JAF-Certified Circuit · 60–90 min from Tokyo · No Licence Needed

Drive a Real Racing Kart at 120 km/h — Just Outside Tokyo

Not street karting, not a mall rental kart. IGNIS RACING puts you in a competition racing kart on Shin Tokyo Circuit (New Tokyo Circuit) — a 1,076m JAF-certified course with 14 corners in Chiba, 60–90 minutes from Tokyo. No driving licence or International Driving Permit, no experience needed. All racing gear included. Ages 6 and up.

⚡ Book Your Race Day See Pricing
120 km/hTop speed — feels 2–3× faster
1,076mJAF-certified circuit, 14 corners
Age 6+Family friendly, coach with 20+ yrs experience
¥0Gear rental — suit, helmet & gloves included

Why IGNIS RACING

Real Motorsport Near Tokyo — Not Street Karting, Not Rental Karting

Most "go-karting in Tokyo" is either a costumed street tour on public roads or a rental kart doing about 50 km/h for six minutes. This is the real thing: a competition racing kart reaching 120 km/h on a full-size outdoor circuit used by racing drivers — with hours of track time and a dedicated coach and mechanic supporting you all day.

🏎️

Real Racing Karts

One machine, no compromises: a competition-grade kart reaching up to 120 km/h. Sitting centimeters above the asphalt, the perceived speed is said to be 2–3 times faster than the speedometer shows.

🏁

A Professional Circuit

Shin Tokyo Circuit is a JAF-certified 1,076m course with 14 corners and track widths of 8–11.5m — the same environment where competitive drivers train.

🧑‍🏫

Coach + Mechanic, All Day

A dedicated coach guides your driving from your first lap, and a mechanic keeps your kart in perfect condition. Our head coach has taught racing for over 20 years, including children.

🧳

Come Empty-Handed

Racing suit, helmet (sanitized daily) and racing gloves are all included free. Just wear long pants, long sleeves, long socks and sneakers.

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Kids from Age 6

A rare chance for children to drive a real kart on a real circuit. Perfect for families visiting Japan who want more than sightseeing.

🗼

Easy Trip from Tokyo

Located in Ichihara, Chiba — about 60–90 minutes from central Tokyo by car or train + taxi. A perfect half-day or full-day adventure.

The Experience

Your Race Day, From Briefing to Checkered Flag

A full day on track: morning session 9:00–12:00 and afternoon session 13:30–16:30, with half-day and lunch-only sessions available for shorter visits.

  • 8:30Arrival, reception & registration
  • 8:45Gear fitting — racing suit, helmet, gloves
  • 8:50Safety briefing & track rules
  • 9:00–12:00Morning session — learn the racing line with your coach
  • 12:00–13:30Lunch break (beginner-friendly lunch session also runs in this slot)
  • 13:30–16:30Afternoon session — push your lap times
  • 16:30Checkered flag — personal feedback from your coach

🔰 Beginner Plan

First time in a kart? Full gear rental and step-by-step coaching get you confidently up to speed — at your own pace.

⏱️ Advanced Plan

Lap timing and racing-line coaching for drivers chasing every tenth of a second at 120 km/h.

👥 Group & Private Charter

Team battles and private group sessions available — ideal for friends, families and corporate groups. Contact us for arrangements.

How It Compares

Street Karting vs Rental Karting vs IGNIS RACING

Searching "go kart Tokyo" returns three very different things. Here is how they actually compare, so you can pick the right one.

Street go-kart tours (Tokyo city)Rental karting (indoor / mall tracks)IGNIS RACING
Top speedPublic-road speed limits (up to about 60 km/h)About 50 km/hUp to 120 km/h
Where you drivePublic streets, in trafficSmall rental track1,076m JAF-certified racing circuit, 14 corners
Time driving1–2 hour guided convoy6–10 minute sessions3–6 hours of session time
Driving licenceRequired — licence + International Driving PermitNot requiredNot required
Minimum age18Varies by venue6
KartRoad-legal novelty kartRental kartCompetition racing kart
InstructionTour guide leads the routeNoneProfessional coach + on-site mechanic
GearCostumeHelmetRacing suit, helmet, gloves — all included
Typical priceApprox. ¥10,000–¥17,000 per tourApprox. ¥2,000 per session¥19,800–¥38,500 kart rental + circuit fees

Figures for street and rental karting are typical published values for Tokyo-area operators as of 2026 and are provided for orientation only. Best fit: street karting for sightseeing in costume; rental karting for a quick casual lap; IGNIS RACING for anyone who wants to actually drive a racing kart fast, learn, and improve.

Your Coach

Meet the Founder & Head Coach

Hide, IGNIS RACING founder and head coach, at Shin Tokyo Circuit

・Drawn into motorsport by the F1 legends of the 1990s and 2000s

・His motto for coaching and support: "Zenshin-Zenrei" — with all his heart and soul

His philosophy is simple: anyone can experience real motorsport safely — you just need the right machine, the right circuit and the right guidance. That's exactly what a day with IGNIS RACING gives you.

Our Guests

Rated ★5 by International Visitors

Travelers from overseas regularly make the trip from Tokyo — many call it the adrenaline highlight of their Japan visit. Here's what verified guests say on GetYourGuide.

★★★★★ 5/5
"Hide is professional, teached me to reach 52 second, from 55! It was awesome, fastest kart in my life!! Thanks Hide"

Адилетхан — Kazakhstan · June 2026✓ Verified booking · GetYourGuide

★★★★★ 5/5
"Very fun experience! Fast kart, great driving advice and a challenging track. Lots of time in the kart to improve lap times."

Kyle — Australia · May 2026✓ Verified booking · GetYourGuide

Driver in IGNIS RACING suit cornering a racing kart at speed on Shin Tokyo Circuit
Full racing gear — suit, helmet and gloves — included free with every session.
International guests in the pit lane at Shin Tokyo Circuit with racing karts
"When in Tokyo — find me behind the wheel of something fast!"
Guests from the US enjoying a race day in the pits.
Overseas visitor and coach with a racing kart under the New Tokyo Circuit start gate
An overseas guest with his kart at the circuit's start gate after a day on track.
Father and two young sons in racing suits under the New Tokyo Circuit start gate after a family karting session with IGNIS RACING
A family from overseas — both boys drove, aged under 10 — at the start gate after their session. Kids from age 6 can race.
Two international guests in racing suits with coach Hide under the New Tokyo Circuit start gate
Friends from overseas after a half-day session.
Family of three visiting Japan posing with IGNIS RACING coach at New Tokyo Circuit
A family who came out from Tokyo for a day of real karting.
Group of four European visitors in blue racing suits with a racing kart and coach at New Tokyo Circuit
A group of four — everyone gets their own kart and their own track time.
Father and son from overseas standing with racing karts in the pit lane with coach Hide
Father and son in the pits after their session.
Three young international drivers in blue racing suits with helmets and coach at Shin Tokyo Circuit
Three friends ready for the afternoon session.
Couple visiting from overseas holding a helmet with coach under the New Tokyo Circuit gate after rain
Rain or shine — a couple after a wet-track session.

Event

R CUP — our fun race, held every six months

Every six months, IGNIS RACING hosts R CUP, a friendly kart race at Shin Tokyo Circuit. Line up on a real starting grid and put what you learned to the test. Beginners and experienced drivers race together.

R CUP participants and karts gathered on the starting grid at Shin Tokyo Circuit after the race
After the race — every R CUP brings a big crowd
Racing karts lined up on the starting grid at R CUP
Start from a real grid
IGNIS RACING staff giving a kart a final check in the pit at R CUP
Final check by our staff
  • Held twice a year (every six months)
  • Venue: Shin Tokyo Circuit, Ichihara, Chiba
  • Entry: via our LINE official account (menu "R CUP"). We announce each date on LINE.
💬 Get R CUP news on LINE

Pricing

Kart Rental Rates

Prices are per person, tax included. Circuit facility fee, fuel and facility insurance are paid separately on site (see below).

KartHalf Day (AM or PM)Full DayLunch Session Only
Racing Kart — up to 120 km/h
Beginners welcome — full coaching included		¥30,800¥38,500¥19,800

Paid Separately at the Circuit

ItemPrice (per person)
Circuit facility fee — full day (AM + PM)¥8,600
Circuit facility fee — half day (AM or PM)¥6,400
Circuit facility fee — junior full day (up to junior-high age)¥7,500
Circuit facility fee — lunch session only¥2,700
Fuel (¥600/L)approx. ¥3,000 / day
Facility damage insurance (required every visit)¥500

※ Sport driving is unavailable on race days and private-charter days — the schedule is confirmed at booking. Lunch sessions may share the track with rental karts.

Before You Come

Dress Code & Requirements

For your safety, the following rules are strictly enforced. Participants who don't meet them cannot drive, and no refund is given — please read carefully.

✓ Required

  • Ankle-length long pants without any rips or damage
  • Long-sleeve top (no hooded wear)
  • Long socks covering the ankles
  • Closed athletic shoes with heels (sneakers)
  • Body weight 90 kg or less
  • Age 6 or older

✕ Not Allowed

  • Ripped / distressed jeans
  • Hoodies or any hooded clothing
  • Sandals, high heels, slippers, Crocs
  • Shorts or cropped pants

👜 Recommended

  • A change of clothes (you will sweat, especially in summer)
  • Towel, drinks, sunscreen

Access

Getting to Shin Tokyo Circuit (New Tokyo Circuit) from Tokyo

🚗 By Car (~60–75 min from Tokyo)

Take the Tateyama Expressway to Ichihara IC. Exit right, follow the merging road straight for 3 km, turn right, then left at the second traffic light — the circuit is about 10 minutes from the IC. Free parking available.

🚆 By Train + Taxi (~90 min from Tokyo)

JR Uchibo Line to Goi Station (direct from Tokyo Station, ~55 min). From the East Exit, taxi approx. 15 minutes / ¥3,000 to Shin Tokyo Circuit.

Aerial view of Shin Tokyo Circuit
Shin Tokyo Circuit from above — 1,076m of racing tarmac surrounded by Chiba greenery.
Shin Tokyo Circuit course map — 1,076m, 14 corners
The course layout: 14 corners, track width 8–11.5m.

📍 Shin Tokyo Circuit

249 Nihonmatsu, Hikita, Ichihara, Chiba, Japan · Open 8:30–16:30 · Closed Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday)

Open in Google Maps →

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything international visitors ask us before booking.

How is this different from the Mario Kart style street go-karting in Tokyo?
They are completely different activities. Street go-karting in Tokyo is a costumed sightseeing tour on public roads at city traffic speeds, and it legally requires a valid driving licence with an International Driving Permit. IGNIS RACING is actual motorsport: a competition-spec racing kart reaching 120 km/h on a closed 1,076m JAF-certified racing circuit, in a full racing suit and helmet, with a professional coach. No licence is needed because you never drive on a public road.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or any licence?
No. You do not need a driving licence or an International Driving Permit. Street go-karting in Tokyo requires one because it runs on public roads; IGNIS RACING runs on a closed racing circuit, so it is open to anyone from age 6 — including visitors whose home licence is not valid in Japan.
What is the fastest go-kart experience near Tokyo?
IGNIS RACING's karts reach 120 km/h — more than double a typical rental kart (about 50 km/h) and far above street karts, which are limited to public-road speeds. Because you sit a few centimeters above the track, it feels 2–3 times faster than that.
Do I need a driver's license or experience?
No licence and no experience are needed. Every day starts with a safety briefing, and your coach supports you from the very first lap. Most first-timers are driving confidently within the morning session.
How fast will I actually go?
The racing kart reaches up to 120 km/h. Because you're sitting only a few centimeters above the track, the sensation is commonly described as 2–3 times faster than the number suggests — closer to how a race car feels at far higher speeds.
How much do beginners improve in one day?
Most first-time drivers cut several seconds off their lap time within a single day. One guest from Kazakhstan went from 55 seconds to 52 seconds with coaching from Hide, our head coach, and called it the fastest kart he had ever driven. Because you get hours of track time rather than a fixed number of laps, there is time to actually learn the racing line.
How many laps or how much driving time do I get?
You get session time, not a fixed lap count. The morning session runs 9:00–12:00 and the afternoon session 13:30–16:30, so a full day gives roughly six hours of track access. Typical rental karting elsewhere gives you an 8–10 minute session.
Can my kids join?
Yes — children from age 6 can drive. Our head coach has more than 20 years of experience teaching children, and junior circuit fees are discounted (¥7,500 full day, up to junior-high-school age).
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No — we support international visitors in English, from booking through the safety briefing and on-track coaching. Guests from the United States, Australia and Kazakhstan have all raced with us.
Is this suitable for solo travellers?
Yes — solo drivers get one-to-one coaching from the head coach. Couples, families and groups of friends can share the track together, and private group sessions can be arranged on request.
Can I do this as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes, and most guests do. Reception starts at 8:30 and driving finishes at 16:30, so a full day from central Tokyo works comfortably. With less time, the half-day session or the 12:00–13:30 lunch session fits around other plans.
Is it safe?
The experience is built around first-timers. You'll wear a full racing suit, helmet and gloves (all provided), attend a mandatory safety briefing, and drive under the supervision of a professional coach with a mechanic on site. The circuit is JAF-certified — the Japanese motorsport governing body standard. Driving is at your own risk, and a ¥500 facility insurance fee is required each visit.
What is the total cost for one day?
Approximately ¥50,600 per driver for a full day. That breaks down as ¥38,500 kart rental + ¥8,600 circuit fee + approx. ¥3,000 fuel + ¥500 insurance. Half-day (¥30,800) and lunch-session (¥19,800) options bring the total down significantly.
When are you open, and what happens if it rains?
Open 8:30–16:30, closed Mondays (open when Monday is a national holiday). If the circuit announces closure by the day before, you receive a 100% refund. If weather stops driving on the day and only the afternoon is lost, 30% is refunded. If conditions deteriorate after you've started driving, no refund is given.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 3 days before your booking. Same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged 100%. Please note there is no refund if you cannot participate due to the dress code or the 90 kg weight limit — double-check the requirements above.

Policies

Cancellation & Liability

Cancellation

  • Up to 3 days before: free
  • Same day / no-show: 100% charge
  • Circuit closed (decided by the day before): 100% refund
  • Only afternoon cancelled on the day: 30% refund

Please Note

  • No refund for dress-code violations or exceeding the 90 kg weight limit
  • No refund once driving has started, even if weather worsens
  • Damage to the kart or rented gear (suit/helmet/gloves) is charged at actual repair cost
  • Driving is at your own risk; participation in the safety briefing and agreement to the terms are mandatory

Book Now

Reserve Your Race Day

Booking is quick and personal — call or message us on LINE. English OK. Free cancellation up to 3 days before.

Call / Message us +81 90-6149-4338 Reception 11:00–21:00 JST · English OK
📞 Call to Book 💬 Book via LINE

Tell us: preferred date · number of drivers · ages. We'll confirm circuit availability and reply quickly.