{"id":3589,"date":"2019-05-29T14:00:28","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T05:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/how-to-go-kart-through-the-streets-of-tokyo\/"},"modified":"2025-08-28T11:34:47","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T02:34:47","slug":"how-to-go-kart-through-the-streets-of-tokyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcjapan.com\/en\/how-to-go-kart-through-the-streets-of-tokyo\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Go-kart Through the Streets of Tokyo"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve been in Tokyo\u2019s tourist areas for just a few hours, you might have caught a glimpse of a fleet of go-karts with costume-clad drivers speeding through the streets. Even if you haven\u2019t seen them up close, you may have heard of them or even caught them all over YouTube and on TV<\/a>. Marikar gives visitors and even residents a new way to speed through town behind the wheel, take in the sights, and have an enjoyable and unique experience at the same time.<\/p>\n

Countless reviews have been done about them since their inception, and the vast majority of them are overwhelmingly positive. There was some press a few years ago talking about minor traffic accidents that involved the company\u2019s vehicles, a few natives calling the tourist\u2019s romp around town disturbing and maybe dangerous,<\/q> But it\u2019s no more hazardous than riding an electric bike or moped around town which is easier to rent!<\/a><\/p>\n

Karting on city streets? Is this legal?<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Yes, it is completely legal. Go-karts under 50cc with turn signals, head and tail lamps, mirrors and other safety equipment are classified as low-powered on-road vehicles by Japanese Motor Vehicle Code and sport a small blue license plate. You\u2019ll see the same one on some small delivery motor-trikes and micro-cars. It\u2019s entirely legal to drive a similarly equipped ATV on the street too.<\/p>\n

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First, some requirements<\/h3>\n

One big requirement: you need driving documents. An International Driver\u2019s Permit or valid Japanese Driver\u2019s License will do. Some other types of documents\/driving licenses are OK<\/a>, but the bottom line is there are no exceptions to the rules.\u00a0No documents, no karting.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n

So how do I do it?<\/h3>\n