Race Through Osaka’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart! How to Make Your First Visit Incredibly Exciting
Why Regular Sightseeing Just Doesn’t Cut It
Whenever friends visit Osaka for the first time, I always tell them the same thing: “If you only get around by train or taxi, you’re missing out on half of what this city has to offer.” The neon lights of Dotonbori, the stone walls of Osaka Castle, the old-town charm beneath Tsutenkaku Tower. There’s a world of difference between “seeing” these sights and truly “feeling” them.
I’ll be honest—I first spotted street karts in Shibuya, but the experience I had in Osaka still blows my mind. The roads are wider and easier to navigate than Tokyo’s, and the locals here react with such friendliness. At red lights, you’ll have friendly ladies calling out “Oh, that looks like so much fun!” and young people asking if they can snap a photo. That kind of warmth is so uniquely Osaka.
Street Kart has a location in Osaka and offers experiences that international visitors can enjoy with confidence. English-speaking guides provide solid support, so not knowing Japanese is absolutely no problem. Whenever I’m showing friends around, this is always my top recommendation.
The Ultimate Route Through Osaka’s Classic Spots
Your Adventure Begins in the Dotonbori Area
Most people kick off their Osaka adventure in Dotonbori, but cruising through in a street kart takes it to a whole new level. Racing past while looking up at the iconic Glico Running Man sign, with pedestrians staring and cheering—it’s incredible. If you’re a tourist, you might feel a bit nervous at first thinking, “Is all this attention okay?” But once you start rolling, that attention becomes part of the thrill.
The moving crab sign at Kani Doraku, the Kuidaore Taro puppet, the neon signs lining the canal—seeing these from about 50 centimeters off the ground gives you the sensation of stepping into another world. It’s an experience you absolutely can’t have in America, and even after living in Japan for five years, I’m still amazed by it.
Feel the Grandeur of Osaka Castle
The route from Dotonbori to Osaka Castle offers a fascinating shift in atmosphere. You go from the bustling entertainment district to the serene historical castle town. Experiencing this transformation during a 20-minute drive is something only a street kart adventure can offer.
The stone walls of Osaka Castle are truly breathtaking, and approaching them by kart really drives home their massive scale. Unlike walking tours, racing along the castle walls with the wind in your face makes you feel like you’ve time-traveled to another era. Just between us, the area around Osaka Castle is fantastic for photos—there are tons of Instagram-worthy spots.
Tsutenkaku and the Retro Vibes of Shinsekai
The Tsutenkaku area is popular for showing visitors Osaka’s “deep” side. Driving through Shinsekai with its rows of kushikatsu restaurant signs from a low vantage point feels like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.
I especially recommend this area from afternoon to early evening. As the sun starts to set and the neon signs begin to flicker on, the atmosphere becomes indescribably magical. Whenever I bring foreign friends to visit, I always time it for this golden hour.
Why Street Kart Is the Go-To Choice
Street Kart has conducted over 150,000 tours and served more than 1.34 million customers. When I heard those numbers, I honestly felt reassured knowing that many people have enjoyed the experience safely.
What makes it especially great for international visitors is that English-speaking guides always accompany you. English isn’t always easy to use in Japan, but with Street Kart, you don’t need to worry about the language barrier. The guides don’t just navigate—they explain the sights along the way, so you’re learning while you ride.
With over 250 vehicles in their fleet and an average rating of 4.9, the quality speaks for itself. Having more than 20,000 reviews is definitely a testament to their reliability. Booking is easy through kart.st, with flexible dates and time slots available.
Regarding the license requirements, you can participate with an international driving permit or licenses from certain countries. Please check the official website for details. Note that Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart is an independent service with no affiliation to Nintendo or the Mario Kart series.
Make Your Osaka Trip an Unforgettable Memory
Rather than just “seeing” Osaka’s classic spots, “racing through” them will surely become the highlight of your trip. The neon glow of Dotonbori, the majesty of Osaka Castle, the nostalgic charm of Tsutenkaku—experiencing all of these with the wind rushing past is something no other sightseeing method can match.
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, definitely add a street kart experience to your itinerary. Booking takes just minutes at kart.st. Grab your friends or family and set off on an adventure to discover Osaka from an entirely new perspective.
A Note About Costumes
Our shop does not offer rentals of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
