Race Through Okinawa’s Must-See Spots by Street Kart! The Ultimate Route Guide for Your First Epic Okinawa Adventure
Emerald green waters and endless blue skies stretching as far as the eye can see—that’s Okinawa. If you’re thinking, “I want something more exciting than your typical sightseeing experience,” then cruising through Naha’s streets in a street kart while the wind whips past you is the ultimate choice. You’ll soak in that tropical, liberating atmosphere with your whole body while efficiently hitting all the classic spots. Honestly, the rush you get is incomparable to just driving around in a rental car.
Your Adventure Route Starts from Naha Airport
The Okinawa shop is located in Higashimachi, Naha, about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport. It’s roughly a 10-minute drive from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail. The convenient location makes it easy to fit into your arrival day or your last day before heading home.
The 1-hour O-S Course takes you from Naha Airport to Kokusai Street. Watching planes take off and land just overhead while cruising in your kart is a uniquely Okinawan experience. The powerful roar and sheer size of the aircraft will have you gasping in amazement. From there, you’ll weave through Naha’s streets toward the bustling Kokusai Street.
If you’ve got a bit more time, I’d totally recommend the 2-hour O-M Course. You’ll drive along the coastline from Naha Airport and extend your journey to Senaga Island. There’s a break in between where you can grab some Blue Seal ice cream while taking in the stunning views. The color of Okinawa’s ocean is truly unique—it’s got a different kind of clarity compared to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Feel the Mediterranean Vibes at Senaga Island’s Umikaji Terrace
Senaga Island is a small island floating south of Naha Airport. The white buildings of Umikaji Terrace are stacked along the hillside like stairs, giving you the feeling of stumbling into a Mediterranean resort. Parking your kart and chilling out while feeling the ocean breeze is pure bliss.
From here, you can look up at planes taking off and landing from directly below. If your timing’s right, you can snap a photo of a plane passing by with the blue sea and white buildings as your backdrop. If you’ve got a GoPro, mount it on your kart and capture some footage while you’re riding. When you watch it back later, the sound of the wind and the flowing scenery feel absolutely incredible.
If you’re aiming for sunset, book an evening start time. There’s a sense of freedom that words can’t describe when you’re riding against a backdrop of sky and sea painted orange.
The Thrill of Racing Through Kokusai Street
Kokusai Street stretches about 1.6 kilometers and is known as the “Miracle Mile.” The name comes from its incredibly rapid recovery from the burned ruins after the war. Souvenir shops, restaurants, and general stores line both sides, making it a street that captures all of Okinawa’s energy.
Cruising through in a kart gives you a completely different perspective than walking. From that low-to-the-ground vantage point, you notice the signs, shop decorations, and expressions on people’s faces so vividly. Both tourists and locals often smile and wave when they see the karts. These little moments of human connection are what make Okinawa special.
Near Kokusai Street, you’ll find Makishi Public Market with its fresh seafood on display. I’d recommend stopping by before or after your tour and having the restaurants on the second floor cook up the fish you just bought.
Why Street Kart Stands Out
Street Kart is known as the industry’s first go-kart operator with guides specially trained for international drivers. The Okinawa shop boasts a 5.0/5.0★ rating with over 6,600 reviews. They’ve conducted more than 150,000 total tours and served over 1.34 million customers.
Having trained guides leading the way means you can enjoy your first public road karting experience with peace of mind. The pros handle everything from route management to safety monitoring. When you’re stopped at traffic lights, the guides will snap photos for you, so you can focus on driving while still capturing awesome memories.
Helmets and goggles are provided free of charge, and if it rains, rain gear is also available. Costumes are available on a first-come, first-served basis if you want to ride with a different vibe. Please note that Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart is an independent service with no affiliation to Nintendo or the Mario Kart series.
All tours include insurance options—the Plan A coverage for 500 yen will fully cover repair costs in case of an accident. It’s also popular as an eco-friendly activity that you can enjoy at your own pace.
Great Spots to Pair with Your Street Kart Experience
There are several spots worth visiting before or after your street kart adventure. Shuri Castle is about a 20-minute drive from Naha. Recovery efforts have been progressing since the 2019 fire, and it’s a place where you can feel the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The Shureimon Gate has been restored and is a popular photo spot.
Naminoue Beach is the only beach in Naha City, about a 20-minute walk from the shop. Taking a shower after a swim and then hopping on a kart feeling refreshed is a great way to spend the day. Yachimun Street is lined with traditional pottery and is perfect for souvenir hunting.
If you want to check the driver’s license requirements, head to kart.st/en/drivers-license/. An international driving permit may be required, so please check the official website for details.
Create Unforgettable Okinawa Memories
If you’re hitting up Okinawa’s classic tourist spots, definitely consider street karting as an option. The excitement of Naha Airport, the breathtaking views of Senaga Island, the vibrant energy of Kokusai Street—you’ll experience each of these attractions with your whole body while feeling the wind rush by.
With guides leading the way, you won’t have to worry about getting lost, and they’ll take photos for you too. If you ride with your crew, it’ll definitely become an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the “Leave No Trace” spirit, respect nature, and enjoy Okinawa’s beautiful scenery.
Booking is easy at kart.st. Popular time slots fill up fast, so once your travel dates are set, I’d recommend checking availability early. The experience of feeling Okinawa’s wind with your entire being is waiting for you.
Costume Information
Our shop does not offer rental of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
