“Why would anyone build a race track on top of a mountain?” That’s a question you might ask yourself as you approach Kart Pista Hiroshima. Kart Pista Hiroshima is a unique go-kart track. It sits near a mountain top in Hiroshima prefecture.
Welcome to Kart Pista Hiroshima. This inoperative-looking track is full of surprises. Some might think Kart Pista Hiroshima is abandoned. It is actually still open for business.
The adventure to Kart Pista Hiroshima can be as thrilling as the race itself. Getting here can be quite the experience. The road isn’t exactly in top condition. You might find yourself on a narrow path with more potholes than you can count. Despite the challenging journey, the reward is worth it.
Michael and I once braved that road. It was a nerve-wracking ascent but we finally made it. We were greeted by a parking lot 600 meters up the mountain. A rusty sign announced that Kart Pista Hiroshima was close.
At Kart Pista Hiroshima, the first building seemed abandoned. But soon we realized that the track was surprisingly clean. It didn’t look very abandoned. Jacked-up karts hinted that someone still cared for this place. Even a modern computer sat in one of the buildings.
Time seemed to play tricks here. The clock at the start/finish line showed the correct time. Its minute hand was moving. It was a clear sign that Kart Pista Hiroshima was still alive.
Kart Pista Hiroshima has a history. Trophies and medals dating back to the early 90s tell tales of past races. Yuko Segawa, a Japanese kart driver, even won a series here. This shows that Kart Pista Hiroshima has some reputation.
The track itself is 630 meters long. It is 7 to 11 meters wide. The longest straight stretches 130 meters. It sits at an elevation of 650 meters.
You can rent a kart here. Weekends and holidays see opening hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Weekdays are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The prices are 2,500 yen for 5 minutes, 5,000 yen for 10 minutes and 7,000 yen for 15 minutes. There is also a fuel-based rental. It includes the course fee, the driver and fuel. It costs 7,000 yen.
Anyone aged 3 and up can drive after a free lecture.
There are still some mysteries surrounding Kart Pista Hiroshima. Why build it on a mountain with a road falling apart? The charm of Kart Pista Hiroshima lies in its unique location. It lies in its improbable existence. So, are you ready to race on top of a mountain?