Tokyo’s Public Road Karts: A Revolutionary Tourist Attraction or an Urban “Obstacle”?

As a Tokyo resident, I have to admit that watching tourists dressed in colorful character costumes racing through the streets on low-profile karts is quite an entertaining sight. It brings a bit of whimsy and brightness to the otherwise concrete-dominated urban landscape—a welcome break from the everyday routine of businesspeople and commuters. 

Seeing groups of Mario-like characters zipping past famous landmarks like Shibuya Crossing or Asakusa’s historic temples can be oddly charming, making you smile even on a hectic day. Yet behind the smiles, selfies, and social media buzz, there lie some growing urban challenges that Tokyo must reckon with.

Real-life Mario Kart — but not exactly “Mario Kart”

These public road kart tours appeared around the early 2010s. The concept is clever and simple: tourists zip through famous Tokyo spots such as Shibuya, Asakusa, and Shin-Kiba on mini karts, dressed up in playful costumes.
This is the only activity that lets you experience the world of Japan’s iconic game Mario Kart in real life — well, almost.

Just a side note: While the inspiration is obvious, these tours are careful not to call themselves “Mario Kart.” That’s because Nintendo, known for fiercely protecting its intellectual property, has actually sued companies for unauthorized use of its characters and branding. So while you may feel like Mario zooming through Tokyo, technically you’re just “a generic plumber in a red outfit.”

A clever business idea riding on Japanese pop culture

For tourists, this activity offers an unforgettable and highly Instagrammable experience, blending sightseeing with cosplay and a bit of adrenaline. For the operators, it’s a brilliant business model: relatively low startup and maintenance costs for the karts, combined with high visibility and social media appeal. By leveraging Japan’s globally recognized gaming culture, these companies have created an innovative niche tourism service that brings visitors close to Tokyo’s vibrant streets and landmarks in an entirely new way.

The fun comes with friction — and controversy

However, the charm of this phenomenon doesn’t come without drawbacks. Local authorities and residents have increasingly voiced concerns over safety, noise pollution, and legal issues. One of the biggest problems lies in the very low profile of these karts. Their small size makes them difficult for other vehicles—especially large trucks and buses—to spot easily. As a result, drivers instinctively maintain extra distance, which while understandable for safety reasons, contributes to traffic congestion during peak hours.

There have also been reports of these groups occasionally running red lights or not strictly obeying traffic rules in order to keep their convoys together, creating dangerous situations for pedestrians and other vehicles alike. Such behaviors fuel tensions between local residents, traffic authorities, and the tour operators.

Free-riding on public roads?

Another point of debate is that these companies charge customers for the rides but use public roads as their playground without paying fees specifically for road usage. Critics argue that this business model exploits public infrastructure for private profit, without contributing fairly to road maintenance or city management costs. It raises the question of whether these tours are using public resources responsibly or merely capitalizing on them.

On the other hand, supporters highlight that these tours do bring some economic benefit to local communities. The tourists often stop at nearby shops, restaurants, and cafes, spending money and enlivening neighborhoods that might otherwise see less foot traffic during off-peak times.

Increasing regulation and urban sustainability trends

In response to these issues, some local governments, notably Shibuya Ward, have started imposing stricter regulations. These include requirements for permits, official notifications, and adherence to traffic laws to ensure safety and reduce disruption. This regulatory shift aligns with broader urban policies worldwide aiming to reduce car traffic in city centers to combat noise, pollution, and congestion.

For example, cities like Paris are aggressively restricting vehicle access to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport. In such a context, allowing tourist karts to cruise busy urban streets raises challenging questions about the sustainability and future of urban mobility.

Tokyo’s urban race — a bonus item or an obstacle?

In the ongoing race to balance tourism growth with urban livability, low-profile karts are a mixed bag. On one hand, they add color, excitement, and economic stimulus to Tokyo’s tourism industry—a “bonus item” that attracts visitors and generates buzz. On the other hand, they impose additional pressure on traffic flow, cause safety concerns due to their size and occasional disregard for traffic rules, and spark debates over the fair use of public spaces—turning into a potential “obstacle” in city traffic management.

Ultimately, whether these whimsical karts are viewed as a charming novelty or a disruptive nuisance depends on the perspective of each stakeholder: tourists, residents, authorities, and business operators. Tokyo’s challenge will be to harness their appeal while minimizing their impact, crafting regulations that keep the city vibrant, safe, and sustainable for all.