There are a lot of things about the Mario games that aren’t exactly realistic. Headbutting blocks suspended in midair, jumping on turtles, and defeating a giant lizard king in order to free a princess aren’t exactly everyday activities in the real world (and things like destruction of property and animal cruelty are frowned upon and also illegal). If there’s one thing from the Mario series that seems feasible, though, it’s kart racing. And if you want a true Mario Kart experience, heading to Japan is your best bet.
There is a company with the technically-non-copyright-infringing name MariCar, which offers Mario Kart-style tours of Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa (via Geekologie). It’s less of a race and more of a guided tour, since passing each other in city traffic and throwing bananas all over the road isn’t the model of safety. But it still looks like a pretty sweet experience.
Participants get to wear Mario character costumes and zip around the city at speeds reaching about 50 miles per hour, which is surely exhilarating since you’re in an open kart so close to the ground. The experience will definitely make you think twice the next time you consider throwing a red shell and dooming someone to a damaging accident.
Would you give this IRL Mario Kart a try? Why isn’t this available in North America yet? Or is it, and we’re just not aware? Let us know what you think down in the comments!
Featured image: Nintendo
More fun with Mario Kart
- Wario is officially the best Mario Kart character
- Watch Hugh Jackman narrate a real-life Mario Kart race
- A artist brings Rainbow Road to the real world
