Explore Osaka by Street Kart! The Best Route to Enjoy the City’s Iconic Spots
Walking around Osaka is great, but cruising through the streets by street kart reveals a whole different side of the city. The neon lights of Dotonbori, the retro charm of Tsutenkaku Tower, the grandeur of Osaka Castle—seeing all of this from a low vantage point is something only a street kart experience can offer. Whether you’re visiting Osaka for the first time or coming back for more, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Starting Your Osaka Adventure from the Dotonbori Area
When it comes to Osaka sightseeing, starting from Dotonbori is the way to go. The famous Glico running man sign, the moving crab at Kani Doraku, the iconic Kuidaore Taro figure—you can take all of these in while cruising by in your street kart. There’s something special about gliding past tourists on foot, soaking in the sights from that low perspective.
Driving along the Dotonbori River, you’ll catch the beautiful reflection of neon lights dancing on the water’s surface. The evening hours are particularly magical, when the whole area gets bathed in shades of pink and orange—photo opportunities everywhere you look.
One of the best things about street karting is that even waiting at traffic lights never gets boring. You can snap photos, wave at people around you, and that back-and-forth interaction is genuinely fun. It’s common for tourists to naturally strike up conversations with each other during these moments.
Soak Up Showa-Era Nostalgia at Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai
Head south from Dotonbori, and you’ll arrive at the Shinsekai area, home to Tsutenkaku Tower. This neighborhood shows you a completely different face of Osaka. Unlike the flashy neon elsewhere, there’s a nostalgic, Showa-era atmosphere here—you can feel the down-to-earth, powerful energy of everyday Osaka life.
As you slowly cruise past the rows of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewer) restaurants in your kart, the savory aroma of sauce wafts through the air, and your stomach might just start growling. Seeing those “No double-dipping!” signs makes you think, “Yep, this is Osaka!” Snap a photo looking up at Tsutenkaku Tower for a truly impactful shot.
The Shinsekai area has relatively wide streets, making it easy to navigate by kart. Your guide will lead you along safe routes, so even first-timers can relax and enjoy the ride.
Take in History and Nature at Osaka Castle Park
No Osaka trip is complete without visiting Osaka Castle. The golden decorations on the main tower shimmer brilliantly under the sunlight—it’s absolutely magnificent. Cruising around Osaka Castle Park by street kart, you’ll be struck by the contrast between the lush green trees and the historic stone walls.
Capture a photo of yourself in the kart with the castle reflected in the moat behind you, and you might just have an Instagram-worthy shot on your hands. Street kart experiences have become one of the most shared activities among travelers visiting Japan.
The Osaka Castle area offers different scenery each season—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall. Looking up at the tower from the kart’s low vantage point gives you a completely different sense of its grandeur compared to walking. It’s something you really need to experience for yourself.
Why Street Kart Is the Go-To Choice
If you’re looking to try street karting in Osaka, here’s why Street Kart stands out.
Street Kart was the first kart operator in the industry to deploy guides specifically trained for international drivers. For overseas tourists driving on Japanese public roads for the first time, this robust support system is incredibly reassuring. With solid English support, any concerns that come up while driving can be addressed right away.
The track record speaks for itself—over 150,000 tours conducted, serving more than 1.34 million customers. The average customer rating is an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars, with over 20,000 reviews. This level of proven experience is why so many people choose Street Kart.
At the Osaka location, guides who know the area inside and out will take you on fantastic routes. Beyond the main tourist spots, they’ll often pass through local hidden gems, giving you an authentic feel for the neighborhood.
The website supports 22 languages, making booking a breeze. Payment options include Alipay and WeChat Pay, which is convenient for those who prefer cashless transactions.
Street Kart is an independent service where you can express your own style with original, colorful costumes.
Regarding driver’s licenses, you’ll need an International Driving Permit or a license from certain designated countries. Check the official website for details before your visit.
A Special Nighttime Experience Racing Through Osaka’s Lights
Osaka at night has a completely different kind of magic. Dotonbori’s neon really comes alive after the sun goes down. When those glittering signs reflect off your kart’s body, you’ll think, “Now THIS is Osaka!”
Cruising down Shinsaibashi-suji, shoppers heading home wave at you, some calling out “That’s so cool!” This sense of connection is what makes the street kart experience so special.
The sound of the kart’s engine mixing with the bustling noise of the city creates an indescribable atmosphere. You’ll hear takoyaki vendors calling out to customers over the engine’s hum—an experience you can only have in Osaka.
Book Now and Discover Osaka from a New Perspective
If you’ve read this far, why not add a street kart adventure to your Osaka itinerary? Hit the classic spots—Dotonbori, Tsutenkaku, Osaka Castle—and enjoy an experience that regular sightseeing just can’t match.
This is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Osaka. The city’s atmosphere, the warmth of its people, the temptation of its food—you get to experience it all at once on a street kart.
Booking is easy at kart.st. Once you’ve set your dates, booking early is recommended. Weekends and holidays are especially popular, so securing your spot about two weeks in advance is a good idea.
Racing through the streets of Osaka, feeling the wind on your face—may this experience make your Osaka trip an unforgettable one!
A Note About Costumes
Please note that we do not offer rental of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
