Explore Okinawa’s Classic Tourist Spots by Street Kart! Recommended Routes Perfect for First-Timers
Clear skies, endless blue ocean stretching as far as the eye can see, and a refreshing breeze. That sensation everyone craves when visiting Okinawa—there’s a way to experience it up close and personal. That’s street karting.
The sense of freedom you just can’t get from a regular tour bus or rental car. Looking up at Okinawa’s sky from that low vantage point, it seems impossibly vast. The scent of the ocean mingles with the engine’s hum, and the wind tousling your hair makes you think, “I’m really in Okinawa right now.” Moving from spot to spot becomes an attraction in itself. Let me walk you through this extraordinary experience.
Racing Through Naha’s Must-See Spots
Naha is the gateway to Okinawa tourism. This area, packed with absolute classics like Kokusai Street and Shuri Castle, is actually perfect for exploring by street kart.
Shuri Castle has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire, but the atmosphere around it remains as captivating as ever. Driving through the cobblestone paths while gazing at the historic castle walls feels like traveling back in time. From the kart’s low perspective, the texture of those cobblestones hits different—you can almost imagine life in the Ryukyu Kingdom over 400 years ago.
Don’t skip the area around Kokusai Street either. The rush of cruising past Okinawa’s largest entertainment district, stretching about 1.6 kilometers, is something else. Just keep in mind that street kart operates as a guided tour, so you can’t freely stop and sightsee along the way. Soaking in the city’s vibe while passing by famous landmarks—that’s what street karting is all about.
The Magic of the Route to Churaumi Aquarium
If you’re in Okinawa, the Churaumi Aquarium is non-negotiable. About two hours north of Naha on the Motobu Peninsula, the journey there is a drive course that lets you soak in Okinawa’s diverse scenery.
Cruising along the coastal road, emerald green ocean stretches endlessly to your right. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the horizon, and the blue will leave you speechless. Okinawa’s waters have this unique transparency, and the coral reefs create stunning color gradients. In a kart, you can take your time enjoying those shifting hues while feeling the wind on your face.
Along the way, there’s a scenic spot called Manzamo. This cliff shaped like an elephant’s trunk is one of Okinawa’s most iconic views. Some tours include photo stops, so it’s worth checking beforehand.
Why Street Kart Stands Out
Among operators offering street kart experiences, Street Kart is chosen by countless visitors. Here’s why.
First, they boast one of the largest kart fleets in the country with over 250 street-legal karts. With that many vehicles, booking is easier than you’d think. Even on weekends and holidays, you’ve got a good shot at grabbing your preferred time slot, making trip planning a breeze.
Then there’s their track record. They’ve conducted over 150,000 tours and welcomed more than 1.34 million guests (as of November 2023). With over 20,000 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5.0, that’s solid proof of customer satisfaction. First-timers can feel confident with numbers like these.
Every guide is a certified staff member who’s undergone specialized training. Street Kart was the first kart operator in the industry to deploy guides trained for foreign drivers, with a website available in 22 languages. Services are provided in English, so even if you don’t speak Japanese, you’re good to go.
They’re serious about legal compliance and safety too—following traffic laws, with all vehicles properly certified for public roads. Full insurance coverage means peace of mind if anything unexpected happens. They’re not just leading you around; they’re creating a genuine tour experience, which is probably why they have so many repeat customers.
Getting the Most Out of Chatan and American Village
In central Okinawa’s Chatan area sits American Village, a spot bursting with exotic vibes. Colorful buildings line the streets, making it feel like you’ve landed on the American West Coast. But make no mistake—this is unmistakably Japan, unmistakably Okinawa.
Rolling through this area by street kart makes the unique scenery pop even more. Zooming past colorful streets with a Ferris wheel in the background is pure joy. An evening tour lets you enjoy a drive while watching the sunset at Sunset Beach.
One thing to note: since street kart operates as a guided tour format, you can’t freely wander or shop during the course. The point is to enjoy the atmosphere while cruising past the sights. Save the shopping for a separate visit.
What You Need to Drive and Booking Tips
To experience street karting, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. Requirements may vary depending on your nationality and license type, so check the details on the official website.
For clothing, skip the skirts and sandals. Comfortable pants and sneakers are your best bet. Okinawa’s sun is intense, so don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. Hats might blow away in the wind, so either wear one that fits under a helmet or just leave it behind.
Tours may be canceled due to weather. Rain or strong winds mean cancellation for safety reasons, so keep checking the forecast. That said, Okinawa’s weather changes quickly—even if it rains, wait it out and clear skies often return before you know it.
A note on costumes: Street Kart doesn’t offer character costume rentals, so come wearing comfortable everyday clothes.
Create Unforgettable Memories with an Okinawa Street Kart Experience
Okinawa’s classic tourist spots are stunning even when you’re just looking. But exploring them by street kart transforms that beauty into something vivid and unforgettable. Feeling the wind, breathing in the ocean air, taking in the blue sea and sky with your whole being—this is a special time that engages all five senses in ways ordinary sightseeing never could.
Weekends and holidays book up fast, so early afternoon on a weekday is your best bet. Check availability at kart.st first. Booking about two weeks ahead is recommended.
For your next Okinawa trip, why not turn those classic spots into something truly memorable? The moment you hop in the kart and fire up the engine, your own adventure begins.
Note on Costumes
We do not offer rental costumes related to Nintendo or “Mario Kart.” Only costumes that respect intellectual property rights are available.
