Karting in Tokyo (No Street Karts!)
While “street karting” once made headlines as a quirky Tokyo tourist activity, it’s no longer welcome by many locals—and heavily restricted by law. Fortunately, Tokyo and surrounding regions offer excellent real karting tracks for those seeking proper thrills. Here are some of the top spots to check out, from indoor circuits to open-air tracks near Mount Fuji.
🏁 1. City Circuit Tokyo Bay (Indoor Karting in Odaiba)
📍 Location: Google Maps
🌐 Website: https://city-circuit.com/
Located in Ariake Garden in Odaiba, City Circuit is an outdoor and indoor electric karting track perfect for beginners and casual racers. The karts are quick but beginner-friendly, and the track is climate-controlled—perfect for year-round fun. Kids can race too, and English-friendly signage makes it accessible for visitors.
Highlights:
- Safe and clean indoor facility
- Great for families and first-timers
- Electric karts = no engine fumes
🏎 2. Harbor Circuit (Indoor in Chiba)
📍 Location: Google Maps
🌐 Website: https://www.harbor-circuit.com/
Located just across Tokyo Bay in Chiba, Harbor Circuit is an outdoor track with gas karts. The course features multiple corners and straights, with a solid rental system. While farther than City Circuit, it offers a more competitive layout and optional lap timing.
Highlights:
- Competitive layout with lap times
- English registration available
- Frequent racing events and leagues
🏎 3. New Tokyo Circuit (Outdoor in Chiba)
📍 Location: Google Maps
🌐 Website: http://www.newtokyo-circuit.com/
Just over an hour from Tokyo, New Tokyo Circuit is a serious outdoor karting facility in Chiba Prefecture. It offers proper petrol-powered karts and a 1km circuit with hairpins and long straights. Popular with amateur racers and drifting fans, it’s one of the best outdoor tracks close to Tokyo.
Highlights:
- Outdoor racing experience
- Petrol karts available
- Often used for competitions and practice
🏔 4. Auto Paradise Gotemba (APG) – Shizuoka
📍 Location: Google Maps
🌐 Website: http://apg-kart.com/
Located at the base of Mount Fuji in Gotemba, APG is a destination for serious karting fans. This full-scale circuit includes high-speed corners and elevation changes. With Fuji in the background, it’s also one of the most scenic places to race.
Highlights:
- Full racing circuit layout
- Near Mt. Fuji and Gotemba Premium Outlets
- Can rent racing suits and helmets on-site
🏔 5. Fuji Speedway Karting (Shizuoka)
📍 Location: Google Maps
🌐 Website: https://www.fsw.tv/
Fuji Speedway isn’t just for Super GT—there’s also a dedicated karting track within the grounds. The karts here are high quality, and the track hosts official events. You’ll need a license for some sessions, but rentals for beginners are available on designated days.
Highlights:
- World-class motorsport facility
- High-performance kart options
- Access to Fuji Speedway paddocks
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a first-timer or an aspiring pro racer, Tokyo and its surrounding regions offer real karting experiences—no cosplay or street disruptions required. Skip the controversial “street kart” tours and head to these actual tracks where locals and visitors alike can race with respect, safety, and pure speed.