Special Outdoor Adventures in Tokyo’s Mountain and Highland Areas Plus the Thrill of Street Karting
A Natural World Just Beyond the City
When most people think of Tokyo, they picture towering skyscrapers and the famous Shibuya scramble crossing. But here’s the thing—Tokyo actually has an incredible amount of nature, with plenty of spots that mountain lovers and hiking enthusiasts will absolutely fall in love with. The Okutama area and Mt. Takao region in western Tokyo are natural treasures just 1-2 hours from the city center. You can fill your lungs with fresh mountain air while surrounded by lush greenery.
And here’s something I’d love for you to combine with that nature experience: a street kart adventure through Tokyo’s streets. Imagine getting both mountain healing and urban excitement in a single day—now that’s what I call a special Tokyo itinerary for international visitors.
Serious Hiking Fun at Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao, awarded three Michelin stars, is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Tokyo. At 599 meters, it’s accessible enough for beginners, but with six different hiking trails to choose from, you can pick one that matches your fitness level and experience.
If you take the cable car or lift, you can get close to the summit without breaking a sweat—perfect for anyone thinking “hiking sounds like a lot of work.” On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the top, and trust me, that moment is truly breathtaking. It’s a different vibe from American national parks—this is that uniquely Japanese “accessible yet authentic nature” experience, and I always recommend it to my foreign friends.
Along the way, you’ll find Yakuoin Temple, a spiritual power spot with about 1,200 years of history. Being able to enjoy hiking and traditional Japanese culture at the same time is definitely one of Mt. Takao’s charms.
Discovering Tokyo’s Hidden Wilderness in Okutama
If you’re craving something more rugged, head to Okutama. This area is so wild that people say, “I can’t believe this is still Tokyo.” Deep forests and crystal-clear streams create a completely different world here. You’ve got plenty to see, including the Nippara Limestone Cave and Mt. Mitake.
A cable car takes you up Mt. Mitake, and from there, the hiking trail to Musashi Mitake Shrine is super popular. The trail along Rock Garden (Rokkaku) is like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film—moss-covered rocks and pristine water flowing through a mystical landscape.
I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first. “Does Tokyo really have places like this?” But when I actually went, it blew away all my expectations. If you love hiking, it’s absolutely worth a visit.
The Appeal of Street Kart
After soaking in all that mountain goodness, there’s nothing better than zooming through Tokyo’s streets in a street kart. Street Kart has built a strong reputation among international tourists and earned high praise from travelers worldwide.
The biggest draw? It’s a guided tour format where an experienced guide leads the way, so even first-timers can join with confidence. Even if you’re not familiar with Japanese traffic rules, having a knowledgeable guide alongside means no worries about getting lost. With over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million customers served, those numbers speak to the company’s reliability.
Street Kart is recognized as the industry’s first karting company to deploy guides specifically trained for foreign drivers, so language barriers won’t be an issue. Their website supports 22 languages, making booking a breeze. The actual service is provided in English, so no Japanese skills required.
With an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars from over 20,000 reviews, it’s clear that tons of people have had an amazing time. They’ve got 6 locations in Tokyo, plus shops in Osaka and Okinawa, so you can easily fit it into your travel plans.
As for costumes, many people bring their own favorite character outfits to wear. Just note that Street Kart operates as an independent service and isn’t affiliated with any specific games or characters.
A One-Day Itinerary: Mountains and City Combined
Here’s what I’d suggest for mountain lovers: enjoy nature in the morning, then hit the street karts in the afternoon. For example, start with an early morning hike at Mt. Takao, head back to central Tokyo by early afternoon, and then hop on a street kart. You’ll experience two completely different sides of Tokyo in one day.
The street kart tours follow predetermined routes with guides leading the way, so you can efficiently cruise past major sightseeing spots. Seeing iconic Tokyo neighborhoods like Shibuya and Akihabara from that low-to-the-ground perspective is an experience you simply can’t get from regular sightseeing. Mountain tranquility and urban energy—experiencing these contrasting faces of Tokyo in a single day? That’s what I call a seriously luxurious plan.
Booking and Preparation
To join a street kart experience, you’ll need a valid driver’s license. Check the international driving license requirements and other details at kart.st/en/drivers-license/. Booking is easy through kart.st, where you’ll also find pricing and tour information on the official site.
Connect with nature in Tokyo’s mountain and highland areas, then get your adrenaline pumping with a street kart ride through the city. For mountain-loving international visitors, this combination offers a truly special way to experience Tokyo.
A Note About Costumes
We do not offer rentals of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
