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| Ready to Go Kart! |
To celebrate my 30th birthday, my friends and I went go-karting last Sunday.
There are three go-kart areas in Shizuoka. The nearest from Hamamatsu is the Quick Hamana Circuit.
How to Get There
We originally planned to take the bus but a friend thankfully drove us there.
By bus, take the ones going to Isami. You can find them from terminal No. 2 at Hamamatsu Bus Station. Ittakes about 30-45 minutes. Get off at Ohitomi or Sahama nishi stop. Fares are around 400-500 Yen.
Checking-In
Upon arrival, a Japanese staff explained the plans we might avail:
2500 Yen for 5 Laps (plus 300 for the face mask)
2000 for additional 5 laps
3800 for 8 laps with free face mask
2000 for 2-seater karts, 3 laps
All of us got the first plan- 2500 Yen for 5 Laps.
After choosing, the staff handed us go-karting agreements that we should sign.
Quick Hamana has no English staff but it has an English version of go karting agreement. It has the rules and reminders first-timers might need.
Once the forms were filled up and payment has been made, we were briefly oriented on how to use the go kart. Instructions were given in Japanese. My friend helped us understand what the staff is saying. For those who has zero Japanese and no Japanese friend, they have an English translated version on paper.
The Go Kart Circuit
Before getting in the go-karts, we were given helmets and gloves. Ladies with long hair should tie their hair. Skirts and heels are not allowed. So wear something comfortable when you go-kart.
The go-kart area is open from 11 am to 9 pm. We arrived at the area at around 2 pm. In my estimation, the race area is around 1000 square meters. The layout is very simple. There were 7 of us on the track at the same time but no one hit each other. Even kids can safely navigate the track.
The Go-Kart Cars
You don't need a license to drive. The go-karts are easy to operate. Right foot for acceleration and left foot for brakes. Hold the steering wheel with both hands to keep the kart steady. There are 2-seater go-karts for those who want to ride together.
Driving the Go-Kart
This is the 2nd time I went go-karting. It was several years ago since my first time so I drove slowly. In fact, I was the last to finish in our group. I wanted to go faster but my breathe was clouding my eyeglasses. I can't see very clearly. A tip for people with eyeglasses: Don't cover your nose with the mask.
Go-karting is one of those "momentary happiness." It was over in less than 10 minutes! The first time I went go-karting, we paid for the length of time and not by the number of laps. In Japan, it's by laps. That was the most disappointing part, I guess. But otherwise, it was great to be driving again.
Checking-out
Once the 5-lap ride was over, a staff assisted us and collected our helmets and gloves. We were also given a list of our best times. I was the last! (huhu!)
Our Japanese friend borrowed a trophy and we had our pictures taken on the championship stand. This completed our go-karting experience!
Recommendations
My rating with this experience is 3 out of 5. It's fun especially with friends. But the place is too far and the riding experience too fast. Try it if you haven't tried go-karting but you can give it a miss if you're looking for thrills.
Website: Sports Kart
