🏎️ Monkey Adventure Kart Tokyo
One of the Most Fun Things You’ll Do in Japan!
Y’all…
This is about as close as you’ll ever get to living out your Mario Kart dreams! 😂
You’ll drive a street-legal go-kart through the streets of Tokyo, passing famous landmarks while locals and tourists wave, smile, and snap photos of you along the way.
It’s easily one of the most unique experiences in Japan—and one you’ll be talking about long after the trip is over!
But before you start your engines…
There are a few VERY important things you need to know.
🚨 An International Driving Permit (IDP) Is REQUIRED
No IDP = No Driving.
Japan requires most international visitors (including travelers from the United States) to have:
✅ Your valid driver’s license from your home country
✅ An International Driving Permit (IDP)
✅ Your passport
The staff will check all three before allowing you to drive.
If you don’t have the proper documents, you will not be allowed to participate.
🇺🇸 Get Your International Driving Permit BEFORE You Leave Home
If you’re from the United States, the easiest place to get your IDP is through AAA.
👉 Apply here:
The process is quick and inexpensive, but it must be done before you leave for Japan.
📸 Don’t Forget Your Passport Photos!
When you go to AAA to get your International Driving Permit, remember to bring:
📸 A passport-style photo with a plain white background.
(Some AAA offices can take your photo for you, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm.)
👨👩👧 Traveling With Kids? Read This!
Most Monkey Adventure Kart locations only offer single-seat go-karts, meaning everyone must drive their own vehicle.
However…
The Asakusa location offers Can-Am Ryker vehicles where one passenger can ride with the driver.
This is the ONLY Monkey Adventure Kart location that offers this option.
Can-Am Passenger Rules
✅ Passenger must be at least 130 cm (approximately 4 ft. 3 in.) tall.
✅ Passenger must be able to place both feet securely on the passenger foot pegs during the ride.
✅ Driver must be 18 years or older.
✅ Driver must possess:
• A valid driver’s license
• An International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Their passport
If you’re bringing a child or anyone under 18 who wants to experience Monkey Adventure Kart, the Asakusa location is the only route you’ll be able to book.
📍 Which Route Should You Book?
👨👩👧 Traveling with Children or Want Two People on One Vehicle?
Choose the Asakusa Route!
This location is the only Monkey Adventure Kart location with the Can-Am Ryker that allows one passenger to ride with the driver.
📍 Book the Asakusa Route here:
👥 Adults Only?
If everyone in your group is 18 or older and each person will be driving their own kart, we recommend booking either the Shinjuku or Shibuya route instead.
Why?
✅ Much closer to Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
✅ Less travel time
✅ Easier to fit into your sightseeing schedule
Both routes still take you through some of Tokyo’s most exciting streets with incredible sightseeing opportunities.
📍 Shinjuku Route:
📍 Shibuya Route:
💡 T&T Travel Recommendation:
If you don’t need the two-person Can-Am Ryker, save yourself nearly an hour of travel and choose the Shinjuku or Shibuya route. Reserve the Asakusa route only if you’re traveling with a child or specifically want the passenger option.
🌇 We Recommend the Sunset Tour!
Tokyo is amazing during the day…
But it’s absolutely breathtaking as the sun begins to set and the city lights start coming to life.
You’ll experience:
🌅 Beautiful golden-hour views
🌆 Sunset over Tokyo
🌃 The city glowing after dark
Since we’ll be visiting in mid-April, sunset is typically around 6:15–6:30 PM.
T&T Travel recommends booking a tour that begins around 5:30–6:00 PM so you’ll enjoy both daylight and Tokyo’s incredible nighttime scenery.
🚆 Getting to the Asakusa Location from Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
If you’re booking the Asakusa Route, here’s the easiest way to get there.
🚇 Best Option: Train
Tokyo traffic can be unpredictable, so the train is usually the fastest and most affordable option.
From Hotel Gracery Shinjuku:
🚶 Walk approximately 8–10 minutes to Shinjuku Station
🚆 Take the train to Asakusa Station (Google Maps will provide the easiest route with one transfer if needed.)
🚶 Walk approximately 7–10 minutes to Monkey Adventure Kart.
⏰ Total travel time:
Approximately 45–55 minutes each way.
🚖 Taxi or Uber
A taxi or Uber generally takes:
🚕 35–50 minutes
Travel times can be much longer during rush hour.
Expect to pay significantly more than taking the train.
👟 What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily.
Recommended:
✅ Sneakers or other closed-toe shoes
✅ Comfortable clothing
Bring:
🪪 Passport
🚗 Driver’s License
🌍 International Driving Permit
✅ Quick Checklist
✔ Passport
✔ Valid Driver’s License
✔ International Driving Permit (IDP)
✔ Passport Photo (to obtain your IDP before the trip)
✔ Closed-toe shoes
✔ Camera or phone for amazing photos before and after your ride
🏁 T&T Travel Tip
This is one of the highest-rated and most memorable activities you’ll do in Japan.
Just remember…
Without your International Driving Permit, you’ll be watching everyone else drive while you’re standing on the sidewalk saying, “I wish I’d listened to T&T Travel!” 😂
Plan ahead, get your IDP before you leave the U.S., and get ready for one unforgettable ride through Tokyo!