Your First Street Kart Experience in Okinawa! A Complete Guide for Beginners
A Fresh Adventure Where You Feel Okinawa’s Breeze With Your Whole Body
When people think of Okinawa travel, the Churaumi Aquarium and Shuri Castle usually come to mind. But there’s actually an activity that’s been quietly gaining popularity among foreign tourists. It’s the street kart experience where you drive on Okinawa’s public roads.
Honestly, when I first heard about “driving a kart on public roads,” I thought, “Wait, is that actually okay?” But in reality, it’s a tour format led by trained guides, designed so even beginners can participate with confidence. The biggest draw is experiencing Okinawa from a perspective you just can’t get with regular sightseeing—from the lively atmosphere of Naha’s Kokusai Street to the stunning views of Senaga Island.
Is It Really Okay for First-Timers? Street Kart Basics
Street karts are completely different from your typical rental car. Since it’s a guided tour format, there’s no worry about getting lost, and you can join even without knowing all the traffic rules by heart. The course is predetermined, taking you through the ramps near Naha Airport, the bustling Kokusai Street area, and along Senaga Island’s beautiful coastline—all designed to showcase Okinawa’s unique scenery.
One reason this is especially recommended for foreign tourists is that Street Kart is the industry’s first kart operator with guides specifically trained for foreign drivers. English service is standard, so you can enjoy the experience without any language barriers. The Okinawa location has earned an impressive 4.9/5.0★ Google rating, with over 6,360 reviews speaking to that satisfaction.
License Requirements You Need to Know Before Joining
You need a valid driver’s license to ride a street kart. If you have a regular Japanese driver’s license, you’re all set. For visitors from abroad, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (issued by a Geneva Convention member country). Travelers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, and Monaco can participate with their home country license plus an official translation.
One thing to keep in mind is that travelers from countries not part of the Geneva Convention (like Brazil, for example) unfortunately cannot participate because they don’t have a valid international license. Check the official website for details. License requirements vary by country and situation, so I recommend confirming everything before booking.
Why People Choose Street Kart
There are multiple reasons why Street Kart is supported by so many travelers.
First, the overwhelming track record of over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million total customers provides real peace of mind. As of November 2023, these numbers prove that many people have chosen this experience and left satisfied.
Second, the service system for foreign visitors is well-established. The website supports 22 languages, and actual tours are conducted in English. Guides specially trained for foreign drivers accompany each tour, so even first-time Japan visitors don’t need to worry about language issues.
Additionally, there’s the unique charm of the Okinawa location. Unlike urban areas in Tokyo or Osaka, Okinawa lets you drive through open, ocean-side scenery. The blue of the sea visible from Senaga Island, the vibrant local atmosphere of Kokusai Street, the unique routes around the airport—you can enjoy that distinctly Okinawan feel that you won’t find at other locations.
And don’t overlook the safety aspect of the guide-led tour format. You don’t need to find your own way, and guides appropriately lead you according to traffic conditions, so even beginners can relax and focus on driving.
Frequently Asked Questions and Important Notes
I often see the question, “Can I rent costumes?” Let me clear something up here. Mario Kart-related costume rentals are not available. Street Kart is an independent adventure experience with absolutely no connection to Nintendo or the Mario Kart series. Many people come in their favorite outfits or bring their own memorable costumes.
Weather is also a concern for many. Okinawa’s weather can change quickly, but tours run even in light rain. However, operations may be canceled for safety during heavy rain or typhoons. Tours are also canceled if it snows, but since snow almost never falls in Okinawa, no need to worry about that.
Tours start from 10:00 AM. If you’re hoping for an early morning experience, please take note. Reservations can be made easily online at kart.st. They also respond to inquiries via phone, WhatsApp, and email, so if you have any questions, I recommend checking in advance. The Okinawa location address is “7-1 Higashimachi, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture,” and the phone number is +81-90-3322-3311.
For more detailed store information, you can also check https://kart.st/.
Making Your Okinawa Street Kart Experience an Unforgettable Memory
If you’re experiencing street kart in Okinawa for the first time, proper preparation will help you have an even better time. Don’t forget to bring a valid driver’s license, come in comfortable clothes, and most importantly—bring your enthusiasm for fun.
With a guide-led tour, there’s no worry about getting lost, and trained staff support you, so even beginners can feel at ease. From the bustle of Kokusai Street to the breathtaking views of Senaga Island, touring Okinawa from that ground-level perspective delivers an excitement that regular sightseeing just can’t match.
If you’re looking for something a little different on your next Okinawa trip, why not add street kart to your options? Book at kart.st. An unforgettable adventure awaits where you’ll feel Okinawa’s breeze with your whole body.
Costume Information
We do not offer rentals of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
