Tokyo Go-cart Accident Questioning this Tourist Attraction

The Tokyo Go-cart experience is fun for visitors but to be honest, as a driver in Tokyo, I don’t want to drive with them! One reason, they don’t know the laws or the way to drive in Japan, esp Americans who drive on the other side of the road. I say this as someone who is American and took time to get used to it after many lessons. What do you think?
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[@pfrydog]

The height and weight of a go-kart and lack of protection is why it doesn't belong in the same space as a full-size vehicle.

[@Calix772]

This logic also applies to motorcycles and bicycles yet you wouldn't say that...

[@MrMorjo]

@@Calix772 There is a reason why these go-carts are restricted to certain parts of Tokyo. They're unsafe, they're low to the ground and difficult to see in certain conditions. I'm amazed helmets are not enforced! Frankly, motorbikes and push bikes are horrendously dangerous too when the rider has a crash, but there is no chance banning them from the road as they have been around for so long now.

[@Calix772]

​@@MrMorjo Which is understandable, certain roadways are at higher speeds than they can travel and interact with traffic at. That's why there should be no issue with them existing within those confines. Where I live you can have two types of license for road legal go karts, for ANY roads at 55kmh and under or 80kmh and under. Its the same as with motorcycles after a certain age and insurance helmets aren't required. If your core issue with the karts is because of driver unfamiliarity with them and lack of awareness for them thats the issue of other drivers. Not inherently with karts or any other alternative form of transportation that isnt a standard automobile. Driver awareness should be taught. But, you already think that motorbikes should have been banned. So I guess you just want to deprive people of experiences you yourself aren't comfortable with. Not for any other point.

[@MrMorjo]

​@@Calix772 I'm all for road safety buddy. I've seen multiple push bike and motorbike fatalities, and one in particular which haunts me constantly.Your support for these go-karts shows your lack of knowledge towards road safety. When you place a person in an unprotected vehicles against cars and trucks it's dangerous, it's that simple. Having tourists frivolously drive go-carts around streets of a busy city, without helmets and letting them take photos is utter stupidity.

[@dragonofparadise]

They need to ban go karts on public roads and set up a isolated racetrack for them. I drove a rental car when in Japan and have a bunch of inexperienced tourists in costumes treating the streets of Tokyo like their personal go kart course is just terrifying.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

The costumes - makes me feel like it’s a joke. I know it’s a marketing thing. To get people to stop and take photos. Want to try it too. Just looks bad to me but I won’t let my opinion end people’s fun since it’s not against the law. I might even try it to report on the experience first hand because I honestly don’t know how unsafe or safe it is. I just think after this accident, there’s a weakness in the regulations esp with inexperienced drivers possibly jet lagged etc.

[@tequila326]

Go karts belong on a racingtrack, not the streets. I thought they were banned some years ago, but now they are back in full force in Osaka as well.

[@NoraNoita]

yeah, they are not high enough for the least average driver to notice.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

"Chris Broad" had one tear right through his favorite British Fish & Chips Shop in a highly dishonorable Banzai Charge ! He's been against such for a long time now !

[@fozzie711]

I did the Tokyo Bay go kart course a couple of months ago. I was in a group of 8 in total with 6 tourists and 2 guides one at the front and ones at the back. Honestly…I found it terrifying even though I’m from the U.K so I’m used to driving on the left and have years of driving experience. You’re driving at speeds of over 60mph over Rainbow Bridge wearing no helmet with huge lorrys going past you. I personally wouldn’t do it again 😅

[@onlyinjapanGO]

That sounds like such a risk to me. Def need goggles if there’s no windshield. I’ve had stuff kick up at my car all the time. I’m glad you were fine, maybe had a little fun or relived enough to sleep very well that night 😉

[@Calix772]

Same thing people say who have never been on a motorcycle. Not surprising. You are used to the security that being in a huge steel cage gives you with 4 doors and a roof. But plenty of people drive daily without any of that on busy streets and highways. Just something you aren't used to doing.

[@Angultra]

Crazy they do it on open roads, it should be on a closed course probably outside of Tokyo. Dress up and have fun without the safety risk and nuisance.

[@Calix772]

These karts are only popular because you drive them on the main roads through Tokyo and past landmarks. It's almost like that's literally the appeal 🙄 No one is interested in just driving in circles on a plain track.🥴 Everyone saying, "it should be on a closed course" just comes off as sorely out of touch.

[@Sarah_1982]

The thought of being in one of those go-karts, surrounded by cars and trucks, terrifies me!

[@TheKaiTetley]

The thought of the red shell terrifies me

[@Ownage4lif31]

Yea they need to put flags in the back of the go kart with a long pole. Will look ugly but if it's bolted in, would at least make drivers be more aware. Though, I wouldn't mind them banning it entirely. Looks very dangerous

[@gosikh]

These carts should not be allowed to be on the road. Most Cary drivers are young and don’t have any experience of driving in Japan. This industry will end of one tourist dies

[@Calix772]

People have died and been seriously injured on roller coasters. Zip lines, banana boats, tubes, gondolas, lifts, etc and it hasn't ended their industries or use. Comments like this are just older generations being scared of something different / new. The requirements for driving an actual rental car in Japan is no different and inherently far more dangerous for unfamiliar drivers to be behind the wheel of a multi thousand pound vehicle vs a go kart.

[@Big-Wonka]

Just my two cents. I've done the carts with two different companies on two different trips and I loved it. But let me start with this. I drive for a living and I'm always aware of my surroundings since I've also always owned motorcycles. For a good driver, it's so cool because you can see Tokyo from a different perspective. Most people won't rent a car so it's pretty fun seeing so much of Tokyo from the streets. That being said, many people shouldn't do it because it's definitely not a game and you're on a real road with real traffic. As fun as it is, I wouldn't be surprised if it's banned.

[@DgM70]

Imagine all the semi trucks too!! In a go kart next to one of those!! That is so risky!!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yup, chance of surviving an accident … not likely.

[@d.b.9360]

These karts belong on a proper go-kart track, not on the streets of the busiest and biggest city in the world. You have drivers who are inexperienced with driving on the left side of the road, who are in an open kart with nothing to protect their bodies and especially their heads, and sitting so low to the ground. What could possibly go wrong? When you match a small street kart vs. 1.5 tons of metal, which is your average car, or, worst, a truck or bus, you can guarantee who will be victorious.I find it hard to believe that the government allows this. One hard knock to your noggin and it's game over. I'm a retired Driver Examiner and this street kart stuff makes me cringe! Safety trumps fun.

[@williamtexeira6671]

I don’t think they belong on the streets! Go karts are so low to the ground they are a hazard to be driven on the streets🤷🏽

[@MrMorjo]

Yep, it's the key reason they should be banned. They're too low to the ground and in certain conditions and vehicles they can be hard to see. Amazed helmets are not enforced.

[@mikebeuselinck6138]

“Two people… doing… something…?” LOL

[@AmericanTK_LIVE]

I've done this trip last year, but it was the Odaiba route. The pre-trip instructions were very good. Our guide did take pictures, but they always stayed seated in the front kart and we were stopped. We were told to use our signals and we did. The very front and two back kart spots were staff and not tourists on our trip. Not certain if the back spots are always staff, but if someone was trying to keep up that sounds like it should have been a staff member. I do think the company gets scapegoated though, so when something happens it gets blown up. TBH I wish they'd figure out their bicycle problem because that impacts more people than this. I witnessed a few bicycle w/ pedestrian accidents this past May/June trip than my previous two. I even had a cyclist brush up against me while they went by this trip.

[@BoeingJetJockey]

I’m driving a sports car. I know that sometimes other drivers don’t see me especially when I’m on their passenger side. Some SUV driver just glance the side window and their passenger door blocked my hood. Another glance in side mirror and they just looked pass over my roof. Assuming there’s no car….and turn right into me. It happened way too many times when I drive sports car…. But never happened when I’m drive an SUV. In this case, I think the cab can hardly see the Go Kart from the left because it’s a new Generation cab with high hood…plus most cab drivers in Japan are mostly seniors as well. I know my eyesight wasn’t as sharp as when I’m in my 40s.

[@MrMorjo]

You're right, it looks like the Taxi didn't see the go-cart. I'm not saying it was the Taxi drivers fault as they most likely had right of way. The go-cart driver could've been from a right side country and didn't look towards their right when entering the road. We were all once left side driving nations, then someone had to come along and stuff it all up!

[@Maleka808]

In addition to my comment below about the woman diving into Takachiho Gorge, regarding a subject that you've brought up a lot lately and that's "omotenashi". In my opinion omotenashi isn't about the guest is always right or think they can do almost anything they want, which a lot of Western visitors (especially American visitors) experience where they're from and bring that expectation with them to Japan. I'm an American (3rd gen Japanese-American), but when I visit Japan, I'm very respectful of the culture, rules, expectations...maybe partially because of the bit of Japanese culture that was passed down to me. But in "omotenashi", it's not one-sided, the guest must (should) also participate in the hospitality by being respectful, considerate, being aware of what the host/waiter/salesperson is trying to provide. There's no higher example of this than "sado" or the tea ceremony, as you know, where the guest is expected to follow certain rules and be aware of what the host has created for them, like the art selected, the tea cup chosen, and perhaps the selection of food or sweets. When both host and guest are respectful and show appreciation to each other, it elevates omotenashi even more. Without that mutual respect, omotenashi is only one sided, it can only go so far, and it may even disappear.

[@safaa9654]

Not allowed to wear Nintendo costumes, but you can drive a go kart in the middle of a city

[@onlyinjapanGO]

The law is the law. Don’t mess with Nintendo, respect the copyright and creative prowess.

[@xraider927]

​​​​@@onlyinjapanGO yeah, but with all due respect, sometimes they might go a bit too far on that, if you follow some gaming news websites for the last few months or so, heck, even sites like Reddit, Twitter (I refuse to call it X), etc. they express some mixed reactions (but overall there are some negative stuff in relation to the situation, however most of that are outside of Japan I believe)... Some people call it the Ferrari of the Gaming world or so...

[@arghentrock]

That's an eye-opener.

[@yogimew]

20:02 It is a shared lane marking, NOT a cycle lane marking. Those are there to remind bicycle users to keep left. You may also see sharrows painted in blue as well. In Tokyo-to, real cycle lanes are painted solid blue, at around 1.0-1.2m wide.

[@TechInTheCityHonolulu]

Hawaii law prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile electronic devices while driving, including cell phones, mp3 players, and navigation devices. This includes using a phone while stopped at a red light or stop sign. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a mobile device while driving at all, even if it's hands-free. However, drivers of all ages can pick up their phone to call 911 for emergency services.

[@Okashime]

why are these go-karts businesses still on-going thing in japan? honestly as a tourist myself, i find it kinda cringe and nuisance for the traffic

[@Che1seabluesdrogba11]

Did it a few years back when it was Mari-kart. It was at night and it was raining lightly.. luckily nothing happened 😭. Our group from the US was 5 deep and we were nervous and was a little scary tbh. They Explained how to opperate the karts, various rules, and that we should stick together as close as possible. We were also instructed to take turns at being the front two lead cars which i think also helped in people not being left behind. Guide took multiple pictures at stoplights and we took few ourselves. We were in our mid 20s so i wonder if its possible that younger tourists are also more careless and less careful. But yeah theres danger no matter how safe a driver you may be and anything could happen. Our karts also had a tall flagpole thing with an LED light for visibility, but who know how much that actually helps. Absolutely a risk so use your best discretion if you decide to do it.

[@ken878]

Even in the USA drivers don't signal when turning left or right.

[@colincofield3747]

I always signal before I turn. Your right newer drivers don't.

[@Boomdizzle99]

I dont care what people say...they will allow ANYONE to drive those things as long as you have an international drivers license regardless of whether youre a good driver or not....theres always a chance youll get grouped up with someone who shouldnt be 10 feet from anything on 4 wheels and theyll do it just because they see japan as a fantasy land. Hope they find a way to get rid of them and restrict them to private go kart tracks at amusement parks

[@lilacbirman]

I'm so glad we didn't choose that activity when we were there last month! Initially it looked like fun, but then I thought it looked a bit dangerous being on the road with cars, trucks and buses. Thank goodness the person didn't collide with a large vehicle!

[@bomrapaz07]

when the kart hit the taxi it made noise like in the game Mario kart ?

[@gbear8207]

The problem is also there is only a guide leading the group. There should be a guide at the end of the group as people often get left behind.

[@MaShcode]

International drivers license is $20 only available through AAA in the US. It’s only a translation that validates your states drivers license. Height of stupidity allowing go carts in city traffic, imho.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Oh, it was $10 when I got it in 1998 😂

[@ezwriter101]

When we were there, we saw the GoKarts, which sit so low on the streets, it's surprising that drivers can even see them!

[@Yamato-tp2kf]

Driving a car or a motorcycle is not a game, that's the first thing that I put in my head when I got my driver's license, I am very strict to myself when driving, and after 19 years of driving license, I only have one infraction on my record because I got late for the technical inspection of the car ( this technical inspection is obligatory here in Europe to see if the car is still good to drive or needs some deeper repairs...)

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It’s marketed like a game - I dunno. Getting a license here was an ordeal and being so hard, I respect it a lot. Coming here and thinking it’s a game, someone is going to get in trouble soon. Too many in the roads now.

[@Yamato-tp2kf]

@@onlyinjapanGO I agree with you, when someone will do a big mistake using the kart or like you said in the live stream gets seriously injured or much worse that industry of the kart guided tours will be done for...

[@RikkiRuckus]

The wing and rear light are probably as high or higher than a lambo. They are purposely modifed to be safer, far from a regular gokart.

[@ImRezaF]

It's insane how some people in the live chat think the go-karts isn't a traffic hazard. What even is safety regulation nowadays, amirite ?

[@Perrywinkle3750]

God, it actually embarrasses how some tourists are oblivious to how much of a nuisance this can be. If I ever go, I am steering FAR clear from ever doing that. Any other tips on how to be polite and respectful for when you travel to Japan?

[@teresa_davis]

Wow..I didn't even know they had that.. and that's it was a thing! Thank you for bringing that to light.. Mario Karts.. Tokyo.. makes sense in a weird kind of tourist gamers fun experience.. Im being Nintendo corporation isn't enjoying the shared exposure in this incident.. Thats their game..a popular one.. and these Go Karts are Mario Karts to boot! These Go Kart Co's need to be really strict and out front on the law and operation of the vehicles.. Id this keeps up.. the companies will have to offer a 1 day safety course with a certificate of completion.. that you'll have to carry on your while operating the Go Kart.. to protect themselves.. publics doing the right thing/all they can do.. and hopefully raising safety awareness of the tourists who come to play video games in real life Karts .. while driving on real world streets in Tokyo! Great video John.. this one qualified as a very real public safety awareness episode ❤

[@hermyt]

There should be a limited route where go-carts are guided to and should have a car as a barrier at the backend. I've seen they are on the highway which should be illegal.

[@wendyon4517]

I understand the excitement of driving where they do but I think it shouldn't be allowed. You make good points about using Smartphones. They should be locked in special Ziploc type bags at the very least so that they can't be used. GoPro are a great idea. It probably won't happen but the police could decide to blitz and ticket every rider who doesn't signal or uses their Smartphone while riding. Even if they stop one person then the entire group probably has to stop because they are led by someone from the company. That would throw a wrench in the company's works that may lead to changes rather than the business going away.

[@n4rut089animereviewer]

Its confusing but so is Boston, Ma, their always doing construction and roads end up changing over the years.❤

[@williammorunga1793]

I'm from NZ and we did the go karts in both Tokyo and Osaka...... I think part of the thrill is the potential chance of dying. I personally got up to 90km/hr going down Rainbow Bridge and was an awesome way of visiting attraction around both cities.. Whilst it was awesome i also don't think it is a necessity for Japan to have.

[@minhiadventures]

This is one tourist attraction I will never understand… it’s just not safe. It should be on a designated track, much safer for everyone

[@matal3991]

Bad drivers will complain its too scary

[@dutchmangoesjapan]

I'll be honest, but I'd say it's partially blame to the tour guide. If someone lags behind, You'd slow down, and keep the group together.

[@carolineindacityphx]

You called it, John. I think we all knew it was only a matter of time. There's a reason why you can't drive these on the streets here in the US. PS: Happy Father's Day!

[@maccomplex]

So odd. in australia you get green, yellow and red arrows. Plain red applies to straight if there is a green arrow. Straight Green arrows is interesting.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Right?! The point is that it is not the same driving here as abroad 😂 it is like a video game but instead of restarting, you’re in the hospital 🏥 I just hope people take great caution ⚠️ and are nervous because then they’re taking it seriously.

[@michaelcedillos224]

One thing that I notice right away is the railing on the side of the road that seems to be everywhere in Japan.

[@a6s3]

With how health and safety conscious and risk adverse japanese society is, I've always found it to be a weird anomaly that this is even allowed.

[@MrMorjo]

I find Japan to be a land of contradictions 😆

[@pinoi78]

I’m surprised they’re still allowed back on the streets after the whole Nintendo fiasco.

[@fatbikerideralaska2634]

In Tokyo, if you feel unsafe in the bike lane on the road, you may ride on the sidewalk. You need to keep your speed down if there are pedestrians.

[@ChrisShepard8122]

There is nothing confusing at all the lights are pretty simple to understand.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

🏆

[@heythave]

It may be better to have a leader and a tail guy for each trip. It is not very safe because you have no protection, but it helps that there are not as many drunk drivers in Japan like there are in the US.

[@danielbuckner7075]

Hi John would you consider doing a video on road safety and or how to obtain a japanese drivers license

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I’ve done that on this channel, a lot - when I got my license in 2018 😉 including driving school and the driving test, course. But I’m working on a main channel episode for late summer in driving: @onlyinjapan ^_^

[@danielbuckner7075]

@@onlyinjapanGO will have to watch the videos

[@maverickmoonshine2894]

I've mentioned the lights being confusing in PVGs rides before and I'm a Brit driving on the left. I've always been amazed these karts are allowed in the middle of a city! Not because I'm a kill joy but because the risk is so high and I'd not enjoy being at wheel level with trucks etc on multi lane roads. No thanks. And I've riden motorcycles on and off the road for 40yrs.

[@foxithedaywalker]

When I was young I liked to drive a gokart in a small indoor race track. On normal streets I don't want to drive a gokart.

[@jonathanzuniga4087]

After driving 5 years in Japan I still get confused with the lights. Why let this people drive a motor powered vehicle without a valid Japanese license or international?? Looking the video clips neither the staff nor the drivers know the basic transit rules of Japan like ながらスマホ or getting out of your vehicle while driving. PS huge fan of your channel.

[@markshen3280]

John, what does the driver’s manual indicate when you have to take a driver’s test ?

[@Lil-Britches]

I've always known about the gocart thing and I've had the same thought that something like that has to have happened. I will say I've never seen a stop light like that since I've never traveled, and understand how that could be confusing for anyone not from there to be able to understand. Honestly if it's just a tourist thing and no locals do it. Then they should stop. Yes it's gonna be sad but safety is number 1 and Japan is always been on their game.

[@yukiagu]

I don't care how experienced you are in driving. There will be an accident. These need to stay at a racetrack or amusement park. How annoying this must be too for locals 🙄 Imagine if you're driving and then have to deal with this! I really hope that they stop this... would hate to see you do a video John cuz guess what... like you said...something happened 😢 something tragic not only to the tourists but to a local as well.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I think it was about 25% the volume in 2018 and since Japan reopened and the lawsuits with Nintendo were settled, it’s increased on the roads due to lack of oversight like a wildfire. 82 though Hackiko at twilight is too many.

[@yukiagu]

Again... I'm not saying to not have this. Just move it to an amusement park and not in a city!!! I seriously can't believe the Japanese government is allowing this. International drivers license or not... no one is that skilled... unless maybe you're a professional race car driver or something! 😢😲😔

[@agentorange1291]

Whenever I saw videos of go-karts driving around in Toyko, I always thought if they were driving on a special line part like bicycle line or so. But obviously that is not the case. Personally from all the tourist stuff you can do in Toyko, this would be probably the least thing I would have done. The change of getting into an accident is so high and you only can lose when you sit in such a go-kart and get hit by a car.

[@nelsontan8178]

does tokyo already have those automated delivery vehicles?

[@nelsontan8178]

if this keeps happening...these carts will eventually be banned...

[@jarihult]

The main reason for those accidents could be that those Kart Cars are so low so the visiblity is limited🤔Of course i’m not a expert and esopecially driving on the left side but everyone should take consideration that there’s a heavy traffic in Tokyo so🤔Thank you for sharing this John🙂👍!!!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It certainly plays a part in how dangerous it is, but also why it’s fun. When you turn the city streets into tourism and not driving … I mean, do the tour but have a guide drive and the passenger ride, a two seater? I dunno, they can take all the photos they like!

[@Bakapooru]

The key thing while driving anything is don't panic. As the taxi driver said, the cart just darted out from the side. The cart was likely scared of falling behind.

[@RadiantTwilight]

The Go Karts in the streets of Japan baffle me... it´s such an obvious safety hazard. It`s weird they are legal to drive on public roads. About good japanese drivers... never used a taxi in japan because of the high fares, but the one time I had to use one in Naha, we had to touchy wake the taxi driver because he fell asleep on the wheel.

[@MikelRChannel]

It looks fun but safety first Go Kart tourist drivers should be guided accordingly in Tokyo's main road. They shouldnt take pictures using theyre cellpon. They should have a body strap for GO pro or similar if they want to film them or take pictures.

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

personally i would never ride gocarts on a public road anywhere. What if you crash and get stuck under a car?

[@3dwag]

An accident waiting to happen...I saw those go carts for the first time in Tokyo traffic back in 2018, could not believe it as there they were mixing in traffic with cement mixers and other large trucks (and many cars) all around. I really feared for those go-carters as they are so low to the ground and even with the flags sticking up I just didn't think it safe. Frankly, at the time I was sitting in the front seat of our taxi as my wife and our two friends were in the rear seat, and when I saw a train of go-carts going around us I heard our friends gasp and I said "baka mono!" and our taxi driver sucked air. I was startled and just worried how unsafe that appeared to be, could not believe it. I did have my camera on my lap and started videoing. I'm sorry, I just don't understand. A safe business model would be a small track somewhere rural.

[@Calix772]

Youre missing that the whole appeal of the karts is riding them throughout the streets of Tokyo. There is no big business opportunity for it on a track. The whole reason it's popular is because it's not on a track.... Plenty of small vehicles have the right to share the road. Drivers just need to be aware. No different than pedestrians, mopeds, bicycles, motorcycles, side by sides, lowered sports cars, the list goes on. Overall drivers need to be more aware of vehicles other than their own.

[@3dwag]

@@Calix772 I'm not missing that point, and I did not state that there was a business opportunity for it on a track, I was simply stating that IMO the SAFE business model would be on a rural track. Have you been in Tokyo traffic when a string of these are weaving in and out of traffic lanes? I've lived in Tokyo and driven every day on the city streets and freeways, and several years later sitting in a taxi front seat with these go-carts changing lanes between heavy trucks, lorries, larger cars was easy to see how vulnerable (and in other drivers' blind spots) these things can be.

[@Calix772]

@@3dwag Yes I have, worked in Japan based out of Tokyo from 2018-2021(not year round granted). But I've also been a motorcyclist since before I started driving cars. So Im a lot more aware and conscious of other types of vehicles and my driving surroundings overall. There's was no point in stating that a "safe business model" is a rural track somewhere if you aren't mentioning it as the replacement/substitute. Everyone knows that's their default environment. Which is why I said you were missing the entire point of the karts appeal to foreign tourists. Again plenty of road legal vehicles are just about as low and small as the go karts. Kawasaki Z125, Honda Grom, Benneli TNT135, etc all bikes that have their riders head only about 3.5ft off the ground. Plenty of pedal buggies here stateside too that share roads with cars and are just as low as go karts because you are laying down and pedaling. Just because it requires more awareness from the driver and other drivers doesn't mean it's any less road worthy. You can replace the word "go kart" with "motorcycle" in your statements (basically everyone else's too) and understand what I'm getting at.

[@BeyondTravelsPH]

Driving in Japan is so confusing to many people (even foreign) Because this needs a lot of studies before driving in Japan If I first time learning.

[@papaalphaoscar5537]

Do they give you a route map beforehand? Or a real-time map like Google or Waze? I live in the Philippines so it can't be that different. LOL!

[@Bakapooru]

I didn't get one in 2019.

[@juerguencastelain5121]

In Kagoshima City we also have to deal with the trams that run on the street too 😅 took a while to learn which traffic lights were for us car drivers and the ones for the tram drivers😅. So many lights on one traffic light 😂

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Imagine if these go carts were in the street with trams! 😳 I’ve driven with them in Kagoshima and Kochi - it’s sometimes challenging - for sure 🚥

[@DianePutt-is1kj]

Hi John , I visited Japan in April and did the go carts . It was amazing , there were just two of us with our guide . It was thrilling but I felt very safe , I am 68 years old . The company that my niece and I went with were very strict with the rules .

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I’m very happy to hear this! I’d hate to see the attraction end but without regulation, I just see an accident happening because not all drivers are … mature enough to do this. I hope they find a way, maybe smaller groups - to keep everyone safe including the other drivers. There are increasing numbers of these in the road every month, it’s getting a little bit too much, more risk.

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

Who pays for the damages?

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Insurance that the go-cart company has most likely. I’m sure it’s included in the price of signing up by law.

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

@@onlyinjapanGO Glad wasn't a bus, heaven forbid. Thanks.

[@Bakapooru]

For Mari-Cart, all participants are required to buy insurance from the company. It's a hidden fee.

[@RandomStuff-zw7uh]

Are we sure that the incident on the news is the foreigner's fault? We only got the local's story here. Not trying to reassign blame, just trying to understand the story better. In general though, I do agree these go-karts are kind of ridiculous. They don't belong on the roads.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I don’t see how the taxi driver could be at fault at all. A driver doesn’t yield to drivers making a left turn. The left turn had the stop sign. In what situation seeing the scenario could this be the taxi drivers fault? There was just no one to help the drivers in the back who didn’t want to be separated. This is one of the dangers of these gocarts. Drivers getting separated and lost … or was a bad street to run this tour on.

[@gn7867]

Really? Soooo easy for me to understand that traffic light. 😅😅😅

[@vitovitale169]

How in the world does the Japanese Department of Transport think that a vehicle designed exclusively for track use is safe to drive on public roads. Just by slapping makeshift turn signals and brake lights possibly with no horn or proper headlights or regulated bumpers together with exposed wheels like a formula race car?

[@aprilfalls2405]

put flags on them Japanese love flags

[@mikeherrin6731]

Insanity. The largest and busiest city on the planet allows these small go carts on the streets. They are not street worthy. Crazy. It is amazing that numerous people have not been killed so far. You have to give credit to the Japanese drivers for watching out for them.

[@smitie1405]

Tourists and traffic is always a thing. If it were groups on regular bicycles it would also cause problems. And using a phone in traffic is a problem caused by all drivers both locals and tourists. Still, why would you want to drive in a very busy city? I would rather cycle or drive in an electric go-kart in the country side instead of going from one traffic light to the next...

[@Adrenaline_fix]

Saw a youtuber in osaka who's legally blind but somehow eligible to have drivers license with a ferraris, it's a peculiar equal level playing field when go carts & tourists+ locals are now what is deemed ,an accident. LOL...

[@warpaint9385]

My wife and I did this in Tokyo but we had Go Pro’s on our heads. I’m sure we were told no phones but that was back in 2018. Seems like it’s do whatever you want now.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Woah! Having ANY smartphone should be banned, it’s just too risky to pull it out. Maybe it would decrease their insurance premiums? Anything distracting is a hard no.

[@roquejo]

This has been a long running issue already... A Go Kart also previously crashed on a restaurant before. This is a big safety risk as these are live roads not a controlled environment like an amusement park...especially many tourists drivers are used to driving in the opposite site of the road. I am surprised that they still haven't banned this.. Is this because the Go Kart business owners have strong political influence to the local gov't that mayors can't simply ban them? Do they have to wait until a tourist encountered a serious accident that will embarrass the country before they take action? These karts are so low so compared to other vehicles that sometimes drivers of big trucks or buses can't easily see them so there is a risk being ran over. Add to that so many safety violations are being caught on camera... It is better to build a big Go Kart track in an amusement park in the mountains or in the countryside to make it safer for everyone...that is what other countries do.

[@carot4460]

I saw the mini karts on the road in Tokyo last year and wondered if it was legal - definitely wouldn't be in Australia and I can't see how it's safe at all, and it's probably an activity your travel insurance wouldn't cover!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I wonder … how they insure this, and if they’ll cover it after a major accident. They’ve been around for a while but more carts mean more chances for 💥

[@sby1076]

What's best company to rent the car there? I used Nippon rental car last March :)

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I use Toyota almost exclusively but I found TIMES to be very good, new cars.

[@chriswilson6732]

if you use a mobile device while driving a motor vehicle in uk and police see you thats it game over

[@cary888]

It was the go carts fault , not all drivers are good at driving. I’m surprise they dont have a stick with a flag on the back of each go cart so they can be seen (so low to the ground) . Taking photo at the light was fine. They must know that the intersection has a long light, so I’ll give it a pass. Driving in motion with a phone out is a no no in any country.

[@83drika]

thats the reason why im not doing it....specially since they drive on the other side of the road for me

[@NoraNoita]

I just assume the red light means no turning right when the red light is on. only go by what the arrow shows.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

You cannot turn left either.

[@BubbaBearsFriend]

It's quite insane that driving go-carts on public streets is legal in Japan and with just an international driver's license at that. I never understood why a place like Japan with such restrictive license requirements for locals would ever allow that. Go karts would never be allowed on streets of a big city in the US like New York or Los Angeles, why were they even legal in Japan?

[@Bakapooru]

Sunny Day Scoot is a go-cart rental company in LA. GoCar Tours are in San Francisco, San Diego, Monterey, and Las Vegas.

[@BubbaBearsFriend]

@@Bakapooru Gocars rent three wheeled motorcycles and other ROAD LEGAL vehicles that aren't gokarts like these ones in Tokyo.

[@adamcave7731]

Driving in japan is easier then the uk in my opinion, I think it's most confusing to people from the US, because it's super different

[@reiko2859]

Hi John, may I ask what apps did you use to show the 3D or close up map of Japan? Appreciate your response cos I was thinking of going to Japan.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Google earth app on my iPhone 📱 ^_^ thanks for the kind Super Thanks! 🌏

[@reiko2859]

Thank you so much John for your valuable info. I love your Live on Japan. Keep it up, ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MrMorjo]

Honestly surprised these go-carts are road legal, they're too dangerous. I also don't understand the fascination with driving these things around Tokyo, it's not a amusement park, it's a functioning city. If you're driving a silly go-cart or a proper car, always read the road rules of the country you're driving in.

[@Calix772]

"it's not a amusement park, it's a functioning city" are you unaware of Tokyos draw to virtually every foreigner you are referencing? 😂 You do know more tourists crash rental cars in Tokyo and across Japan to actual bodily harm and death right? Vs. causing some fender damage to a taxi from a 200lb go kart. The carts aren't the danger MrMojo the other vehicles and drivers are. We've had more damages and accidents (resulting in serious injuries) in my city last year alone from rentable e-scooters than the entire history of go-karts in Tokyo. Just seems like a lot of pearl clutching going on in the comments

[@MrMorjo]

​@@Calix772 You can play on my words as much as you like, you know exactly what I'm referring to when I say 'amusement park'. There is a reason why these go-carts are restricted to certain parts of Tokyo. They're unsafe, they're low to the ground and difficult to see in certain conditions. I'm amazed helmets are not enforced! Frankly, motorbikes and push bikes are horrendously dangerous too when the rider has a crash, but there is no chance banning them from the road as they have been around for so long now.

[@Calix772]

​@@MrMorjo Its not really wordplay on my part. Your statement implied that you cant fathom why people (tourists) would want to just gawk around at everything in the city like its attractions at an amusement park and everything is a display. But that's quite literally what it is. To them that is exactly the reason they are there. I simply responded to the exact sentiment you had in your comment, I didnt twist any words. So yes, I know exactly what you're referring to when you say 'amusement park'. The only disconnect is you dont to see go-karts as something that can ever be legitimately on roads. My core statement and the truth of the matter doesn't change though. Road legal Go-Karts are no less a form of transportation than anything else. Legally they aren't allowed on higher speed roadways just like smaller cars and mopeds. If the core issue is "they're low to the ground and difficult to see in certain conditions" that is a driver awareness issue and should be taught. Not a specific issue to road legal go karts. Or the dangers they uniquely present.

[@MrMorjo]

@@Calix772 I'm all for road safety buddy. I've seen multiple push bike and motorbike fatalities, and one in particular which haunts me constantly.Your support for these go-karts shows your lack of knowledge towards road safety. When you place a person in an unprotected vehicles against cars and trucks it's dangerous, it's that simple. Having tourists frivolously drive go-carts around streets of a busy city, without helmets and letting them take photos is utter stupidity.

[@Calix772]

@@MrMorjo "When you place a person in an unprotected vehicles against cars and trucks it's dangerous " Again, you once again show your bias because this logic directly applies to motorcycles as well. Which is what I've been stating from the beginning. It clearly demonstrates your lack of knowledge on what determines "road safety". The same thing has been repeated multiple times and you have missed it, or ignored it outright. The logic you are using to support your statements is inherently flawed. I have lost family and friends to motorcycle incidents, I have been riding motorcycles for over a decade. Have also lost family and friends to car crashes. Your comment adds no weight or validity to your point. Again, if someone is above the legal age / insurance requirements and doesnt want to wear the helmet. You cant make them if its not law. Thats not a go-kart issue. You can also get off your moped, bicycle, motorcycle, etc. at a red light and do whatever, be it take a picture or fix your bag. The majority of pictures are taken by the group leaders at lengthy stops at intersections on the route. There isnt a pandemic of karters running amok in the streets snapping pics at each light. You've only demonstrated how out of touch you are with the actual legal and practical issues of transportation along with demonstrating your bias against anything you are unfamiliar with or personally use.

[@gregoryrankin646]

If the Fates allow, I will get to Japan. I just need to take care of some medical issues first.

[@lutherpippen]

I would take this all day every day if that’s all the bad you get. America we have to worry about armed robberies, shootings and car jackings.

[@JOSEVALDIVIESO]

I don’t see why it is so confuse when you see a green arrow pointed in any direction. The red light is warning drivers that you must move in the direction pointed by the arrow. Period! Also, there is a section on D. Schools precisely teaching about this particular signs. Regarding using the busy street of Tokyo to entertain tourist is not a good idea. But… entrepreneurs comes with all kind of crazy ideas, like this one; is the authorities responsibility to approve or reject those ideas. Who approved it? Who revised this activity over the years? Please get yourself an update on the traffic rules and road so you will leave viewers an accurate information. Cars can invade the bicycle lines if necessary; specially if a driver of a car wants to make a left turn. Being careful a driver must be as near as 30 cm from the brother of the sidewalk precisely to block any “two wheelers” and by doing so you may bother the two wheelers but it is a measure to avoid them getting in an accident. This carts makes me more cautious but not only this carts, Taxi drivers are also dangerous. It seems like they can do as they wanted on the street. On one occasion I confront a taxi driver for making a suddenly stop in front of me to pick a client. He looked at me surprised and told me “I’m working”. What about the rest of us? Does the government support us?

[@onlyinjapanGO]

It’s confusing because drivers don’t have this signal in many other countries and never seen it before. (I didn’t.) - and almost no tourists from abroad are studying the rules of the road in Japan which is different. This leads to a larger % of inexperienced drivers in small, low vehicles without airbags and roof vs trucks. There have been past accidents but we’ve not seen any deaths yet and that is a VERY GOOD THING because companies are (seem to be) doing their best* (despite seeing many infractions uncovered by TV reports), but after any accident, the industry should access and correct or the government should investigate the current laws and consider the older laws for 2024. Don’t tell me to get an update on traffic laws. I didn’t see any tutorials on the go-cart websites or study material which customers could do before arriving in Japan. I don’t want to see the attraction end, I want to see it evolve better and safer and perhaps mandate LESS of these on the road, more manageable and grow more sustainably. It seems like these 12 car caravans are way too dangerous with 12 inexperienced Japan drivers from abroad in them on crowded streets. Safety of tourists and other drivers is paramount!

[@JOSEVALDIVIESO]

I suggest get the update because I see you not so sure regarding two wheelers line. I have no idea how many is “many infractions”. It sounds “enough” to have a reason to regulate this “attraction”. But not even designate a safer circuit or particular days and timeframe for this? It is extremely rare to me in the land of plenty safety rules. What you are saying is that is not enough for a foreign visitor to have an international driver’s License to drive in Japan? Maybe will be safer if they seeing a short instruction video? Will be very unfortunate to wait until a fatal accident happens There still time to fix and prevent it. Did you get the suggested update yet? lol. Congratulations on your space.

[@markshen3280]

Since when are these ‘go-carts’ become a fad in Japan ? I have never seen these ‘go-carts’ in the late 60s and 70s into 1980. I think these ‘go-carts’ should not be legalised!

[@shigi_nagisa]

It’s such a fake thing. As a Japanese, I’m sure driving a go-cart in Japan can give you nothing special.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Gosh, maybe I started seeing them around 2015 when Tokyo won the Olympics. There weren’t as many then as now and they ran out of Akihabara if I remember correctly.

[@TheKaiTetley]

Go Go Cart Power Rangers!

[@TheCeleron450]

I’ve been that go kart at the back, but my group had 12 in the group. I had been driving for many years and being from Australia driving on the left is normal for me. The company did provide Go Pros to video your journey. Phones only came out at traffic lights for group photos and went away before the lights went green. The guide did encourage us to wave at pedestrians when stopped and quite frequently the Japanese pedestrians got out their phones to take photos of us. The guide only got out of his kart twice, but only because of mechanical issue with one of the karts and a replacement kart was dispatched to our location. Those karts can travel at 60km/h and with very tiny brakes you do have to be mindful of the stopping distance for these vehicles. It was great fun, but there is a lot of risk for inexperienced drivers.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thanks for sharing this! Wow, for them to break down this often … is worrying. I’ve had already 5 others write me to say they were stuck including once on the Rainbow Bridge! I think with more companies doing this, it can get more dangerous if they’re not regulated, everyone is trying to make a profit and cutting corners is normal even in Japan, risk-reward.

[@Primeminister7381]

This has me laughing at those tourists and their ignorance for thinking they in a mario kart 64 game bunch of clowns go karts don't belong on streets with cars.😂and bro you right all they need is some hitpoints and some lives hahaha🤣🤣😭😭

[@YesCivic-R]

Go-Cart pollution as well as over tourism, private and public sectors should step in to offer safety guidance as top priorty over profit.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Skirting the laws, they’re not breaking any - yet. But the bigger this industry gets, the more it’ll be under the microscope and I bet new laws hit in 2025 after the Expo or on April 1st. Soon.

[@Bakapooru]

Make them switch to Vespas so they can dart between cars.

[@NoraNoita]

In germany, you're not allowed to use distractions while you're at the wheel and the motor is running even if you're parked, when you're parked, you're also not allowed to leave your motor running anyways, it's also against the rules.

[@ductritran8637]

This active go kart / Mario brother…. These practice should be banned . The only country in the world allowed this unsafe driving go cart on the street is japan .

[@gewglesux]

10:33 what does that mean? green arrow straight means go... but the Red means stop?

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yup 😂 welcome to Tokyo!

[@Bakapooru]

All movements are stopped except for straight ahead.

[@gewglesux]

@@Bakapooru Ok thanks... I get it now.

[@RedZ1900]

I'm surprised go karts are allowed on the streets

[@Bakapooru]

There are carts in other cities too. Within these comments, San Francisco and Hamburg are mentioned. It's like a moped.

[@BubbaBearsFriend]

@@Bakapooru Those types of gokarts used in Tokyo are NOT road legal in San Francisco. Gocars are not the same. They're much larger vehicles with much more safety features

[@heythave]

$70 per person.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thanks!