What to Wear for a Street Kart Ride in Shibuya? A Guide to Clothing and Essentials
Racing through the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, with your eyes just a few dozen centimeters off the ground. Locking eyes with the driver in the next car at a red light while foreign tourists wave at you. The street kart experience is more real than you’d imagine—and you feel the wind across your entire body more than you’d expect. That’s exactly why what you wear and bring directly affects how comfortable your experience will be. Let’s clear up that “What should I wear?” question right here.
How to Choose Comfortable Clothing That Handles the Wind on a Shibuya Street Kart
Street karts are open-air vehicles, so you’re constantly exposed to the elements while riding. Regardless of the season, keep two things in mind: ease of movement and wind protection.
In spring or fall, a long-sleeved shirt paired with jeans works well. The wind during the ride lowers the perceived temperature by 3–5 degrees, so dressing in something that feels “a little warm” is just about right. Tossing a lightweight windbreaker into your backpack gives you peace of mind for evening tours. In summer, short sleeves are fine, but since you’ll be in direct sunlight the whole time, applying sunscreen beforehand is a good idea. In winter, you’ll need proper insulation like a down jacket or fleece. Once you start moving, the wind feels biting, and having a neck warmer to protect your neck makes a world of difference.
Footwear and Hands—Prep Points That Are Easy to Overlook
Choosing the right shoes may seem minor, but it matters. Since you operate the accelerator and brake with pedals, sneakers with thin soles and a snug fit are your best bet. Sandals and heeled shoes aren’t allowed on the karts, so take note.
As for your hands, you’ll be gripping the steering wheel for an extended period, so thin gloves in winter dramatically improve comfort. Touchscreen-compatible gloves are especially convenient since you can snap photos during red lights. Even in summer, if sweaty palms slipping on the wheel bothers you, consider bringing a pair of thin driving gloves.
Pack Light—There’s No Storage Space on the Kart
Street karts don’t have space for large bags. That’s why keeping your belongings to an absolute minimum on the day is the golden rule. You can leave large bags and shopping bags at the shop, so you’ll only carry valuables that fit in your pockets while riding.
Handy items to bring include your phone, sunscreen, lip balm, and hair ties if you have long hair. The wind whips your hair around quite a bit while riding, and if it’s not tied back, it can block your vision. Helmets are provided at the shop, so you don’t need to bring your own. Also, contact lens wearers may want goggles or sunglasses to shield their eyes from the wind. Glasses wearers should be fine as is, though an anti-slip strap adds extra security.
Why Street Kart Is a Top Choice—Experience It in Shibuya
If you’re looking to try a street kart experience in the Shibuya area, Street Kart’s tours are a strong option. With over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million customers served, their track record is proof of well-established safety expertise.
What sets Street Kart apart is their tour format led by guides trained specifically for foreign drivers. Service is primarily in English, and their website supports 22 languages, making it easy to book together with friends visiting from overseas. Since a guide leads the way along a set route, there’s zero chance of getting lost. Even first-timers can relax and focus on taking in Shibuya’s streetscape.
Their average customer rating of 4.9/5.0★ with over 20,000 reviews speaks to the quality of the experience. Costume rentals are also available, which is a great perk for those looking to add an extra layer of fun. However, please note that Mario Kart-related costumes are not offered. Street Kart has no affiliation whatsoever with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series.
Driver’s license requirements vary by country and region, so it’s recommended to check the official license information page in advance. The schedule calls for arriving at the shop 30 minutes before departure, so plan to give yourself plenty of time.
Once You’re Prepared, All That’s Left Is to Feel the Wind
With the right clothing and essentials sorted out, the Shibuya street kart experience becomes pure adrenaline and scenery. Cruising through the streets at ground level with the chaos of Scramble Crossing in your peripheral vision is something you won’t easily get from a train or taxi.
Booking is simple at kart.st. Weekends fill up fast, so check availability early once you’ve settled on a date. Get your comfortable outfit ready and prepare to experience Shibuya’s streets with every fiber of your being.
