Exploring Okinawa’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart—The Perfect Adventure Route for First-Time Visitors
Blue seas, white sandy beaches, and a distinctive Ryukyu culture. The moment you set foot in Okinawa, you’ll realize this is a special place that’s both Japan and not Japan at the same time. But experiencing Okinawa from a tour bus versus feeling the wind in your face while cruising the public roads are two completely different things. With a two-hour street kart adventure from central Naha to the stunning views of Senaga Island, you can soak in this island’s charm with all five senses.
Your Okinawa Adventure Starts Near Naha Airport
The area around Naha Airport, Okinawa’s gateway, is actually a hidden gem for sightseeing. Driving your kart while watching planes take off and land right overhead is an experience you won’t find anywhere else. The roar of jets passing above is so powerful you’ll catch yourself gasping out loud. Street Kart’s Okinawa shop is located about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport—the perfect spot for anyone who wants to dive into an active Okinawa experience right from day one.
Tours come in one-hour and two-hour options. If this is your first time visiting Okinawa, go for the two-hour O-M course. Starting from the Naha Airport area, passing through Senaga Island, and ending up at Kokusai Street, this route packs in the best of Okinawa. There’s a break at Senaga Island along the way, and the time you spend eating Blue Seal ice cream while gazing at the emerald green sea will definitely become a highlight of your trip.
Senaga Island Umikaji Terrace—A Scenic Spot That Feels Like the Mediterranean
Senaga Island is a small island floating just south of Naha Airport, and Umikaji Terrace with its white buildings cascading down the hillside looks like you’ve stumbled into a Mediterranean resort. When you park your kart and walk down the stairs, the Okinawa blue sea spreads out before you. Photos with this scenery as your backdrop are guaranteed to turn heads on social media.
As someone who loves photography, here’s a tip: the best time to shoot here is from afternoon to evening. As the sun starts to sink westward, the white buildings take on an orange glow, creating a beautiful contrast with the sea. Street Kart’s two-hour course includes a break at Senaga Island, so you’ll have plenty of time for photos. Umikaji Terrace has over 30 cafes and restaurants lined up, where you can enjoy Okinawa’s unique cuisine.
Kokusai Street—Experience the Miracle Mile
Stretching about 1.6 kilometers, Kokusai Street earned the nickname “Miracle Mile” because it recovered from post-war ruins in just a few years. Souvenir shops, restaurants, and variety stores pack both sides of the street, and you can feel Okinawa’s vibrant energy directly. When you cruise down Kokusai Street in your street kart, you’ll catch everyone’s attention. Locals waving at you, tourists with surprised faces pointing their smartphones. This feeling of being in the spotlight is part of what makes the kart experience so awesome.
Near Kokusai Street, you’ll find the Makishi Public Market, where you can have fresh seafood prepared at the dining area on the second floor. Planning to hit up some Okinawa cuisine right after your tour is a brilliant move. If you haven’t tried Okinawan food yet, definitely sample some classics like goya champuru, soki soba, and sea grapes.
Why People Choose Street Kart
Street Kart was the pioneer in public road karting experiences, building Japan’s first guide system designed for foreign drivers. Their Okinawa shop has earned a 5.0★ rating on TripAdvisor, and that’s no accident.
Trained professional guides lead every tour, creating a setup where even people unfamiliar with driving karts on public roads can relax and have a blast. They’ve adopted safety management protocols developed in cooperation with Japanese police, and over 1.34 million customers have experienced their tours (as of November 2023).
Photo services are included in the price, so you won’t end up regretting missed moments while driving. Guides capture shots at safe times like red lights, so you’ll get action shots you could never take yourself. Free costume rentals are available too, letting you capture special photos that’ll make your trip memories even more colorful. Just keep in mind they don’t offer Mario Kart-related costumes.
When renting, you can choose insurance options. Plan A (500 yen) covers all repair costs in case of an accident, so it’s especially recommended for first-timers. Helmets, goggles, and rain coats for wet weather are provided free of charge.
Getting Ready for Your Okinawa Street Kart Experience
All you need to participate is a valid driver’s license. If you don’t have a Japanese license, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (based on the 1949 Geneva Convention). Check the official site (https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/) for details. The original license is required—digital versions or photos won’t cut it.
For clothing, sneakers or other comfortable shoes work best. Skip the sandals and heels. Okinawa’s sun is intense, so sunscreen and sunglasses are must-haves. Bringing something to drink for hydration is a good idea too.
Reservations can be cancelled free of charge up to 7 days in advance, so you’re covered even if you’re worried about the weather. Okinawa sees sudden rain showers often, but tours run in light rain with rain coats provided. Actually, if you can snap a photo of your kart with a rainbow after the rain clears, that’s going to be one incredible shot.
This Experience Will Become a Lifelong Memory
Street karting lets you efficiently enjoy Okinawa’s must-see tourist spots from a perspective that ordinary sightseeing just can’t offer. The thrill of cutting through the wind, the rush of being the center of attention, and photo time at scenic points—it’s all packed into two hours.
Booking is easy at kart.st. During busy seasons, reserving 2-4 weeks ahead is recommended. Racing through Okinawa’s blue seas and skies on a street kart creates special memories that you’d never get from a tour bus. For your next Okinawa trip, definitely add this adventure to your plans.
A Note About Costumes
We do not offer rentals of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. Only costumes that respect intellectual property rights are available.
