Zipping across the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings in a go-kart is just wild and good for the soul. And wearing a fun super hero costume too adds to the fun of Tokyo’s famous Street Kart with Shibuya Crossing being just one of the highlights of this exhilarating tour.
Japan’s capital city has a population of 14 million, so it’s a busy city to negotiate, especially in the Shibuya district where as many as 3,000 people cross the street from all directions during a single green light.
But there’s a certain calmness in the city where horns are rarely sounded and drivers are respectful to each other, making the Street Kart experience even more special.
The custom made karts are cool too and celebrities including former F1 racing driver Jenson Button have tested them out on the Tokyo streets.
It’s seriously good fun and so well organised with different length challenges to suit all experiences of drivers. Everyone has to have an International or Japanese driving licence to be able to take part and Street Kart has a number of tours running from its various venues.
Trying out the 90 minute tour from Akihabara 2 is a delight from start to finish. Arriving at the shop for a safety briefing and to pick a costume of choice and then it’s off with a group of like-minded enthusiasts and an experienced leader at the front.
Drivers are teamed up in pairs and given a chance throughout the tour to experience the front, middle and back and a night time circuit gives a fabulous insight into the city lit up in all its glory.
The A2-M course takes the drivers through the centre of Tokyo and as well as the crossing, the route whizzes through the Ginza district, known for its glitzy shopping, dining and entertainment.
Then it’s off towards the Imperial Palace, which served as the residential home of the successive Emperors since 1868, a building of impressive statue and worth a slow down or pit stop to admire.
One of the best sights is the trendy Harajuku district, popular for youth culture and fashion. Driving at night gives a chance to see the flashing neon lights and modern architecture which attracts shoppers wanting something different, whether it be vintage or up to date beauty.
Magically the brilliantly calm organisation of Street Kart gives all the drivers that confidence to grab the fun opportunity and see some amazing sights at the same time. It really is fabulous to experience Japan in a special way and Street Kart has venues across the country from Tokyo to Osaka and Okinawa.
Booking is easy and can be done before arriving in Japan. The helpful support team are on hand to advise which shop – in Tokyo – Tokyo Bay, Akihabara 1st, Akihabara 2nd, Shibuya and Shibuya Annex; Okinawa – Okinawa (Naha) or Osaka is best for the chosen route and there is advice on how to sort out the licence to drive in Japan, with an option to send in the documents before travelling to ensure all is okay before the event starts.
Cancellation is 7 days before the activity starts to avoid a fee. For more information on prices, experiences and the best route to suit what you want to see, please visit: www.streetkart.com.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photograph courtesy of Street Kart
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