What you need to know before go-karting on the streets of Japan

If you’re anything like me, you grew up firing red shells, dodging banana peels and power-sliding your way to victory. Of course not on the road but on the game Mario Kart. Mario Kart has been a staple game for Nintendo since 1992 so whether you remember the game on Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64 or a newer generation console (64 was the best and I am still unbeatable), we all know and love Mario Kart.

So I decided to take my talents to Japan to test out the insane MariCar experience in Tokyo. The MariCar experience allows you to dress-up and drive a go-kart around the streets of Tokyo. On the actual road (yes this is street legal) which you can see in a video here.

Technically this on-road go-kart experience is not connected with Nintendo and the Mario Kart game, which has seen the go-karting company sued on several occasions by the video game giant for copyright infringements. Because of this, participants can not wear costumes of their favourite Mario Kart characters anymore.

Although the MariCar website states that customers are not to throw banana peels or red turtle shells while driving which is fair enough, I do have some tips to make sure you’re prepared for the adventure.

Now this should be a universal tip for anyone travelling overseas but being organised will make your experience that much better. Firstly, you’re going to need an international license which I found to be surprisingly cheap and easy to obtain. Next it’s critically important to pre-book your date and time to participate in the experience, it is an extremely popular event and it can book out. I saw this first hand when an unfortunate traveller from America was turned down because they were completely booked out, they were devastated. So after that all you need to do is provide your details, rock up on time and get ready to race.

Yet another obvious travel tip. When riding on the road in a go-kart there are a few more things that could potentially go wrong compared to travelling on a tour bus or car. You will be given a safety briefing before you head out in English, which I found very helpful, but once you have cars steaming past you on the freeway, your sense of vulnerability will certainly heighten. I never once felt overly unsafe but a less confident driver may be slightly more anxious, so from one traveller to another, stay calm and stay safe.

One part of my experience, which surprised me, was how many of the locals took photos of us as we drove past. Admittedly yes, I was tearing up the streets of Tokyo dressed as Elmo, but I didn’t expect to feel like an F1 racer driving on a city circuit (not on my first go at least). So whether your preparation is getting a fresh haircut, putting on make-up or just showering that day, get ready to see the bright lights of the cameras and to appear on random people’s Instagram stories. This is your 15 minutes of fame so make sure you’re ready.

Your driving guide will take a lot of photos of you (free of cost) and if you’re anything like me you may be incredibly awkward when you get asked to pose for photos (think giraffe on skates). You would think being a part of the Instagram generation that posing would be second nature, but it isn’t and I have the photos to prove it. So don’t be that awkward Aussie in the Elmo suit in downtown Tokyo and get your poses down pat for those Instagram pics. Remember, pics or it didn’t happen.

Depending on the option you choose, you’re going to see some amazing city sights and this could arguably be the best way to see Tokyo. I was fortunate enough to see the Tokyo Sky Tower, Sumo Arenas and more all whilst driving around in my go-kart and Elmo suit. I can’t think of too many countries where this could be classified as normal, let along legal. So relax, take in the sights and have a great time.

So whether you’re a Mario Kart fanatic like myself or just keen to try something a little different, this is one experience that you should certainly add to the bucketlist!

Side note: For anyone looking for Mario Kart 64 tips, don’t sleep on Luigi the unappreciated brother of Mario. He is a beast!

Also if you're set to visit Japan, check out our Made in Japan series.

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