour tour – 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm. 3 hour tour – 10am, 2pm, 6pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Odaiba through Viator |
| Roppongi
Southern Tokyo |
1 or 2 hours, including a guide – $US 48 / 67 per person
Departures 12pm, 2pm and 4pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Roppongi through Voyagin |
| Yokohama
South of Tokyo |
1 or 2 hours (kart only) – $US 40 / 57 per person
Add on available during checkout is a guide (non English speaking) for 1 or 2 hours – $US 36 or $US 53 per group Departures hourly from 10am to 7pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Yokohama through Voyagin
This experience can also be booked through Viator. |
| Kawaguchiko in Mt Fuji | 1 or 2 hours (kart only) – $US 55 / 82 per person
Departures 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart Mt Fuji through KK Day |
| Osaka | 1 or 2 hours, including a guide – $US 43 / 65 per person
Departures 1 hour tour – 5pm only, 2 hour tour – 10am, 12.30pm, 3pm, 5pm, 6pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Osaka through Voyagin
This experience can also be booked through Get Your Guide, Viator and KK Day. |
| Kyoto | 2 or 3 hours, including a guide – $US 122 / 177 per person
Departures – 9am or 1pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Kyoto through Viator |
| Okinawa | 2 hours, including a guide – $US 71 per person
Departures – 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm |
Click here to book Mario Kart in Okinawa through Viator
This experience can also be booked through KK Day. |
Mario Kart in Akihabara in Tokyo
This is the best known Mario Kart in Japan as it is the original site for the concept, and is located in the north of Tokyo.
The best option to book Mario Kart in Akihabara is through the Klook website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Klook represents the best value. The Klook package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Akihabara |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Akihabara through Klook
|
| Costume Hire: | Included. You can also purchase costumes at the nearby Don Quixote shop. |
| Refuelling: | You have to fill the fuel tank up before you return the kart. A charge of 800 Yen per kart will be charged if the fuel tank is not full. |
Mario Kart in Asakusa, Tokyo
Asakusa is located on the northern side of Tokyo and is close to the Tokyo Skytree.
The best option to book Mario Kart in Asakusa is through the Voyagin website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Voyagin represents the best value. The Voyagin package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Asakusa |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Asakusa through Voyagin
|
| Costume Hire: | Included. |
| Refuelling: | Is included in the tour price. |
Mario Kart in Shinagawa, Tokyo
Shinagawa is located on the southern side of Tokyo and is close to the Haneda Airport. This tour departs from close to Kita-Shinagawa station. If you have a layover in Haneda airport this is a great option to make the most of your time.
The best option to book Mario Kart in Shinagawa is through the Viator website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Viator represents the best value. The Viator package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Shinagawa |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Shinagawa through Viator
|
| Costume Hire: | Included, and helmets are available. |
| Refuelling: | Is included in the tour price. |
Mario Kart in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba, Tokyo
Odaiba is located on the southern side of Tokyo and is close to the Haneda Airport. This tour departs from close to Shinkiba Station. If you have a layover in Haneda airport this is a great option to make the most of your time.
The best option to book Mario Kart in Odaiba is through the Viator website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Viator represents the best value. The Viator package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Odaiba |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Odaiba through Viator:
|
| Costume Hire: | Included |
| Refuelling: | Is included in the tour price. |
Mario Kart in Roppongi, Tokyo
Roppongi is located on the southern side of Tokyo and is close to the Haneda Airport. If you have a layover in Haneda airport this is a great option to make the most of your time.
The best option to book Mario Kart in Roppongi is through the Voyagin website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Voyagin represents the best value. The Voyagin package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Roppongi |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Roppongi through Voyagin:
|
| Costume Hire: | Included. |
| Refuelling: | Is included in the tour price. |
Mario Kart in Yokohama
Yokohama is located 35km south of Tokyo. If you are arriving or departing from Yokohama on a cruise ship this is a great option to make the most of your time.
The best option to book Mario Kart in Yokohama is through the Voyagin website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Voyagin represents the best value. The Voyagin package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Yokohama |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Yokohama through Voyagin:
|
| Costume Hire: | Included. |
| Refuelling: | For 1 hour refuelling is included, for 2 hours you need to refuel before handing your kart back. |
Mario Kart in Mt Fuji
Doing a Mario kart tour around the Lake Kawaguchiko are of Mt Fuji is a great way to take in the sights! The starting point for the tour is close to Kawaguchiko Station, which is located just over 2 hours by bus from Tokyo Station.
The best option to book Mario Kart in Mt Fuji is through the KK Day website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and KK Day represents the best value. The KK Day package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Mt Fuji |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Mt Fuji through KK Day:
|
| Costume Hire: | NOT Included, additional fee of 5500 Yen ($US 50) |
| Refuelling: | You need to refuel before handing your kart back. |
Mario Kart in Osaka
You may not realise that you can also go on a Mario Kart tour in Osaka and check out the sights!
The best option to book Mario Kart in Osaka is through the Voyagin website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Voyagin represents the best value. The Voyagin package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Osaka |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Asakusa through Voyagin:
|
| Costume Hire: | Included. |
| Refuelling: | Is included in the tour price. |
Mario Kart in Kyoto
You may not realise that you can also go on a Mario Kart tour in Kyoto and check out the sights!
The best option to book Mario Kart in Kyoto is through the Viator website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Viator represents the best value. The Viator package includes insurance.
| Location: | Mario Kart Kyoto |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Kyoto through Viator:
|
| Costume Hire: | Included |
| Refuelling: | Is included in the tour price. |
Mario Kart in Okinawa
You may not realise that you can also go on a Mario Kart tour in Naha in Okinawa and check out the sights!
The best option to book Mario Kart in Okinawa is through the Viator website. I have compared pricing with other vendors and Viator represents the best value. You have to pay an additional insurance fee of 500 yen ($US 5) at the shop which is non-refundable.
| Location: | Mario Kart Okinawa |
| Kart Rental Options and Costs: | Click here to book Mario Kart Okinawa through Viator:
|
| Costume Hire: | Included |
| Refuelling: | Is included in the tour price. |
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- Voyagin Tours and Tickets for Japan
Join the Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group
You are also welcome to join our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group – it is a great resource to enable you be inspired and to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Japan!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How cool Anne! Just like the video game. Except real LOL.
Ryan, you are absolutely right – I think the novelty of the experience is why it has captured the public attention!