What to Wear and Bring for Okinawa Street Karting — Your Guide to Cruising Comfortably Through the Island of Wind and Sun
“I want to try street karting in Okinawa, but what should I wear?” — This is a question I get asked all the time by friends visiting from overseas. Unlike Tokyo, Okinawa has a subtropical climate. The intense sunshine and humidity are on a completely different level, so if you get your outfit wrong, it can seriously take away from the fun. But flip that around — with the right preparation, gazing up at Okinawa’s blue sky and feeling the ocean breeze from just 50cm off the ground could easily become the highlight of your trip. Here’s your complete guide to what to wear and bring so you can fully enjoy your Okinawa street karting experience.
Why Not Knowing Okinawa’s Climate Leads to Wardrobe Fails
If you had to describe Okinawa’s weather in one word, it would be “unpredictable.” Clear skies in the morning can turn into a sudden downpour by afternoon, only to be sunny again 30 minutes later — this happens all the time. From April to October especially, UV levels are said to be 1.5 times stronger than mainland Japan, and if you hop on a kart without sun protection, your arms and neck could end up bright red.
Street karts are open-air vehicles with no roof. That means you’re taking in the sun, wind, and rain head-on. That’s exactly why choosing clothes suited to Okinawa’s unique climate is the key to a comfortable ride. If you’re thinking, “It’s a beach resort, so sandals and a tank top should be fine, right?” — hold on a second. Since you’re driving on public roads, safety considerations matter too.
Best Outfits for Okinawa Street Karting by Season
Summer (May–September) — Battling the Heat and Sunburn
Okinawa summers hit 33°C, and it feels even hotter than that. But once you start cruising in the kart, the wind cuts through and it’s surprisingly refreshing — that’s the fun part. Of course, the moment you stop at a red light, reality hits with a “yep, still hot!”
For your top, a breathable long-sleeve rash guard or lightweight UV-cut hoodie works best. “Wait, long sleeves? Won’t that be hot?” you might think, but the wind while driving keeps your body cool enough, and more importantly, it prevents sunburn. I’ve seen too many friends come back with lobster-red arms from wearing short sleeves, so this is a strong recommendation. For bottoms, go with stretchy pants or joggers that allow easy movement. You can wear shorts, but considering how hot the seat gets and the sunburn risk around your knees, knee-length or longer is the safer bet.
Winter (December–February) — Don’t Underestimate Okinawa’s “Cold”
Okinawa winters hover around 15–20°C. That’s warmer compared to mainland Japan, but when you’re cruising in a kart with the wind hitting you, it feels significantly colder. Having a windbreaker or light down jacket that blocks the wind makes a huge difference. Layer up with fleece or a sweatshirt underneath and use the outer layer to shield against wind while driving. Thin gloves are also a nice touch — they’ll keep your hands from going numb on the steering wheel.
Your Shoe Choice Changes the Whole Experience — The Real Reason Sandals Are a No-Go
This is a point that’s especially easy to overlook. Being in Okinawa, the temptation to show up in flip-flops or slip-ons is totally understandable. But street karts use pedals for the accelerator and brake. Shoes that slip off easily make it hard to get a feel for the pedals, and there’s a real safety risk involved.
Go with sneakers or running shoes — something that fits snugly and won’t come off. Shoes with solid soles also improve your pedal precision and make driving even more fun. On the flip side, avoid anything with excessively thick soles, since they make it harder to feel the pedals. Something with moderate thickness is the sweet spot.
Packing Checklist — Everything You Need for a Worry-Free Ride
The single most important item for Okinawa street karting is, without a doubt, your driver’s license. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP), and you can check the specific requirements on the official license information page. IDPs issued under the Geneva Convention are accepted, so make sure to get one in your home country before your trip.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable — go with SPF 50+ and waterproof. The trick is choosing one that won’t wash off easily from sweat while you’re driving. Sunglasses with a strap are also a smart move, so you don’t have to worry about them flying off in the wind. For your smartphone, secure it to your body with a neck strap or armband so you can carry it safely while driving. Just remember that using your phone while driving is prohibited by law — save the photos and videos for designated stops during the tour.
Packing everything into a small backpack or waist pouch keeps things convenient and prevents you from scrambling for a place to stow your stuff. Keep valuables to a minimum, and check ahead of time whether the shop can hold your larger bags.
3 Reasons Street Kart Is the Go-To Choice
Street Kart, the provider of street karting experiences in Okinawa, has several reassuring features for international visitors. First, tours are guide-led, so even if you don’t know Okinawa’s roads, you can ride with confidence. You simply follow the guide along a set route, so there’s zero chance of getting lost.
Second, their website supports 22 languages, making the booking process virtually barrier-free. The actual service is provided in English, so communication is smooth even if you don’t speak Japanese. Having guides specifically trained for international drivers accompany each tour is something Street Kart pioneered in the industry.
And then there’s their track record. With over 150,000 tours completed and an average customer rating of 4.9/5.0★, the numbers speak for themselves about the quality of the experience. They also offer costume rentals, so you can dress up as your favorite character and really get into the spirit of things.
Once You’re Prepped, All That’s Left Is to Feel the Wind
With your outfit and gear sorted, the Okinawa street karting experience is all about pure enjoyment from there. Taking in the lively streetscape of Kokusai Street and Okinawa’s open, liberating atmosphere from a ground-level perspective — that’s a sensation you simply can’t get from a bus or car.
Booking is easy through kart.st, where you can also check tour details and availability. Weekends and peak seasons fill up fast, so it’s a good idea to book early once your itinerary is set. Two hours of cruising through Okinawa with the wind in your face — why not start getting ready for that experience today?
