Shibuya#2 Go Karting Tour with Funny Costume

Traveling in Tokyo often means crowded trains, busy streets, and endless sightseeing. But what if you could see the iconic neighborhoods like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando in an entirely different way — by zooming through them in a go-kart, dressed as your favorite character? This go-karting experience offers an adrenaline rush wrapped in playful cosplay, and it’s worth considering whether it matches your travel style.

In this review, we’ll cover what makes this tour stand out: the fun costumes, the opportunity to drive past famous Tokyo landmarks, and the safety features designed to keep you secure. We’ll also look at some real traveler insights to give you a well-rounded picture. One thing to keep in mind, though — you’ll need a valid international driver’s license and meet certain height and weight restrictions.

What we love about this experience: the chance to see Shibuya from a different perspective, the opportunity to dress up as a character, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make every moment enjoyable.

A possible consideration: the activity is weather-dependent and may be canceled in heavy rain, so flexibility is key.

This tour is a fantastic pick for those seeking a memorable, playful way to explore Tokyo’s famous neighborhoods — especially if you’re comfortable driving a go-kart and love dressing up. It’s ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups looking for something lively and a bit unconventional.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: Drive a go-kart through Tokyo’s bustling streets, including the famous Shibuya Scramble.
• Costumed fun: Choose from a variety of costumes and drive dressed as characters — perfect for photo ops.
• Safety first: Includes comprehensive safety instructions, insurance, and an instructor to guide you.
• Authentic sightseeing: Pass by iconic sites like Shibuya Crossing, Omotesando, and Harajuku.
• Flexible booking: Reserve with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Weather dependent: Heavy rain can cancel the activity, but re-scheduling or refunds are available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Akiba Kart Shinjuku, where you’ll find clear signage guiding you to the meeting spot. The experience lasts about one hour, which is enough time to both enjoy driving and take in the sights without feeling rushed. You’ll meet friendly staff who speak both English and Japanese, ensuring smooth communication. The tour is designed to be accessible for those with an international driver’s license — a crucial point that many travelers overlook.

The Itinerary

Once you’re geared up and dressed in your chosen costume, the instructor will give a thorough safety briefing. This covers everything from how to operate the automatic transmission to proper signaling and navigating Tokyo’s busy streets safely. The guides, including a noteworthy instructor named James (according to reviews), not only keep it fun but also share interesting tidbits about the neighborhood and traffic rules to ensure everyone feels confident.

The drive takes you along Shibuya’s bustling streets, with a highlight being the Shibuya Scramble Crossing — often called the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. Just picture zooming past this iconic crossing with the camera shutters clicking! On the route, you’ll cruise along Omotesando, known for its fashionable boutiques, and weave through Harajuku, famous for its vibrant street culture.

What You’ll See and Experience

Driving through these vibrant neighborhoods offers a fresh perspective that walking or traditional tours might miss. The combination of dynamic cityscapes and cosplay fun makes for memorable photos and stories. Several reviewers mention how much they appreciated the opportunity to see the city from this unusual vantage point, with one noting that their guide, Haruto, made the experience particularly memorable with his humor and insights.

The speed limit of 60km/h ensures that you’re not racing through photos, but the thrill of acceleration combined with the busy urban backdrop creates a sense of excitement. The adjustable seats and safety features like signal lights add comfort and security, making this activity suitable even for first-time go-kart drivers.

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The Costume Element

One of the most talked-about parts of the tour is the costume rental. You can pick from a variety of outfits, transforming into characters from anime, movies, or popular culture. Wearing a costume not only adds a playful element but also makes for fantastic photos, which are included in the package. Reviewers have raved about how much fun it was to dress up and how the staff, especially the cheerful woman who helped with the costumes, went above and beyond. Many mention the joy of being the center of attention as locals and travelers alike take photos of their colorful getups.

Guides and Support

The guides make or break this experience, and on this tour, they truly shine. Feedback highlights guides like James, Miri, and Osama — all praised for their patience, humor, and helpfulness. They’re adept at teaching newbies how to operate the go-kart and navigating the busy streets, even offering to take photos along the way.

Safety and Insurance

While the experience emphasizes safety, it’s essential to note that insurance covers personal injuries and property damage but does not include vehicle repairs in case of an accident. If you opt for the extra insurance at 1,000 yen, you’ll be covered for vehicle repairs, which can cost up to 50,000 yen out of pocket otherwise. The safety briefing and the instructor’s guidance ensure a safe experience, but travelers should adhere strictly to instructions, especially in Tokyo’s busy traffic environment.

Practical Tips

• Arrive 20 minutes early to allow time for check-in and safety briefing.
• Bring your passport and international driver’s license (check that your license is a type BOOK for validity).
• Wear comfortable clothes and apply sunscreen if you’re doing the tour in summer, as some reviews mention the heat can be intense.
• Keep water handy, especially during summer months, to stay hydrated.
• There are height restrictions (150cm to 185cm) and a weight limit (under 100 kg), so plan accordingly.
• In case of bad weather, the tour can be canceled, but rescheduling or refunds are offered.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This go-kart adventure really shines for those who love a mix of sightseeing and playful adrenaline. It’s particularly suitable for young adults, couples, or groups of friends looking for a lively, unconventional way to explore Tokyo’s iconic neighborhoods. If you’re a fan of cosplay, fun photos, or just want a unique story to tell, this experience offers tremendous value.

Travelers who enjoy guided activities with friendly hosts and don’t mind driving in traffic will find this a highlight. However, it’s not ideal for those who prefer slow-paced sightseeing or aren’t comfortable with driving a vehicle in busy city streets.

Final Thoughts

This Shibuya#2 Go Karting Tour with Funny Costume is a high-energy, memorable way to see Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods. The combination of driving through vibrant districts, dressing as characters, and guided commentary makes it a standout activity that balances fun, safety, and sightseeing.

Considering the cost of $61 per person, many travelers find this to be excellent value for the unique experience and photo opportunities. The friendly guides, especially those who add humor and local insights, elevate the activity from just a fun ride to a personalized Tokyo adventure.

It’s best suited for adventurous travelers who want an active, playful way to explore. If you’re after a serious sightseeing tour, this might not be the right fit — but if you’re craving a laugh-filled, photo-worthy, adrenaline-pumping experience, it’s a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special driving license to participate?
Yes, you need a valid international driver’s license that permits driving in Japan. Make sure it’s the BOOK type; digital or card licenses are not valid. You should also verify your license before booking to avoid cancellations.

What are the age and height restrictions?
Participants must be between 150cm and 185cm tall and weigh under 100kg. These restrictions help ensure safety and proper fit in the go-karts.

Can I cancel or reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, if it’s heavily raining, the activity will be canceled. You can re-schedule or get a full refund if weather conditions prevent the activity from going ahead.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The instructor provides thorough safety instructions and guidance, making it accessible even for first-time drivers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is best, especially since you’ll be in costume. In summer, bringing sunscreen and water is recommended for hot days.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers a one-hour go-kart rental, a costume rental, an instructor, insurance, and a photo shooting service to capture your fun moments.

How many people are in a group?
Typically, the experience is designed for small groups, but reviews mention there can be only two participants at times. It’s perfect for intimate adventures or small groups wanting personalized attention.

This high-energy, photo-rich experience offers a fresh way to see Tokyo, blending sightseeing with cosplay fun and a dash of adrenaline. Whether you’re a Tokyo veteran or a first-timer looking for a story to tell, this tour promises a memorable ride through the city’s vibrant streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: