Tokyo Business Rents Actual Mario Karts Monthly; Beware Blue Shells

Gabe Zaldivar
by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Wed November 19, 2014

Image via YouTube

We never wanted to visit Tokyo more than we do right now.

According to The Telegraph, there is a monthly Mario Kart spectacle that takes place throughout the streets of Tokyo: "The event, organised by Akiba Cart, is held once a month and allows video game enthusiasts to rent go-karts to drive around the city."

It's like Toad's Turnpike without the ongoing fear that one of those unrelenting red shells will sneak up behind you and completely ruin an otherwise glorious ride around town.

Thankfully, Buzz: 60 shows off some of the sights of a truly wonderful spectacle:

Here is another video showing what the insanity of a Mario Kart race looks like when humans are involved:

Granted, it's not as zany as the video game version, but that's a great thing.

We don't want to suffer shenanigans that usually come with driving on Rainbow Road or dealing with the utterly implausible come-from-behind wins granted by those with blue shells or lightning bolts. Actually, the frustration is growing just talking about it.

Kotaku's Brian Ashcraft reported on Akiba Cart back in 2013, offering, "Anyone with a valid Japanese or international license can drive the Akiba Cart go-karts."

According to the report, you get a full tank of gas and can explore pretty much anywhere in the city.

Pricing is listed at Akiba Cart's website-an hour will run you 2,700 yen, or about $23. As best we can tell the carts don't come fully loaded with banana peels or mushrooms, which is probably for the best considering these will be bumping about the streets.


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