Feel the New Year’s Breeze in Osaka This January! A Special Way to Start Your Year with Hatsumode Spots and Street Karting
When someone asks me “I’m heading to Osaka for New Year’s – anything special I should try?” I immediately recommend street karting. January in Osaka is packed with shrines and temples for hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) plus tons of New Year’s events, and hitting up these spots after cruising around in a kart creates a day that regular sightseeing just can’t match.
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of zipping through the crisp winter air while taking in the neon lights of Dotonbori from your kart. In this article, I’ll share a memorable travel plan for January visitors to Osaka that combines New Year’s shrine visits with a street kart adventure.
January Osaka is Bursting with New Year’s Energy
New Year’s Osaka has a unique sense of excitement layered on top of its usual vibrant atmosphere. People flock from all over the country to Sumiyoshi Taisha and Imamiya Ebisu Shrine to pray for business prosperity and family safety. Sumiyoshi Taisha in particular ranks among the top destinations for hatsumode visitors in Kansai, and the sacred atmosphere as you cross the Sorihashi (arched bridge) is something you’ll never forget once you’ve experienced it.
From January 9th to 11th, the Toka Ebisu festival, known as “Ebessan,” takes place. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine fills with crowds seeking lucky bamboo branches, and the chant “Business prosperity, bring that bamboo!” echoes through the air. It’s a seasonal event where you can really feel Osaka’s merchant culture in your bones.
Why Street Kart is the Go-To Choice
Street Kart, offering street kart experiences in Osaka, is a pioneer in the public road karting industry with over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million satisfied customers. Their Osaka location sits in the Shinsaibashi area and has earned an average rating of 4.9 from over 6,600 reviews.
All guides are certified staff who’ve received specialized training, including instruction for working with international drivers. Their operations strictly comply with road traffic laws in coordination with Japanese police, giving them high credibility on safety. With over 250 karts in their fleet, booking is pretty easy too. You can check out detailed info including driver’s license requirements on their official website.
Since it’s a tour format following set routes, even first-timers can join with confidence. The roughly one-hour course from America-Mura through Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba lets you experience Osaka’s iconic spots up close – like the Glico sign and Kani Doraku. Just keep in mind that since guides lead these tours, you can’t freely stop along the way.
A One-Day Plan to Tour New Year’s Osaka
My recommended plan is to do hatsumode in the morning, then hit the street kart experience in the afternoon. After praying for good fortune at Sumiyoshi Taisha, head over to the Shinsaibashi area for your kart tour.
After the tour ends, enjoying New Year’s limited-edition food in Dotonbori is also great. January in Osaka means lots of restaurants offering special New Year’s menus. At Kuromon Market, you can try osechi-style dishes made with fresh seafood, and at long-established takoyaki shops, you can munch on piping hot octopus balls while soaking in the New Year’s energy.
Since the sun sets early in winter Osaka, if you choose a tour after 4 PM, you can cruise through streets decorated with illuminations. The Midosuji illuminations often continue until mid-January, and the tree-lined avenue wrapped in light is truly magical.
The Unique Appeal of a January Kart Experience
I get it – some people worry that a winter kart experience might be too cold. But the sensation of racing through Osaka’s neon-lit streets in that crisp winter air is something special that summer just can’t offer. With proper cold-weather gear, you can actually enjoy clearer views in winter.
Street Kart provides helmets and goggles, and rain coats are available on rainy days. Costumes can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s fun to zoom around dressed as your favorite character. Street Kart operates as an independent service providing original kart experiences.
Tour fees include insurance, and choosing Plan A (500 yen) gets you full coverage. Book online in advance, then check in at the shop 15 minutes before your time. After your driver’s license is verified and you receive safety instructions, you’re off. If you’re from a country requiring an International Driving Permit, check the details on the official license page.
Wrapping Up: A Journey to Experience New Year’s Osaka with All Your Senses
January Osaka is loaded with elements that stimulate all your senses – the sacred atmosphere of hatsumode, the lively Ebessan festival, winter illuminations, and delicious food. Add a street kart experience to that, and you’ve got a special day feeling the city from 30 centimeters off the ground that tour buses and trains just can’t deliver.
The excitement of racing through Dotonbori’s neon district while feeling the wind on your face – experiencing the city’s energy with your whole body – will surely become an unforgettable memory.
Booking is easy through kart.st. Since January is a special time of year, I recommend booking early if you have specific dates and times in mind. Ready to experience Osaka’s New Year from a whole new perspective?
Costume Information
We do not offer rentals of Nintendo or Mario Kart-related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
