Review – Real Life Mario Kart in Tokyo Japan

Introduction

Out of all the things to do in Tokyo this trip, this one was on the top of my list.  You’re essentially driving around Tokyo in a go kart dressed up in Mario Kart costumes.  My wife had made the arrangements, but I’m guessing she just messaged Maricar on their FB page.  There are different time options; I think she chose the shortest, which is also what you should do (will tell you why later.)  I think we paid around $70 USD for the 2 hour drive.

Getting there

Sorry I don’t have a picture of the storefront, but we just followed the Google maps instructions and took the subway there and walked about 10 minutes to the storefront.  Once you’re there, you sign a form that isn’t even a waiver.  It’s more like your name and address.  Not even a “If a truck runs me over, I can’t sue you guys” form.  You then have the option of renting a knockoff GoPro for like ~$5.  I did that and chose the chest harness vs the head rest.  You can watch the video below to decide which option makes more sense.  After that, you pick out a costume which you slip over your current clothes.  Not all costumes are Mario Kart characters; they also have Pikachu, etc.

Fun begins

When you get into the go kart, your instructor gives you directions in limited English, but if you’ve ever driven a go kart before in the USA, it’s basically the same thing.  The only new info is the turn signal.  They will also tell you that at stops, you will stop side by side, but when driving, you drive in single file and each person gets an order number.  That’s basically it.  As soon as you start driving and pull up at your first stop sign, YOU ARE NOW THE TOURIST ATTRACTION!  You’ll see so many Japanese people taking pictures of you!  You’ll see people crossing the crosswalk, turn their heads at you and then smile and whip out their cameraphone.  You’ll see kids waiving at you.  You’ll be famous the entire time.  It’s awesome.

After about 15 minutes, you’ll notice that a) you should have worn sunglasses and b) you are at the level of car exhaust as well as the exhaust from the kart in front of you.  Eventually your ass will hurt from the vibrations on the ground as well.  After an hour, you just want the thing to end.  While fun driving, you’re in Tokyo and so there are lots of starts and stops.  You do get to go over “Rainbow Bridge” (I’m serious; that’s the name of the bridge) which is fine because you are driving at nearly the speed of traffic.  You’ll also merge with traffic at times; a van came in between my wife and I because she was too far back after making a turn.  While it’s mostly safe (cars can see you and not try to run you over,) there is a slight chance you could get run over like in the game.  And no, you don’t get to throw red shells or bananas.

Tips if you do this

• You MUST have an international driver’s license, which you can get for ~$20 at a AAA office.  (no test required.)  
• MUST – Wear sunglasses!
• MUST – Buy one of those doctor masks to help with the exhaust fumes!
• Choose the shortest length ride
• Go fast before they get shut down by Nintendo.  Definitely a YOLO thing to do.

Video