From Asakusa to Akihabara: A 1-Hour Costume Go-Kart Tour Through Tokyo

Gather at Monkey Kart Asakusa, Then Choose Your Costume

The meeting point is "Monkey Kart Asakusa," and this is a group tour with on-site check-in. The experience lasts about one hour and is available in both English and Japanese.

First, pick out a costume from the selection available. Once you're changed, your day already feels different from an ordinary walk around town.

Once you're seated in your custom go-kart, it's time to head out into the streets of Tokyo. The low-angle view from the driver's seat is where this experience truly begins.

Past Sensoji Temple and Up Toward Tokyo Skytree

Asakusa, your starting point, is home to Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most iconic temples. You'll drive through the area many visit on foot, this time from behind the wheel of your kart.

Next, Tokyo Skytree comes into view. Unlike approaching it on foot, watching its angle shift moment by moment as you follow the flow of traffic is something only a go-kart tour can offer.

The route also passes through the streets of Asakusa and toward the Ginza area, letting you physically feel the contrast between the old downtown atmosphere and the modern city center.

From Ryogoku Kokugikan to Akihabara and Ueno: History Meets Modern Tokyo

The route includes Ryogoku Kokugikan, the hall of sumo wrestling, before heading into Akihabara, the district known for anime and gaming culture. Part of the fun of this tour is how historic buildings and neon signs appear back to back within the same hour.

Driving through Akihabara's colorful streets in costume is a highlight worth capturing on camera. The tour then continues through the Ueno area, tracing a path across the eastern side of Tokyo.

Since a guide leads the way, there's no need to memorize the route—even if it's your first time driving on Japanese roads.

Photos Taken by Staff During the Tour, Delivered Afterward

Staff take photos throughout the tour, which are sent to you after the activity ends. So even if you're focused on driving and can't take photos yourself, you'll still walk away with a record of the experience.

The tour is easy to join whether you're a couple, a family, or a group of friends—and you're free to match costumes as a group or each pick something different.

The photos you receive make for one of the most vivid and easy-to-share souvenirs from your Tokyo trip.

License Requirements and What to Wear

To participate, you'll need a valid driver's license that complies with the 1949 Geneva Convention; only the original International Driving Permit is accepted—copies or digital images will not be valid. Be sure to obtain the original before your trip and bring it with you on the day of the tour.

For clothing, wear comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothes and walking shoes underneath your costume. Since the tour runs outdoors, it's worth planning ahead for cold weather or sun protection depending on the season.

Things to Check Before Booking

• A valid driver's license that complies with the 1949 Geneva Convention (original International Driving Permit only)
• Meeting point is Monkey Kart Asakusa, with on-site check-in
• Duration is approximately one hour
• Available in English and Japanese
• Runs as a group tour
• Comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor driving
• Whether weather conditions could affect the tour
• How and when photos will be delivered
• Cancellation and change policies
• The latest pricing, schedule, and plan details

Since license requirements directly determine whether you can participate, be sure to confirm them before booking. Pricing and plan details may vary by season.

In Summary

This roughly one-hour go-kart tour departs from Asakusa and takes you past Tokyo Skytree, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Akihabara, and Ueno. Choose your favorite costume and follow your guide through the eastern side of Tokyo.

Historic temples, shrines, and the sumo hall appear alongside Akihabara, the town of anime and gaming, all within one continuous route. Staff photograph the tour, and you'll receive the photos afterward. The experience holds a rating of 4.8 (92 reviews).

Participants must have a valid driver's license that complies with the 1949 Geneva Convention. If you meet the requirements, this is a completely new way to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo. You can check availability and book via this page.