Already decided you want to do a Mario Kart–style tour in Tokyo? This guide skips the sightseeing pitch — for that, see our full Mario Kart Tokyo guide — and answers the practical questions people actually ask right before they book: what documents you need, what happens if it rains, and what your insurance actually covers if something goes wrong.
Do I need an international driving permit?
Yes. For almost every nationality, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory — not optional — and you’ll need original hardcopies of all three of the following:
・Your home driver’s license (no temporary or paper licenses)
・An official International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, from the same country that issued your license
・Your passport
If your license is from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, or Monaco, an IDP isn’t issued in your country — instead you’ll need an official Japanese translation of your license via JAF, plus your original license and passport.
US military / SOFA personnel need a valid USFJ Form 4EJ (SOFA License).
Important: Japan only accepts IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention — IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are not valid here, and IDPs bought from third-party websites or online services are not recognized at all. UAE license holders need an IDP from the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE); India license holders need the original booklet-style IDP (a paper-type IDP is not accepted). Confirm your exact documents on the official Driving Requirements page before you book — missing or invalid documents on the day means no refund.
What’s actually covered by insurance?
Insurance is included in every tour price, covering bodily injury and property damage from an accident, with a deductible that applies if a claim is made. For the current coverage limits and deductible amounts, contact Japan Kart directly before you book — these are policy details worth confirming case by case rather than relying on a published figure that may change.
What’s the rain / cancellation policy?
In most cases, tours continue as planned in light rain. In more severe weather, Japan Kart may need to cancel the tour — this is assessed case by case, and if the tour is cancelled due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund. Outside of weather, you can change your reservation to another time slot as long as one is available; check directly with Japan Kart for the exact refund terms on a non-weather cancellation, as this isn’t published in detail on their site.
Are there height or weight limits?
There’s no official cutoff, but as a guideline: riders over 100kg may notice reduced speed/power, and riders above 190cm may find the kart a tight fit. Nobody is turned away on this basis — it’s left to the rider’s judgment.
Can my friend sit next to me in the kart, or can non-drivers join?
No — each go-kart holds one person only, so you can’t share a kart with a friend. Non-drivers (including children) aren’t able to ride in the go-karts themselves, but Japan Kart can accommodate passengers in the company’s own support vehicles free of charge during the tour, so non-drivers in your group don’t have to sit out entirely. There’s no published minimum age for riding in the support vehicle — contact Japan Kart directly in advance if you’re traveling with children so staff can confirm space and suitability for your group.
Can children join as drivers?
No. The tour itself is for licensed adult drivers only (18+), since it runs on public roads.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that won’t get caught in the kart’s mechanics — avoid long skirts, flowing scarves, and high heels. A costume is provided free of charge on top of whatever you wear underneath, so dress for comfort first.
Can I bring my own camera or GoPro?
Yes — just note that cameras can’t be mounted directly to the kart itself for safety reasons. Ask staff about chest or head mount options if you want hands-free footage of the ride.
How far ahead should I book?
A few weeks ahead is safest, especially in peak cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn foliage (November) seasons when slots fill fastest.
Still have questions?
If your question isn’t covered here, the fastest way to get an answer before you book is to contact Japan Kart directly — and for everything about the routes themselves, see our full Mario Kart Tokyo guide.
Final Thoughts
Joining a Mario Kart in Tokyo tour is one of the most exciting ways to explore the city. With this FAQ, you now have answers to all the most common questions—so you can focus on enjoying the ride with confidence.
Ready to book your adventure? Visit the official JAPANKART website and secure your spot today!
