Beginner’s Guide – Street Kart Experience in Shibuya
Even first-timers can enjoy with confidence. We’ll explain everything from the flow of the street kart experience to important points to note.
From Reservation to Experience
1. How to Make a Reservation
Street kart experiences require advance booking. Select your preferred date and time from the official website, enter the necessary information, and complete your reservation. You’ll need information from your valid driver’s license during booking, so having it ready will make the process smooth.
After your reservation is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It contains details about the meeting location, time, and what to bring on the day, so be sure to check the contents. For first-timers, we recommend arriving 15 minutes early to allow plenty of time.
It’s also important to review the cancellation policy when making your reservation. Understanding the procedures for adverse weather conditions and the possibility of rescheduling will give you peace of mind.
2. Day of Experience
Upon arrival at the meeting location, first complete check-in. You’ll need to present your driver’s license, so don’t forget to bring it. For international licenses and translation certificates, please check the official website for the latest information.
After check-in, if you wish to rent a costume, you can select and wear one. Once you’re ready, you’ll proceed to the safety briefing conducted by staff. The briefing provides detailed explanations about driving methods, traffic rules, and important points to note. Feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear.
3. Safety Briefing
During the safety briefing, you’ll first learn the basic operation of the kart. The explanation focuses on differences from regular cars, such as accelerator, brake, and steering operations. Since karts have a low ground clearance and your eye level is significantly different from regular vehicles, getting accustomed to this sensation is important.
There’s also a detailed explanation of traffic rules. Since you’ll be driving on public roads, it’s essential to comply with traffic laws. You’ll acquire the knowledge necessary for safe driving, including checking traffic signals, timing for lane changes, and maintaining proper distance from surrounding vehicles.
Staff members always accompany you, so they can respond immediately if any issues arise.
Frequently Asked Questions from Beginners
Q: I’m not confident in my driving skills. Is it okay to participate?
A: If you hold a valid driver’s license, even beginners can participate. You’ll master the basic operations in the pre-departure safety briefing, and staff will always accompany and support you.
Q: What should I wear to participate?
A: Comfortable clothing is fine. However, please avoid skirts and sandals. Athletic shoes or sneakers are suitable. Helmets are provided.
Q: What happens in case of rain?
A: Light rain usually doesn’t prevent the experience, but prioritizing safety, tours may be canceled or rescheduled during severe weather. You’ll receive advance notification, so make sure to register your contact information accurately during booking.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography during driving is prohibited for safety reasons, but you can take photos before departure and during breaks. Staff can assist with commemorative photos if you ask.
Q: If multiple people participate, can we drive together?
A: Yes, group participation is possible. However, for safety, you’ll drive while maintaining a certain distance between vehicles.
Experience in the Shibuya Area
The street kart experience in the Shibuya area offers a fresh perspective, viewing tourist attractions like Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Dogenzaka, and Koen-dori from a low vantage point. It creates special memories that are difficult to obtain through regular sightseeing.
Routes are designed considering traffic conditions and safety, starting from areas with relatively light traffic, allowing you time to get accustomed to the operation.
Evening tours after sunset offer an experience of driving through the illuminated cityscape of Shibuya. The sensation of looking up at Shibuya’s neon-lit night scenery from the low viewpoint of a kart has a different charm from daytime. Specific precautions for night driving are also explained in detail during the preliminary briefing.
We recommend confirming detailed course content and duration when making your reservation.
The Appeal of Street Karts
The street kart experience on public roads is a new activity that stands apart from conventional tourism. The cityscape viewed from a low perspective offers scenery completely different from walking or traveling by car.
The exhilaration of racing through Shibuya streets while directly feeling the wind is a unique attraction of this experience. You’ll often attract attention from those around you, and wearing a costume increases visibility even more. The ability to capture Instagram-worthy photos and videos makes it particularly popular among younger generations.
While street karts may look similar to go-karts at leisure facilities, they are legitimate small vehicles capable of driving on public roads. You can experience the scenery of Shibuya, one of Japan’s representative cities, while following general road traffic rules. It has gained attention from international tourists as a unique Japanese tourism experience.
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
There are several points to fully enjoy the street kart experience. First, participate with plenty of time. When you’re in a hurry, you can’t concentrate on safe driving and won’t enjoy the scenery.
Next, consider weather and time of day. Mornings and evenings on clear days are recommended because Shibuya’s cityscape looks beautiful. Weekends have heavier traffic, so first-timers might consider participating on weekdays.
If using costume rental, choose something photogenic that will serve as a good memory. However, also consider ease of driving. Avoiding outfits that restrict movement is wise.
When participating as a group, discussing the timing for group photos and video recording in advance makes things smoother. You can also ask staff to take photos, allowing everyone to be in commemorative pictures.
How to Preserve Memories After the Experience
After the experience ends, there are ways to preserve those memories. Sharing photos taken by staff on social media lets you convey the experience to friends and family. Photos of driving through Shibuya streets have high topic appeal and can generate significant reactions.
Recording your impressions through blogs or travel journals is also recommended. Writing down which spots were memorable, operation tips, and observations can serve as a reference when recommending the experience to friends.
After the experience, dining at restaurants around Shibuya or relaxing at a cafe to savor the afterglow is also enjoyable. Since street kart experiences typically last 1-2 hours, they’re easy to combine with subsequent plans.
The street kart experience in Shibuya is special time that combines sightseeing and activity simultaneously. While being mindful of safety, please enjoy this unique experience to the fullest.
