economie

I went on a go-kart tour in Tokyo for $125. Driving around famous streets in tiny cars was an incredible way to see the city.

August 3, 20240
I got my international driving permit at an AAA office for $20.

José R. Mendoza

I paid $125 when booking my tour online. The price included a one-hour go-kart rental, a costume rental, and a tour guide.

During the booking process, I chose the 5 p.m. tour around sunset, so I could see the city in daylight and when it got dark.

US Citizens also need an international driving permit (IDP) to participate in the tour (and drive in Japan) so I got mine at my nearest AAA office for $20 before I left for Tokyo.

The tour kicked off in Shibuya City.
A staff member provided us with safety instructions before we headed out.

José R. Mendoza

Before getting into our karts, our guide gave us safety and operational instructions, including how to signal, brake, and accelerate.

He showed us which hand gestures he’d use to indicate where we should turn and reminded us to always stay with our group.

Then, we chose our karts.
We made sure to stop at red lights.

José R. Mendoza

In Japan, everyone drives on the left side of the road. I’m used to driving on the right side in the US, so it took me a few minutes to get used to it.

Once I felt comfortable driving, my adrenaline started pumping, and I began enjoying the breeze and scenery.

I got to experience my 15 seconds of fame driving through Tokyo at night.
It was so cool to document my experience at the Shibuya Crossing.

José R. Mendoza

One of the tour’s highlights was driving through the Shibuya Crossing, considered the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

The guide timed the tour so well that we got there before a red light and could take in the full effect of the crossing, which can have thousands of pedestrians on it at a time.

The ride felt intense at times, but it wasn’t too scary.
I’ve never experienced anything like this go-kart tour.

José R. Mendoza

The go-kart tour was exhilarating even though it felt difficult at first because I’d never driven on the left side of the road or in such a small vehicle before.

The karts are also pretty loud and the smell of the fumes coming off of them is strong.

Even so, the one-hour tour was a thrilling and unique way to see Tokyo. If I get the chance to return to the city, I’d do it again.