There were so many things I was looking forward to in Japan, especially the chance to drive around Tokyo in a go-kart! MariCar gives you the opportunity to experience real-life Mario Kart!
Shinigawa Station
So Quiet
After leaving Shimokitazawa, I took the train to Shinigawa and walked to Shinigawa Shop #1.
Costumes
I am a big Nintendo fan and loved playing Mario Kart, so I was super excited to dress up as my favorite character, Yoshi, and drive a high-speed go-kart around the bustling streets of Tokyo.
Get Ready
How is this legal? I have no idea and didn’t really care. Just make sure you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before arriving in Japan. You must have a valid driver’s license to get one. I went to my local AAA, filled out an application, took a picture, and paid $20. Done.
Yoshi
That Tail
Our guides got the go-karts ready and it was almost time to go!
Go-Karts
Guides
Fuel Up
Yoshi’s Ready
The Shinigawa shop offers a 3-hour course with major sights like the Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, and Shibuya. It costs 12,000 yen (around $108) per person. Of course I went with that option.
Here We Go!
3-Hour Course
Off to Rainbow Bridge
(Photo by MariCar)
Tokyo Tower
There were a couple pit stops to stretch out and use the bathroom.
Pit Stop
Group Shot
(Photo by MariCar)
(Photo by MariCar)
(Photo by MariCar)
Besides driving full speed over Rainbow Bridge with cars, buses, and trucks right next to us, another highlight of the course was driving through one of the busiest crosswalks in the world, Shibuya Crossing.
Shibuya Crossing
Driving Through Shibuya
Smile!
Wherever we stopped, people would wave to us and take lots of pictures. It was so much fun.
We’re Famous
(Photo by MariCar)
Papparazzi
MariCar was such an awesome experience! If you’re planning to go to Tokyo, it’s a must-do! I suggest doing it soon before they get rid of it (rumor only) and be sure to book in advance. The guides were great, the tour was nice, and the ride was smooth. Oh and nobody died!
Heading Back
I walked back to Shinigawa Station with a couple fellow riders. It was time to go back to Shinjuku to meet my sister and have some dinner.
Shinigawa Station
After driving around Tokyo for a few hours, I was pretty hungry. Good thing everything in Kabuchiko is open late. I ended up eating at a tonkatsu (breaded deep-fried pork cutlet) restaurant near our hotel.
Shinjuku
Tonkatsu Niimura
Onigiri and Pickles
Tonkatsu Set
What a fun-filled day! It was time to relax at the hotel. My sister booked a vegan cooking class for us the next morning.
MariCar Shinigawa #1
[140-0001]æ±äº¬éƒ½å“å·åŒºåŒ—å“å·1-23-15
1-23-15 Kita-Shinagawa
Shinagawa ward Tokyo, Japan 140-0001
+81-80-8899-8899
Website
