Thinking of joining a Mario Kart in Tokyo tour, but still unsure about the details? From license requirements and weather conditions to safety measures and booking tips, this ultimate FAQ covers everything you need for a worry-free and unforgettable karting adventure in Japan.

1. Do I need an international driving permit?

Yes, it’s essential to have an international driving permit for this tour. More specifically; 

You MUST have ORIGINAL HARDCOPIES of all three documents below;

A driving license from your country of origin (no temporary or paper licenses)

International driving permit issued under the Geneva Convention 1949 (MUST be issued within your own country and by an officially registered issuing authority)

Passport

 If your driving license is from SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, FRANCE, TAIWAN, BELGIUM, ESTONIA, or MONACO,

A driving license from your country of origin (no temporary or paper licenses)

An official Japanese translation by the authorized organization (Online Application for Japanese Translation | JAF)

Passport

US military

Combination of Active Military ID and State-Side Driver’s License or SOFA License.

2. What happens if it rains?

Our policy regarding bad weather or rain. If prior contact is made (either by us or the customer), we usually offer the following options; 

・Cancel the reservation with full reimbursement.

・Reschedule the reservation (depending on availability)

・Continue with the tour (if the customer is comfortable doing so and/or weather conditions are not too severe)

3. Are there height or weight restrictions?

Though we do not have any official height or weight restrictions for using the go-karts. As a guideline, we advise

・If weighing over 100kg, you may experience a reduction in speed/power whilst driving.g

・If your height is above 190cm, it may feel a tight fit or a bit uncomfortable.

We do not deny participation based on these; however, we give the option over to the customer. 

4. Can I stop for a restroom break during the tour?

Yes, in most cases. Though the restroom breaks are a determined location, they depend on the tour route. However, if it is an emergency bathroom break, we will do our best to find the closest restroom.

5. Is it possible to bring my own GoPro or camera?

Yes, this is totally fine and welcomed. However, by policy, we do not allow cameras to be mounted directly to our go-karts. We do offer chest/head mounts free of charge. 

6. What safety measures are in place?

We take the safety aspect of our tours very seriously. Whilst our top priority is our customers, we also have a responsibility for public safety. Therefore, before every tour starts, we do a full safety briefing and go-kart demonstration. We strictly prohibit the use of smartphones while being handheld during the tour, and we also do not allow dangerous driving of any kind. 

7. How many staff members guide the tour?

Per tour, we typically will have at least two members of staff. One member leading and another at the back of the group. This is to ensure we can control the tour safely.

8. What areas of Tokyo do the tours cover?

We currently offer four different tours in Tokyo. 

・Asakusa/Tokyo Bay 120 min – this covers most of East Tokyo (Tokyo Bay, Ginza、 Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and Ueno, Asakusa.

・Asakusa/Akihabara 60 min – A shorter ride covering Akihabara, Ueno, and Asakusa.

・Shibuya/Tokyo Tower 120 min – This covers West Tokyo (Shibuya Scramble, Omotesando, Roppongi, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Station.

・Shibuya/Shinjuku 90 min – This tour will go through Shibuya Scramble, Shinjuku, and Kabukicho.

9. Are costumes included?

Yes, we include the use of our costumes in our prices.

10. Is insurance provided in case of an accident?

There is insurance included in the price; however, there are some key details to point out.

・Bodily injury (other than driver): 80,000,000yen is covered

・Property Damage (other than driver): 2,000,000yen is covered  

・Driver injury: 5,000,000yen is covered

・Deductible: minimum 50,000 yen (If insurance is used after an accident, the deductible amount must 

be paid by the user.)  

・ If the user causes damage to the go-kart, a minimum fee of 25,000 yen is to be paid (this fee could 

be significantly higher depending on the severity of the damage.)

11. How do I book, and what payment options are available?

We take bookings directly through our website via our booking widgets and take full payment via credit card. It’s a very easy process that just takes a few clicks.

12. What languages do the guides speak?

We have a diverse workforce. Whilst most of our Japanese staff members are not fluent in English, they definitely do their best to communicate with you. We have English-speaking staff members at every store. 

13. Can children join the tour?

This experience is typically for adults as we drive on public roads. We can, however, take some passengers in our staff cars on the tour. But we can only accommodate a select number, and children should be older than 6 years old. 

14. Are karts easy to drive for beginners?

YES! Absolutely, driving go-karts is even simpler than driving regular cars. We teach you the basics, so there is nothing to worry about. 

15. How far in advance should I book?

Depending on the time of year, it’s better to book at least a few weeks before the date you would like, as our slots can fill up quickly. 

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!