Harbor Circuit — GO KARTING JAPAN
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● FAQ

Know before you go.Know before you go.Know before you go.

Quick guides to payment, safety, karts, course tips, services, private rental, and wet-weather policies.

HARBOR CIRCUIT GUIDE

Browse by topic, then open a question for the answer and any useful visual guide.

First visit

13
Can I make a reservation?

Regular karting cannot be reserved and runs in reception order. Group races can be booked by the previous day during opening hours, and private course rental must be booked at least one week ahead. Please book by phone or email.

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What are the opening hours?

We are normally open every day: weekdays 12:00–21:30, weekends and public holidays 10:00–21:30. Last orders are 30 minutes before closing. Hours may change during busy periods.

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Can I drive in the rain?

Driving is usually available unless weather is severe. The track becomes slippery, so extra care is required. EV and kids karts may stop depending on conditions. Simple rainwear is available to buy or rent. Check the website and social channels during typhoons, heavy rain or snow. See rain gear rental and sales.

When is it busiest?

Weekdays are generally quieter. Weekends and public holidays may be busiest from around 12:00 to 17:00, although conditions vary each day.

Are there closing days?

We normally open every day. We may close for facility maintenance or severe weather.

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Can I drive at night?

Yes. The circuits have floodlights, and driving registration normally remains open until 21:00.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. Most visitors start as beginners. First-time drivers watch a video guide and receive an explanation of the kart controls before driving.

How many laps are in one session?

It varies by driver, but with an average lap of around 40 seconds, approximately 8–10 laps is typical.

Can minors drive?

Minors should visit with a parent or guardian where possible. If that is not possible, advance driver registration and signed guardian consent are required.

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Can visitors who do not speak Japanese take part?

We provide basic English support and continue to add English to venue menus and guidance.

What safety measures are in place?

Safety measures include pre-drive guidance, staff supervision, course barriers and equipment checks. Open the safety guide for details.

Both venues

Harbor Circuit safety measures

Is insurance included?

If you would like additional cover, we recommend arranging your own leisure insurance. For group visits, see the group leisure insurance information on our private-rental page. The linked PDF explains coverage and eligibility.

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What if I leave something at the circuit?

Tell staff as soon as possible. We will contact you if the item is found and keep lost property for one month. We can also send it to you cash on delivery.

What to bring

5
What should I bring?

You can arrive without special equipment. Wear clothes that are easy to move in. A towel, change of clothes and rainwear can be useful. Personal helmets, masks and gloves are welcome.

What should I wear?

Wear practical clothes and closed shoes. Sandals and heels are not permitted. Free rental shoes are available and require socks. Long skirts, wide trousers and other loose clothing cannot be worn while driving; free rental sportswear is available.

Do I need a driving licence or ID?

No driving licence or identity document is required.

What is a racer mask?

It is a washable inner mask used with rental helmets. If you do not have one, purchase one for 500 yen. It is not required for kids karting or when using your own helmet or suitable mask.

Both venues

Racer mask for rental helmets

Can I bring my own helmet?

Yes, provided it has a visor. Check the helmet guide for the full requirements.

Both venues

Helmet requirements

Driver registration

4
What is the driver licence?

Every first-time driver must register. The card costs 500 yen and includes the first video briefing. Each driver needs a separate email address. Registration is available online in advance and the card can be used at both venues. Makuhari kids karting requires a 200 yen kids licence.

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Can I use an old Indoor Chiba licence card?

Bring the old card and we will replace it with a new card free of charge.

Can I use a licence card from the other venue?

Yes, cards can be used at Makuhari and Kisarazu. Show the card at reception and sign the waiver. Some cards may need re-registration, but no new card fee is charged.

What if I forget or lose my licence card?

You can display your licence on your smartphone; ask staff to help set it up. A replacement physical card costs 200 yen.

Prices and payment

13
How much does it cost?

Prices differ by venue. At Makuhari, one session is 2,800 yen for adults, 2,500 yen for primary and junior-high students, and 1,200 yen for Kids Kart. At Kisarazu, the prices are 2,500 yen, 2,200 yen and 1,000 yen respectively. Two-person Kids Kart rides cost an extra 300 yen. Check each venue’s pricing page for first-visit costs and ride tickets.

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Which ticket is best for a first visit?

The Start Pack includes registration, a racer mask and three sessions for 7,500 yen, or 7,000 yen for primary and junior-high students. Makuhari also offers a 3,500 yen Kids Start Pack with a kids licence and three five-minute rides.

What are the standard ride-ticket rules?

Standard ride tickets are personal, valid for one year and usable at both venues. Lost tickets cannot be reissued.

What are the kids ride-ticket rules?

Usage conditions depend on where you buy the tickets. Makuhari: for the ticket holder only; valid only on Makuhari’s short course. Kisarazu: sharing is allowed; valid only on Kisarazu’s kids course.

Can I pay without cash?

Major credit cards, electronic money and QR payments are accepted. Gift vouchers are not accepted. Open the venue guides for payment details.

Makuhari

Makuhari payment methods

Kisarazu

Kisarazu payment methods

Do you sell merchandise?

Yes. Novelty items and apparel are available for souvenirs or race prizes.

Is rainwear available?

Simple rainwear and towels are sold, and paid rainwear rental is available.

Is there a student discount?

There is no general student discount. Primary and junior-high students receive the published child rate.

What is Ladies’ Day?

Every Wednesday, eligible drivers can ride for 1,000 yen per six-minute session. Special operating periods such as New Year, Golden Week and Obon may be excluded.

Makuhari

Makuhari Ladies’ Day

Is there a JAF discount?

The named JAF member receives 200 yen off the driving fee. Kids karting is excluded.

Is there a disability discount?

No specific disability discount is offered.

Is there a group discount?

Groups of 10 or more using a Group Race plan receive a 500 yen discount per person.

Can I give karting as a gift?

Gift-ticket prices and venue validity differ by location. Check the relevant venue’s pricing page before purchase. Standard ride-ticket books are not sold as gifts.

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Eligibility

10
What age can children start driving?

Requirements depend on the kart. Kids can drive solo from age 4 or ride two-person from age 2. Junior karts require age 7+ and height 120cm+. Adult karts require age 15+ and height 145cm+.

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Can parents and children drive together?

Yes, when both use the same kart class. If the child uses a junior kart, the accompanying adult must also use a junior kart.

How many people can drive together?

The maximum number of karts varies by circuit and operating conditions. Ask the venue staff.

Is there a weight limit?

Depending on body shape, drivers around 120kg may be able to ride. Driving may be refused if the seat belt cannot be fastened or controls cannot be used safely. The combined limit for a two-person kids kart is 120kg.

Can an adult-sized driver use a junior kart?

Yes, junior karts can fit a typical adult. Drivers under 15 cannot use an adult kart regardless of body size.

Is there a maximum age?

There is no fixed maximum age. Drivers must not have a heart condition and must have the fitness, movement and judgement needed to drive safely.

What is a driver grade?

Grades group drivers by their best lap time. Grade A or above can unlock official races and special karts. Target times may change seasonally.

Makuhari

Makuhari grade table

Makuhari

Makuhari grade table (summer)

Kisarazu

Kisarazu grade table

Kisarazu

Kisarazu grade table (summer)

Can I drive after drinking alcohol?

No. Anyone who has consumed alcohol cannot drive, and alcohol is not permitted inside the facility.

Can I drive while pregnant?

No. Driving is not permitted during pregnancy.

Can disabled visitors drive?

Drivers with disabilities may take part when they can safely operate the kart and have the necessary movement and judgement. Contact the venue to discuss individual requirements.

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Facilities

13
Is parking available?

Makuhari visitors can use the adjacent free parking and AEON Mall car parks. Weekdays include up to six free hours; weekend/public-holiday parking validation is available based on spend. Kisarazu visitors can use AEON Mall Kisarazu parking free of charge.

Can I bring a pet?

Pets must be carried or kept in a carrier while on site and may not walk around the facility. Please follow the venue rules and consider other visitors.

Both venues

Visiting with pets

Is there a smoking area?

One designated smoking area is available. Smoking elsewhere is not permitted, and tobacco is not sold at the circuit.

Can we use the podium?

Yes, the podium is available for commemorative photos. Champagne celebrations are not permitted. Group Race and private-rental customers can use the venue's cracker celebration service.

Is food and drink available?

Drinks are sold from vending machines and a small selection of snacks is available. You may bring your own food and drink. Both locations are close to AEON Mall dining options.

Is there a changing room?

There is no dedicated changing room, but a fitting board is available in the restroom.

Are showers available?

There are no showers inside the circuit. Nearby options include the paid running station at Makuhari Active Mall and a men-only sauna within walking distance of Kisarazu.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Free Wi-Fi is available. Check the notice inside the venue for the password.

How do I get there?

See the access page for train, car and bus directions to Makuhari and Kisarazu.

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Is there a baby-changing table?

Not inside the circuit. Please use the changing and nursing facilities in AEON Mall: Eki-mae Mall at Makuhari or near the food court at Kisarazu.

Can wheelchairs and pushchairs enter?

Yes. The site is mainly level, and a ramp is available for the step near the entrance.

Are toilets available?

Yes, separate men's and women's toilets are available.

Is there an accessible toilet?

The circuit toilets are not accessible toilets. Please use the accessible facilities inside AEON Mall.

Driving

13
How can I drive faster?

Open the course guides and ask staff for a quick driving tip.

Makuhari

Makuhari kids course guide

Kisarazu

Kisarazu kids course guide

Makuhari

Makuhari course guide

Kisarazu

Kisarazu course guide

Is there a ranking system?

Yes. Live rankings update in real time, with daily, monthly and annual views.

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Can I see my results?

Results are emailed to your registered address after driving. Printed sheets are available on request, and the official app also shows results and other information.

Can my group drive alone?

Regular sessions are normally shared with other visitors. When the circuit is quiet, a solo or group-only session may be possible. At busy times, drivers are grouped by similar grade.

Can I add ballast weight?

Venue ballast is mainly for race events and is not generally rented. SWS drivers may be able to use it for practice. It is an option for Harbor GP and costs 1,000 yen per kart during private rental. Personal ballast must be secured safely.

Can we use radios while driving?

Yes, provided they are secured against falling and no cables can become tangled.

Can I use an action camera?

Yes, if it is secured safely. Selfie sticks are prohibited. Do not attach anything to a rental helmet or kart with adhesive tape. Use your own helmet or a suitable clip/clamp mount. A 360° camera must not extend far outside the kart.

Can I stop on the starting grid?

No. Grid stops are only permitted during race plans. Do not stop anywhere on the course during a regular session.

What is the difference between regular karting and a Group Race?

Regular karting is a time-attack session available from one driver. A Group Race starts from five drivers: qualifying lap times set the final grid, then the final is decided over a fixed number of laps and followed by an awards ceremony. A trophy is included, and walk-in races may be possible.

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Can staff take photos or videos?

Before driving, you may give a camera or phone to staff for photos in the pit area. Group Race and private-rental plans include a free driving photo gallery.

Can I drive consecutive six-minute sessions?

Normally you register again after each session. Consecutive sessions may be available during quiet weekday periods.

Makuhari

Makuhari Idol Time service

Is overtaking allowed?

Yes, including during regular sessions, but you must avoid contact with other karts.

Is contact allowed?

No. Contact with barriers or other karts can cause accidents and injuries. Learn the accelerator and brake controls and drive safely.

Both venues

Accelerator and brake pedals

Both venues

Harbor Circuit safety measures

Private rental

9
Can companies and large groups use the circuit?

Yes. Private course rental is recommended and can accommodate up to 80 people.

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Can we hold a birthday party?

Private rental is recommended. Food and non-alcoholic drinks may be brought in, and birthday trophies are available.

How do I book private rental?

Tell the venue your preferred date, duration, approximate number of participants and proposed schedule by phone or email. A deposit is required within three days of booking or the reservation will be cancelled.

How can I pay the deposit?

Pay within three days at the venue, by bank transfer or online. Venue payment supports cash, cards and electronic money. Bank transfer fees are paid by the customer.

How much is the deposit?

The deposit is 30,000 yen for rentals up to two hours, or 30% of the total for rentals of two and a half hours or longer.

Should a group choose a Group Race or private rental?

It depends on group size and schedule. Private rental gives exclusive course use and a flexible programme but has a fixed time and must be booked a week ahead. Group Race has a set format and prizes and may be run without booking, but waiting times can occur.

Both venues

Private course-rental plan example

Can the kids circuit be privately rented?

No. The kids circuits are not available for private rental.

What are the cancellation fees?

Cancellation costs 50% from seven to two days before the event, and 100% from the previous day through the event date. Open the wet-weather guide for weather-related terms.

MakuhariPDF

Cancellation when rain is forecast

How should we plan the private-rental schedule?

If this is your first event, ask about the manager-planned option and open the sample programme.

Both venues

Private course-rental plan example

Events and offers

2
Are special events and offers available?

Campaigns and special events run throughout the year. Check the events page and official social channels for current information.

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Do you hold race events?

Yes. Regular events include sprint, junior, time-attack and endurance races. Drivers with Grade A or above can participate.

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More visual guides

Additional kart and service guides that are not attached to a specific answer.

Makuhari

Drift Kart

Kisarazu

Kisarazu PRO-KART 83

Makuhari

Makuhari PRO-KIDS

Makuhari

Makuhari EV and PRO karts

Both venues

Gift tickets

Both venues

Racer mask

Both venues

Rain gear rental and sales

Still need an answer?Contact the venue you plan to use.
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