Harbor Circuit Track (Photo: Harbor Circuit)

Harbor Circuit Indoor Karting

High speed go-kart racing to quench your need for speed

Harbor Circuit Track (Photo: Harbor Circuit)
Kyle Hedlund   - 7 min read

Harbor Circuit Indoor Karting provides a premier indoor go-kart racing experience to thousands of racers living and traveling through Japan every year. From professional racers to novices out to try something new, Harbor Circuit prides themselves on offering a fast-paced thrill ride that is approachable for all.

Harbor circuit prides itself on maintaining the absolute best karts, the safest barriers, highly-trained and professional staff and the most advanced timing systems – all in order to provide you with the ultimate driving experience.

There is no speed limit! The karts are fast enough to fly round Harbor Circuit’s pumping course layout, complete with its flying junction and tunnel. Sharp corners and twisty turns test even the most experienced drivers, yet it’s beginner-friendly too with numerous age groups and options for younger riders. A real-time ranking system allows groups of friends or family to compete against each other, and for individuals to race against their personal best times.

First-timers shouldn’t worry as all gear is available for rent and unlike the outdoor karting experiences you see around Tokyo, you don’t even need a driver’s license. All you need is a spark of curiosity and a desire for speed. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular racing pro, they make sure everyone is able to experience the freedom and the exhilaration of driving a high performance vehicle in a safe, comfortable and fun environment.

Taking the turns
Taking the turns (Photo: Harbor Circuit)

Anyone over 130cm tall (regardless of age) can throw the pedal to the metal in a Sodi RX-7, equipped with a Honda GX270 engine and manufactured by France’s premier kart-maker. Top speeds reach up to 50 km/h! Seats and pedals are adjustable for your comfort, so foreigners need not be too concerned about the fit. There is also a smaller kart tailored for those twelve and under. Mounted with the Honda GX160 engine, the ‘FunKid’ is chain-driven, meaning it runs quietly enough to keep little eardrums intact.

Relax in the lounge while you watch
Relax in the lounge while you watch (Photo: Harbor Circuit)

Enjoy the down time by drinking non-alcoholic beer and snacks. There are several tables with great window seating of the track so if you prefer to watch you can have just as much fun. There is no liquor served as racers are not permitted to drive after drinking.

Courses and Pricing

Prices start at 1,980 yen for a single 6-minute ticket, with significant savings for buying in bulk (i.e. three tickets for 5,200; five for 7,800; 8 for 10,500). Group races of 5 or more people run 4,200 per entrant for the Mini Grand Prix and 5,500 per entrant for the Sprint Grand Prix. You can even reserve the whole course for 47,000 yen per hour on weekdays and 63,000 per hour at weekend and holidays. A trial pack for new admission includes the license fee and 3 minutes for 1,500 yen.

Crossing the finish line
Crossing the finish line (Photo: Harbor Circuit)

Harbor Circuit is especially designed for families and children with numerous packages. Parents and children (under 19) can buy tickets together at 3,200 yen for two. A child ticket for a six-minute ride can be purchased for 1,480 yen (children must be in elementary school and over 118 cm tall. Newly added is a special "Bambino" type electric kart designed for ages 4 and up. As these carts can hold two people, there are perfect for children who need a guardian/parent or for younger age riders renting a kart for the first time.

Child geared Bambino model
Child geared Bambino model (Photo: Harbor Circuit)

Course Summaries (6 minute race)

  • Bambino (4 years old and up - 1,000 yen
  • Junior Kart - 1,480 yen
  • Adult Kart - 1,980 yen
  • Group Race - 4,200 yen

Admission to the facility is just 500 yen, and if you mention Metropolis magazine they will waive that fee!

Most credit cards are accepted.

Safety

Safety is a top priority, and each visit starts with the Harbor Circuit staff going performing a thorough safety briefing. The friendly staff covers all the basics to ensure a safe, fun time for everyone. Safety starts with crash prevention brake lamps and coverings on engines and mufflers to prevent burns. Each member is also provided full-face helmets and balaclavas for a high level of protection. The staff can also remotely engage the kill switch of all the karts if necessary.

Business Hours and Specials

Weekdays - 14:00-23:30 Weekend & Holidays - 10:00-23:30 (If weekday after holiday, we close at 21:30) Sunday - 10:00-21:30 (If holiday on Monday, open until 23:30)

  • Final admission accepted 30 minutes before close. We are normally open every day.​
  • Every Wednesday is Ladies Day! Girls can enjoy the first session for 1,000 yen!

Driving Requirements

  • Driver Pass: admission fee for 500 yen. No annual fee.
  • Sport shoes (no sandals)
    • We recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and full length pants
    • Free rental service of helmet and face mask. You can bring your own helmet with full face and visor
    • Customers may also purchase their own face mask for 500 yen (optional)
    • Gloves are not necessary but we also have free rental service (or feel free to bring your own)

Points System

  • You will get a free coupon after collecting points!
  • You can see your points total on the receipt:
    • 1,000 yen for 10 points (Group race and reserving are not applicable.)
    • ​200 points for 1 free ticket
    • ​500 points for 3 free ticket
    • ​1000 points for 8 free ticket

For those looking to battle it out on the track with your friends, go-karting is the perfect group activity, suitable for all age groups. Since it is also possible to hire the whole track by the hour, Harbor Circuit is popular for birthday parties and office functions — like Christmas get-togethers, welcome parties, and as a team bonding activity. Be sure to check out the Harbor Circuit website for more information.

Kyle Hedlund

Kyle Hedlund @kyle.hedlund

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." (Douglas Adams)