“Mario” Karts in Japan: To Go or Not to Go?

I love helping people experience Japan. If you’ve been following this blog for any period of time, you’ve probably figured that out by now.

So with all the great places to visit in Japan and the amazing experiences that we’ve been discussing here, are there any popular tourist experiences in Japan that we recommend people NOT to do? Most definitely!

Right off the bat, I’ll start with ”Mario” Karts in Japan.

Not the real deal Nintendo stuff, though. By all means, enjoy a day with Mario and friends at Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. The Mario Kart ride at USJ is immensely popular, and the Yoshi ride is fun too. While you’re here, check out the Nintendo stores in Kyoto or Tokyo. Or ride a Pokemon train or Pikachu plane while traveling around Japan. If you’re a Nintendo fan visiting Japan, you’re going to have a great time!

But there’s another Mario “kart” activity in Japan. Pardon me, I put the air quotes on the wrong emphasis there. There’s another “Mario” kart going around city streets in Japan, wholly unauthorized by Nintendo, fully hated by Japanese people and many tourists alike, that involves go karts in the middle of Tokyo or Osaka.

And instead of throwing some clickbait format article your way & forcing you to read through a whole article before we give you our verdict, I’d rather give you the respect to cut to the chase right here: Mario karts in Japan? Hard no.

Why We Recommend You Give “Mario” Karts in Japan a Hard Pass

If you’ve read the lead, heard enough and are clicking back to the previous page, au revoir and mata ne, see you next time.

For the rest of you, thanks for sticking around. 

So yeah, what’s the deal with these supposed “Mario” karts in Japan?

Chances are you've seen videos of photos of tourists riding through the streets of Tokyo or Osaka in colorful go-karts, dressed as familiar video game characters. This activity, often referred to as "Mario Kart" or "street karting," has gained significant popularity on social media in recent years.

But why? And what’s it really all about? How do we know whether this is legit Japan or some kind of tourist fantasyland in the making? 

What, How & Why: The Rise of Street Karting in Japan

Street karting tours first appeared in Tokyo around 2011, becoming a hit among tourists looking for a different way to see the city. The concept seems simple: participants rent a go-kart, don a costume and drive through the busy streets of Tokyo or Osaka in a guided group. 

To some it might sound like fun and exciting way to explore Japan's urban jungle. After all, who wouldn't want to feel like they're in a real-life video game while sightseeing in Japan? But, like a handful of other Japan travel experiences that have gained their share of controversy, the reality of these tours is quite different from the carefully curated social media reels & shorts you may have seen.

The Controversy Surrounding Street Karting

One of the biggest issues with street karting is safety. 

Turns out it’s legal, to the extent that Japan’s safety regulations for street-legal motor vehicles include “light” cars that can’t go on the expressways but are allowed to roam city streets. The intention was for ultra-compact cars, easier to park and taking up space. Sometimes we’ll even see something that looks like a pimped out golf cart, and often it’s an older person (or couple) driving around for errands.

But the government didn’t foresee “Mario” karts rolling out onto the streets of Tokyo or Osaka. 

These small, low-to-the-ground vehicles share the road with regular traffic, including cars, buses and trucks. Participants often have limited driving experience in Japan, where vehicles are driven on the left side of the road and spaces can get pretty tight (not to mention a lot of signage in Japanese, duh). This combination has led to numerous accidents over the years, some resulting in injuries to both drivers and pedestrians.

Local Frustration with the “Mario” Karts in Tokyo & Osaka

While tourists may find the idea amusing, many locals view street karting as a nuisance. 

The go-karts are noisy, disruptive to traffic and can be dangerous when driven by inexperienced operators. There have been complaints about reckless driving, near-misses with pedestrians and general traffic disruption.

In short, these street karting tours pretty much meet all of the requirements for a classic tourist trap in Japan.

Legal Issues: Nintendo Does Not Authorize the “Mario” Go-Karts in Japan

The companies offering these tours have faced legal challenges as well. 

In 2017, Nintendo successfully sued one of the largest operators for copyright infringement, forcing them to rebrand and remove all references to Mario Kart and other Nintendo characters. This means that while you might see photos of people dressed as Mario or Luigi, it’s not the real deal.

The Environmental Impact of Japan’s Street Karts

In an era where cities like Osaka and Tokyo are working to reduce traffic and emissions, adding more vehicles to already congested streets seems counterintuitive. 

Tokyo, in particular, has an excellent public transportation system and walkable grid that's far more efficient and environmentally friendly than touring the city in a gas-powered go-kart. It’s a city best seen by a combination of walking, train, bus and/or taxi. Osaka is much the same.

With “Mario” Karts, You’re Only Driving a Wedge Between Yourself & Japan

We asked people in Japan how they feel about these street karts. The results were overwhelmingly negative.

One man, who asked to be unnamed (but let’s just say that his name sounded an awful lot like Mario), said, “I think many tourists come to Japan looking for an authentic experience in our culture, but a smaller number are traveling in some kind of alternate universe Japan that looks pretty unfamiliar to Japanese people.”

At least that’s what Google Translate says he said. Thanks Mario-san, we couldn’t have said better (though maybe we said something similar, here).

See, street karting offers very little in terms of authentic cultural engagement. It gives you no real insight into Japanese life or customs. It’s just bad tourist behavior, not good etiquette in Japan.

Japanese people don’t want you doing this.

Nintendo doesn’t want you doing this.

And who are we, the humble team here at Japan Travel Pros, to disagree with Nintendo and the good people of Japan?!!

So, street karting in Japan, a la “Mario?” Sorry, no.

Alternative Ways to Experience Japan's Gaming Culture

But hey, the fun need not stop!

Interested in Japan's gaming culture? There are many more authentic & genuine ways to engage with this aspect of Japanese pop culture.

Visit Game Centers in Japan

Japan's game centers (arcades) are a staple of urban life and offer a genuine peek into local gaming culture. 

Known in Japanese as ゲームセンター (pronounced geemu sentaa) are where many Japanese people spend their leisure time. It’s not just Mario or Nintendo, of course; you’ve got a full buffet of gaming action in Japan to enjoy.

One of the more popular game centers was under the Sega banner until recently, but is now called GiGO (a truncation for “Get into the Gaming Oasis). Even the historic Sega Akihabara Arcade Building 4 became a GiGo. 

Explore Akihabara, the OG Gaming & Anime Cultural Hub in Tokyo

Speaking of Akihabara, it’s a must visit!

As the electronics, anime & gaming mecca of Tokyo, Akihabara is filled with shops selling video games, anime merch and electronics. It's a great place to immerse yourself in Japan’s otaku culture.

Check Out Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka

Got your heart set on a Mario-themed experience in Japan?

Hop on a cart – er, train – from central Osaka and make your way to nearby Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. This immersive theme park area offers rides, interactive experiences and themed dining. A fun day all around!

Questionable Tourist Experiences in Japan

While street karting in Japan is a prime example of problematic tourism, it's not the only attraction that raises ethical concerns. 

Responsible tourism means respecting local customs, laws and the daily lives of residents. It also means choosing activities that are safe, sustainable and provide genuine cultural experiences.

Most of the popular tourist attractions and experiences do a pretty good job of that. But not all.

Let's explore some other popular but questionable activities that tourists might encounter in Japan.

Animal Cafes: Best to Give Them a Miss

Animal cafes, particularly those featuring exotic animals, have become increasingly popular among tourists visiting Japan. 

These cafes allow visitors to interact with animals such as mini-pigs, owls, otters or even capybaras while enjoying a beverage.

The tourists enjoy the beverage, that is.

The animals aren’t enjoying this.

While the concept might seem appealing to some travelers in Japan, there are significant animal welfare concerns:

• Many of these animals are nocturnal and are forced to be active during the day to entertain visitors

• The small, often crowded spaces are not suited to the animals' natural behaviors

• Constant handling by strangers can cause stress & health issues for the animals

• There are questions about the sourcing of these animals and what happens to them when they're no longer ”working” in the cafe

Instead of visiting animal cafes, travelers are better off supporting wildlife conservation efforts or visiting reputable animal sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare over entertainment. And stick to cafes in Japan that focus on coffee, tea, desserts and – in some cases – respectable, sustainable themes.

Maid Cafes in Japan: Another No-Go

Maid cafes are another controversial attraction, particularly in areas like Akihabara. 

These establishments feature female servers dressed in maid costumes who treat customers as "masters" or "mistresses" of a household.

While maid cafes are often presented as “harmless fun,” they raise several ethical concerns:

• The concept can be seen as objectifying women and reinforcing problematic gender stereotypes

• Some argue that these cafes contribute to the fetishization of young women in subservient roles

• The performative nature of the interactions can create unrealistic expectations and boundaries for both staff and customers

For a more authentic and respectful dining experience, Japan has many themed cafes that don't rely on potentially exploitative concepts.

For example, you could visit a manga cafe where you can read comics while enjoying your meal. Or you could enjoy one of the many cafes & restaurants that feature themes of Japanese anime & gaming fame including Hello Kitty & Kirby to Kamen Rider, Gundam & Final Fantasy.

Geisha "Spotting" in Kyoto: Don’t Be a Paparazzi Wannabe

While experiencing traditional Japanese culture is a highlight for many visitors, the practice of "geisha spotting" in Kyoto's Gion district has become problematic. 

Tourists often crowd the streets, trying to photograph geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) as they move between appointments. This behavior is disruptive and disrespectful for several reasons:

• It interferes with the geisha's work and daily life

• Many tourists don't ask for permission before taking photos

• The crowding in narrow streets can be dangerous and disruptive to local residents

• Often, tourists mistake any woman in a kimono for a geisha, leading to harassment of regular Japanese citizens or tourists who have rented kimonos

If you want the “geisha” experience – such as a tea ceremony or a geisha performance in a theater setting – attend a cultural experience with the help of a reputable travel or tour company in Japan. They will ensure that the interaction is structured and respectful.

Authentic Travel Experiences in Japan

Japan offers countless unique and exciting experiences that don't involve disrupting traffic, exploiting animals or contributing to problematic social dynamics. 

Indeed, there are many ways to engage with Japanese culture that are both fun and respectful, such as:

• Taking a cooking class to learn about Japanese cuisine

• Staying at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn)

• Visiting historic temples & shrines

• Experiencing a sumo tournament or baseball game

• Hiking in Japan's beautiful natural landscapes

• Enjoy authentic local life in a hidden gem neighborhood in Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan

These and many other travel experiences in Japan provide lasting memories, and they also help support local businesses and the Japanese culture as a whole.

While street karting, animal cafes or maid cafes might offer a momentary “travel high,” they lack the depth & authenticity that make travel to Japan truly rewarding. 

Instead, we encourage you to engage in travel experiences that respect local culture, customs and the environment. Skip the “Mario” karts and have a more meaningful trip, making a positive contribution to the places you visit.

Want to know more about how to do this? Why not schedule a free consultation with Japan Travel Pros?!

Until next time, happy travels!