New street kart regulations set to be enforced in Tokyo from July 2025
Japan’s first local regulations targeting street kart rental operators are set to come into force this July.
This move comes in response to escalating complaints from residents regarding the small, go-kart-style vehicles, which have become a common sight, often driven by tourists in costumes around iconic areas like Shibuya’s scramble crossing.
Street karts have become a notable feature of Tokyo’s inbound tourism landscape in recent years.
However, their presence has increasingly led to grievances from local communities, citing issues such as excessive noise, exhaust fumes, and concerns over unsafe driving practices.
The new regulations will apply to Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward initially, and will come into effect on the 1st of July, 2025.
According to Shibuya Ward officials, the primary issues associated with kart users include hazardous driving, particularly groups crowding intersections to take photographs.
These vehicles also contribute to traffic congestion, especially in the vicinity of rental facilities.
Under the updated ordinance, any new street kart rental operators planning to establish a presence within Shibuya Ward will be required to submit documentation to the ward office at least 30 days prior to commencing operations.
This documentation must detail the company’s safety protocols, intended driving routes, and the license plate numbers of their vehicles.
Operators will be required to sign a pledge to adhere to established safety standards, which include ensuring proper vehicle maintenance and setting up a dedicated hotline for complaints.
Companies are also expected to conduct community briefings for residents in areas where their rental facilities are located, though some exceptions may apply.
While the new ordinance does not include punitive fines for non-compliance, Shibuya Ward intends to publicly list the names of any violating operators on its official website.
The ward also plans to share business information with travel agencies as a means to encourage adherence to the new rules.
Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe addressed the issue during a recent news conference, acknowledging the persistent concerns from residents about noise and disruptive behavior.
“There are limits as to what we can achieve as a ward,” Hasebe stated, “but we looked for things we can do within those constraints. We hope people understand that we are doing as much as we can.”
Currently, Shibuya officials report that four companies operate six street kart rental locations within the ward, some of which are situated in residential areas.
Existing businesses, while not subject to the mandatory pre-notification rule for new establishments, are strongly encouraged to cooperate with the new guidelines on a voluntary basis.
Mayor Hasebe expressed optimism for the impact of these new regulations, adding, “We believe this will have a positive impact. We will share these developments with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and national authorities, and hope it spurs broader policy discussions.”
Whilst the new legislation won’t affect any tourists looking to take part in street kart activities at this time, it’s possible that this will just be the first of many attempts to tighten regulations on the industry going forward.
Source: The Japan Times
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