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. US drivers must bring a US 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 the United States 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 getting right 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 Los Angeles run about 11 hours and from New York about 14 hours, arriving at Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT). Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of New York and 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles. Most US visitors slot the tour into day two or three, once jet lag has eased and they can drive alert.
Prices are in Japanese yen (JPY). Roughly 150 JPY to 1 USD, but check the live rate.
What is included
- Costume rental
- 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 rental 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. US licence holders need an IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, together with their original state licence and passport. Get the IDP from AAA or AATA before you leave the United States — it cannot be issued once you are in Japan.
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.
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.
Is a US driving licence alone enough?
No. A US state licence on its own does not permit you to drive in Japan. You need the IDP booklet as well, and both documents are checked before the tour.
I am US military stationed in Japan. Can I join with my SOFA licence?
Yes. Bring your USFJ Form 4EJ (SOFA licence) with your military ID and your US state licence. You do not need an International Driving Permit — an IDP must be issued in your home country before travelling, so it is not an option once you are stationed here. If your SOFA status has ended, the USFJ permit is no longer valid.
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.