One of the most unforgettable experiences in Japan is the Tokyo Mario Kart tour — a thrilling ride through the city streets in costume, behind the wheel of a street-legal go-kart. While the rush of racing through Tokyo is a huge draw, another major highlight is the opportunity to capture epic memories along the way. For tourists and content creators alike, Tokyo Mario Kart photos have become iconic souvenirs. But where are the best spots to snap those once-in-a-lifetime pictures?
Here’s a guide to the top photo locations you’ll encounter on a Tokyo Mario Kart tour.
1. Shibuya Crossing – The World’s Busiest Pedestrian Intersection
No list of photo-worthy locations in Tokyo would be complete without Shibuya Crossing. Known globally as the “Times Square of Tokyo,” this bustling intersection offers the perfect blend of organized chaos, neon lights, and energetic crowds.
Taking Tokyo Mario Kart photos here is both a thrill and a challenge. As you cruise through the crosswalk alongside hundreds of pedestrians, the shot captures the essence of the city — fast, colorful, and alive. Many guides will slow down briefly to let you get the perfect shot, especially during red lights.
2. Tokyo Tower – A Classic City Landmark
Tokyo Tower, one of the classic buildings in Japan, presents a great red and white background that highlights any photo. As part of the Mario Kart tour, you’ll be able to drive close to, or even stop at, the base of this Eiffel Tower-inspired structure. This way, your costume, kart, and Tokyo Tower fit in the frame. It seems your photo album of Tokyo Mario Kart at this spot features scenes right from a movie.
You should aim for early evening or night-time tours to get beautiful shots of the tower glowing in night sky.
3. Rainbow Bridge – A Drive with a View That Futuristic
Central Tokyo is connected to the Odaiba waterfront area with the Rainbow Bridge and offers a surreal driving experience. Some of the Tokyo Mario Kart tours even take you across the bridge, where you get a panoramic view of both the Tokyo Bay and the skyline.
Especially at night when it bathes in soft, colorful lights, the bridge appears to be especially attractive. The typical photo of Tokyo Mario Kart snapped on the bridge gives you a view that is both uncommon and-
4. Akihabara- The Electric Town of Anime and Tech
Anime, Video games, and Japanese pop culture nerds consider Akihabara as a dream location. The bright signs, animated billboards, and futuristic storefronts truly set it off as an ideal backdrop for Tokyo Mario Kart photos – especially when you’re dressed as a character from a video game.
If you are lucky you might even manage to catch a background with a street performer or a themed café that adds even more charm to your snapshots of the day.
5. Roppongi Hills – Modern, Sleek, and Stylish
Roppongi Hills is a great place to contrast with the colorful chaos of the kart tour and it represents a more high-end and modern city. The sleek glass buildings and stylish streets serve as an environment that is different from any other for more classy Tokyo Mario Kart photos.
In this area, photographers often use the technique of a reflection in windows and metallic surfaces to create dramatic and artistic images.
6. Asakusa – Traditional Japan Meets Modern Fun
Asakusa is where the history of Tokyo bursts to life. Featuring Senso-ji Temple, lanterns, and old-style buildings, this area is like a time capsule of what people used to build. Tourists often realize that Senso-ji Temple and old-style architecture definitely saved the day – they are the ones that created a unique contrast: modern go-karts and silly costumes in a historic setting. Tokyo Mario Kart photos taken here are regarded by many tourists as the most memorable, unique, and Instagram-worthy ones.
Tips for Getting the Best Photos
- Go with friends: Group photos are more dynamic and fun.
- Use a GoPro or phone mount: Many karts come equipped with mounts for action shots.
- Plan for golden hour or night tours: Lighting is everything, and Tokyo truly glows after dark.
- Follow your guide’s cues: They know the best safe spots to slow down or stop briefly.
Final Thoughts: Capture the Adventure
Whether you’re zooming past skyscrapers or cruising through traditional districts, Tokyo Mario Kart photos are more than just souvenirs — they’re snapshots of a dream fulfilled. Each location along the route offers its own unique charm, ensuring your photo album is as unforgettable as the ride itself. So gear up, smile wide, and let Tokyo become your real-life racetrack.
