Tokyo is a super-cool destination to visit and it has some unique sights and attractions, but nothing quite beats the crazy Super Mario Kart Tours around the city streets! These guided tours and self-drive cos-play experiences even include a super hero costume. Choose your favourite character from the iconic Super Mario Brothers series, or perhaps Pokemon or Donkey Kong are more in line with your tastes! No wonder people stop and stare, snapping photos as you whizz along the street in your multi-colored Mario go-kart at up to 60kmp. It’s where gaming meets reality in a surreal Tokyo experience! For anyone under the age of 90, it’s a must-do!

Driving a Mario Cart on the streets of Tokyo

Mario Karting allows your fantasy gaming to suddenly become a real life adventure. The thrill of go-karting on public roads simply cannot be overemphasised; in fact most drivers find it almost as addictive as the game itself and have to return for more!

This fun driving experience allows visitors to see the highlights of Tokyo on a self-drive group tour with a guide or you can rent a go-kart for up to 5 hours and explore the Akihabara area yourself.

You will be driving along regular roads through the city looking up at famous landmarks such as the Imperial Palace Gardens and the neon-lit buildings at Shibuya Crossing, where they shot the film 2 Fast 2 Furious. The tour continues through the fashion mecca of Harajuku and along tree-lined Omotesando Avenue, although in truth this tour is all about the drive experience rather than the sights you see. Indeed, for most other tourists visiting Japan, you ARE the sights as they hastily capture the extraordinary sight with their cell phones!

 

Tips for Super Mario Go-karting

This off-the-wall adventure allows you to drive on public roads around the city without a seat belt or helmet and see, hear and smell the city sights! Here are points to be aware of:

• Go-karts can be rented for 1-5 hours in Akihabara, the Otaku province of Tokyo
• Pre-booking is essential
• You need a Japanese driver’s license or International Driving Permit which is easily obtained and lasts for one year. It must be organised ahead of your Super Mario Go-kart experience
• Taking photos and filming is not permitted while on the move!
• If you opt for more than 2 hours, you will need to top up the go-kart with fuel
• Carts are for one person only
• Costumes are included in the rental price…unless you have your own of course!
• Height restriction 150-180cm
• Weight restriction under 100kg (drivers over that weight are permitted but the kart will be slower)

The biggest surprise is that this Super Mario Kart experience is within the budget of most Tokyo tourists with three-hour guided tours from ¥6,800 (around 78AUD) per person. Another surprise for those who can’t fit this in their Tokyo itinerary, the Mario Go-Kart experience is not only offered by Akiba Kart in Tokyo, but also by MariCar in Osaka! It takes gaming to a whole new level!

Leng Cheng / Flickr

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