Explore Osaka’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart! The Ultimate Route for First-Time Visitors
Why is “touring Osaka by street kart” rapidly becoming the go-to choice among international travelers? The iconic Glico sign in Dotonbori, the retro vibes of Tsutenkaku Tower, the grandeur of Osaka Castle. Sure, you could explore these on foot or by train, but racing through the streets in a kart, wind in your face—that’s a special adventure you can only have in Osaka.
Street Kart Tours: A New Way to Experience Osaka
I’ll be honest—at first, I thought, “Sightseeing by kart? Really?” But after actually joining a guided tour, my perspective completely changed. Street kart tours are guided experiences on public roads, where a lead guide takes you along a set route. Since the course is predetermined, first-time visitors don’t have to worry about getting lost. The sense of freedom you get from experiencing Osaka’s streets at a low eye level, feeling the wind rush past—it’s something bus tours and walking just can’t match.
When I took some friends from the States around, this kart experience was what got them most excited. “We don’t have anything like this in America!” they said, absolutely thrilled. The Dotonbori nightscape with neon reflections, the energetic Osaka dialect mixing with engine sounds—it’s an experience that engages all your senses.
Dotonbori Area: Racing Through Osaka’s Iconic Symbols
When it comes to quintessential Osaka sightseeing, Dotonbori tops the list. The moving crab sign at Kani Doraku, the massive Glico neon billboard, the Kuidaore Taro clown figure. The moment you cruise past these in your kart, looking up at them all—you can’t help but let out a gasp. The late afternoon to evening hours are especially magical, when the neon lights reflect off the road surface like something out of a movie scene.
At designated photo spots during the tour, guides will often take pictures for you. This is a classic thing for foreign tourists, but even if you can’t read Japanese signs, they’re incredibly photogenic. A shot of yourself in the kart in front of the Glico sign? Post that on social media and your friends will be flooding your comments with “Where is this? What is this?!” For hashtags, I recommend #OsakaKart, #Dotonbori, and #JapanAdventure.
Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai: Experience Showa-Era Retro Streets by Kart
Head a bit south from Dotonbori and you’ll enter the Shinsekai district. This area is steeped in old-school Osaka charm, with Tsutenkaku Tower as its symbol. Built in 1912, this observation tower is sometimes called Osaka’s Eiffel Tower. The name “Tsutenkaku” in Japanese means “tower reaching to heaven”—pretty poetic, right?
As you wind through the alleys of Shinsekai, the savory aroma of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) drifts through the air. Those signs saying “No double-dipping in the sauce!”—that’s Osaka culture right there. Viewing these streets from your kart, you can really see how modern Osaka coexists with its Showa-era past. This unique atmosphere is something you’d never find in America. And because it’s a guided tour, you can safely navigate even the narrow back streets that only locals know about.
Osaka Castle Park Area: A Route Through History and Nature
Another must-see spot in Osaka is Osaka Castle. Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this castle is essential to understanding Japanese history. The imposing stone walls, the beautiful reflection of the main tower in the moat. In spring, it’s cherry blossoms; in autumn, colorful foliage—the castle shows a different face with each season.
Touring the Osaka Castle area by kart makes its grandeur even more striking. Since your eye level is lower, the stone walls seem to loom right over you. It’s a perspective you just can’t get on foot. Whenever foreign friends visit, I always recommend this area. For anyone who says “I want to see a Japanese castle,” Osaka Castle is the perfect answer. Plus, it’s less crowded than Kyoto, so you can take your time enjoying it.
Why Street Kart is the Choice of So Many Visitors
Why do so many tourists choose street kart? After experiencing it myself, the reasons became crystal clear.
First, they boast one of the largest kart fleets in Japan. This directly translates to easier booking—even on weekends, you have a good chance of getting your preferred time slot. With over 150,000 tours conducted and more than 1.34 million customers served, these numbers prove just how beloved this experience has become.
Next is the quality of the guides. Every guide is a certified staff member who has undergone specialized training—they do more than just lead the way. They’re experienced in accommodating international visitors, so communication in English is no problem. Street Kart was the first kart operator in the industry to deploy guides specifically trained for foreign drivers. If you’re worried about language barriers, this is the place to feel at ease.
On the safety front, operations strictly comply with road traffic laws. All vehicles are officially certified for public road use, with regular inspections and maintenance. Full insurance coverage means peace of mind in case anything happens. With over 250 vehicles and an average customer rating of 4.9/5.0 stars, these numbers speak to the high quality of service.
In terms of experience value, this isn’t just transportation. Professional guides provide sightseeing commentary and are thoughtful about stopping at the best spots for photos. The high number of repeat customers exists precisely because of this special experience.
Booking and Preparing for Osaka Street Kart
You’ll need a valid driver’s license for the kart experience. Check the official website (https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/) for details. Required documents may vary by nationality, so be sure to verify beforehand.
Wear comfortable clothing and don’t forget sun protection. Sunglasses are a must in summer when the sun is intense. In winter, since you’ll feel the wind directly, layering up is recommended.
By the way, Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Please note that Street Kart has no affiliation whatsoever with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series.
See Osaka From a Whole New Perspective
The neon of Dotonbori, the retro charm of Tsutenkaku, the history of Osaka Castle. A street kart experience that efficiently covers all these in a single tour is one of the best choices for first-time visitors to Osaka.
Whenever friends from back home visit Osaka, I always recommend this kart experience. “Way more fun than a tour bus,” they all say without exception. Feel the Osaka wind on your face and take in this city’s energy with your whole being. I really hope you’ll try this special experience for yourself. Book at kart.st. Weekends get busy, so aiming for a weekday afternoon is your best bet.
Costume Information
Our shop does not offer rentals of Nintendo or Mario Kart-related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
