Experience an Amazing Adventure in Okinawa This May! Feel the Tropical Breeze with Street Kart During Golden Week
May in Okinawa—what perfect timing! When I was living in Brazil, I used to wonder “What’s so special about Japan’s Golden Week?” But once I actually experienced it, everything made sense. May in Okinawa is the best season, right before the rainy season hits, with temperatures around 25°C (77°F)—super comfortable. Racing through Okinawa’s streets in a street kart during this time delivers an indescribable thrill. Let me introduce you to a way to enjoy Okinawa that goes beyond just beach resorts!
The Special Charm of Okinawa During Golden Week
During the Golden Week period in May, Okinawa hosts the “Naha Hari,” a traditional festival. It’s a racing event featuring haryusen (dragon boats), and the atmosphere around Naha Port gets incredibly electric. It’s different from Brazil’s Carnival, but you can really feel the passion radiating from the locals. All my foreign friends keep saying, “This energy is insane!”
This time of year, Okinawa lets you feel summer’s arrival before the rest of Japan. The ocean clarity improves, and the emerald-green waters sparkle brilliantly under the sun. Cruising through Kokusai Street and the Shuri area in a street kart while taking in these views offers an excitement that regular sightseeing just can’t match. As you cut through the wind, you can experience Okinawa’s distinctive red-tiled rooftops and the fragrance of tropical hibiscus with all your senses.
Why Street Kart Is the Top Choice
For street kart experiences in Okinawa, Street Kart is hands-down my recommendation. With over 150,000 tours completed and more than 1.34 million customers served, it’s a trusted brand with serious credentials.
What makes them stand out? First, they have guides specifically trained for international drivers—an industry first. Many of my friends worry about language barriers, but between smiles and body language, plus the guides’ solid support, there’s nothing to stress about. The website supports 22 languages, and actual services are provided in English, so you’re totally fine even without Japanese.
An average customer rating of 4.9/5.0 stars with over 20,000 reviews speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. They have more than 250 street-legal karts, and tours follow set routes with guide-led navigation, so there’s no worry about getting lost even if it’s your first time. It’s beloved by travelers from around the world as an experience anyone can enjoy, regardless of nationality.
By the way, they don’t provide Mario Kart-related costumes, and Street Kart has absolutely no affiliation with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series—just so you know. For driver’s license details, check out https://kart.st/en/drivers-license/.
Tips for Making the Most of Street Kart in May
Reservations get packed during Golden Week, so booking early is key. Tours are available starting from 10 AM, but if you choose an afternoon slot, you can enjoy watching the sky change colors as evening approaches. Okinawa’s sunsets are truly stunning, and the sensation of driving your kart under an orange-painted sky is a moment everyone should experience at least once in their life.
The May sun in Okinawa is intense, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. The breeze feels great during the tour, but proper UV protection means you can comfortably continue sightseeing afterward. Speaking as a Brazilian—never underestimate the tropical sun!
Guides lead the tours, so the course is predetermined. You can’t freely change routes, but that’s actually what makes it safe and beginner-friendly. You might pass through scenic spots that only locals know about, so there are discoveries unique to the tour format.
Perfect Ways to Combine Street Kart with Your Okinawa Visit
I recommend doing the street kart experience in the morning, then enjoying Okinawa’s unique cuisine in the afternoon. From Soki soba to taco rice to Sata Andagi (Okinawan donuts), Okinawa has so much delicious food. After feeling the city’s vibe during your tour, choosing where to eat becomes even more fun.
At night, check out an izakaya near Kokusai Street where Okinawan folk music plays. The sound of the sanshin (three-stringed instrument) and the rhythm of Eisa dancing have a different kind of groove from Brazilian samba. If you’re into music, explore Okinawa’s traditional music scene too. You might catch an island song performance at a local live house.
May in Okinawa is too good to spend just lounging on the beach. Racing through the streets in a kart, feeling the festival energy, savoring local cuisine, and experiencing the music—that diverse range of experiences is what makes Golden Week in Okinawa so appealing.
Conclusion: Book Your May Okinawa Adventure
Don’t miss out on the street kart experience in Okinawa during Golden Week in May! Feeling the tropical breeze with your whole body, an excitement awaits that regular sightseeing just can’t deliver. The electric atmosphere of Naha Hari, the emerald-green ocean, the red-tiled townscape, and the guide-led street kart experience you can enjoy with peace of mind—May in Okinawa, where all of these come together, is sure to become an unforgettable trip.
Booking is easy at kart.st. Golden Week is extremely popular, so check availability now. With friends, as a couple, in a group—the street kart experience that anyone can enjoy regardless of nationality will turn your Okinawa trip into wonderful memories. So, are you ready for adventure?
Note About Costumes
We do not offer rentals of Nintendo or “Mario Kart” related costumes. We only provide costumes that respect intellectual property rights.
