NEO SHIBUYA EDGE is a 90-minute guided street go-kart tour that starts eight minutes from Shibuya Station and runs across Shibuya Crossing, through Harajuku and Omotesando. Prices start at JPY 13,000. Australian drivers must bring their state licence, a passport and a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit.
- Duration
- 90 min
- From
- JPY 13,000
- Meeting point
- Shibuya Station (Hachiko exit)
- Licence
- Required for every driver
What the route covers
The tour runs about 90 minutes from NEXUS MARUYAMA 1F, 9-3 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku — 8 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station (Hachiko exit). A guide leads the convoy the whole way and stays in radio contact.
- Shibuya Crossing
- Harajuku
- Omotesando
Before you book: the licence requirement
Every driver needs their own licence. There is no passenger seat. Visitors from Australia must bring an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, their original licence and their passport. A digital copy is not accepted.
This catches people out more than anything else on the tour, so it is worth sorting before you fly.
Read the full licence and IDP guide →
| Country / region | 1949 Geneva Convention party | What Japan accepts | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | AAA (American Automobile Association), AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) |
| Australia | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA, RACT, AANT |
| Taiwan | No | Home licence + official Japanese translation | Taiwan-Japan Relations Association, JAF, Zipplus Co., Ltd., Japan Inbound Driver Support Association |
| South Korea | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | Korea Road Traffic Authority, Police stations |
| India | Yes | International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva Convention) | Regional Transport Office (RTO) |
Planning it into your trip
Direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne run about 9 to 10 hours, and from Brisbane about 9 hours, arriving at Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT). Tokyo is 1 hour behind Sydney during Australian standard time and 2 hours behind during daylight saving. The short time difference means most Australian visitors are fine to drive on day one or two.
Prices are in Japanese yen (JPY). Roughly 100 JPY to 1 AUD, but check the live rate.
What is included
- Costume hire
- Gloves
- Professional guide with continuous radio communication
- Full English support
- Safety briefing before departure
- Insurance
- Snack bar
- Luggage storage
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour.
Insta360 camera hire is available. Handheld cameras are not permitted while driving, for safety.
Book the Shibuya tour
Prefer a lower price or the Tokyo Tower route?
NEO GINZA runs the same 90-minute format from Shintomicho Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) and starts at JPY 9,500. The licence rules are identical.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive a go-kart in Tokyo?
Yes. Australian licence holders need an IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, together with their original state licence and passport. Get it from your state motoring club before you leave Australia — it cannot be issued once you are in Japan.
Which Australian organisation issues the IDP?
Your state or territory motoring club: NRMA in New South Wales, RACV in Victoria, RACQ in Queensland, RAC in Western Australia, RAA in South Australia, RACT in Tasmania and AANT in the Northern Territory.
Can I ride as a passenger instead of driving?
No. The karts are single-seat and every participant drives their own. Anyone joining the tour needs their own valid licence and permit. Friends without a licence cannot ride along.
Does a provisional or learner licence count?
Not reliably. Check with your motoring club before applying, since eligibility for an International Driving Permit depends on the class and status of your Australian licence.
What happens if it rains?
Tours generally run in light rain and rain gear is provided. If conditions make it unsafe, staff will contact you. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour.
Does my IDP need to be a physical booklet?
Yes. Japan accepts only the physical 1949 Geneva Convention booklet. Photocopies, A4 printouts, PDFs and photos on your phone are refused.