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Thrills and Views: A Guide to Fuji-Q Highland, Japan's Premier Amusement Park
Introduction:
Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan's most famous amusement parks, is renowned for its exhilarating rides set against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Fuji. Situated in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, near the base of this iconic mountain, Fuji-Q Highland is an all-in-one theme park, featuring both adrenaline-pumping and family-friendly attractions along with breathtaking scenery.
Exploring Fuji-Q Highland: An Overview
Located in the Fuji Five Lake region, Fuji-Q Highland's close proximity to Mount Fuji makes it an extraordinary destination. On clear days, the majestic mountain provides a stunning backdrop for the park's numerous rides and attractions. Globally renowned for its record-breaking roller coasters, Fuji-Q Highland offers some of the world's fastest and tallest rides, thrilling adrenaline junkies everywhere. The park currently boasts five major roller coasters, themed attractions based on popular anime series, haunted houses, and family-friendly rides.
For those wanting more than a day trip, you can stay overnight at the Highland Resort Hotel and Spa, directly linked to the theme park. Hotel guests can select from a range of themed rooms, spanning from Naruto to Thomas the Tank Engine, and enjoy early access to the park. Additionally, they receive free entry to the Fujiyama Museum and Fujiyama Onsen.
Iconic Rides at Fuji-Q Highland
Among Fuji-Q Highland's numerous attractions, three world-class roller coasters—Fujiyama, Takabisha, and Eejanaika—stand out for their distinctive features and exhilarating experiences.
Fujiyama, dubbed "The King of Coasters," has been a landmark attraction since its debut in 1996. Once the world's tallest roller coaster at 79 meters (259 feet), it offers a breathtaking ascent with stunning views of Mount Fuji. The initial climb and drop deliver unmatched excitement and anticipation. Featuring numerous airtime hills, sharp turns, and steep drops, Fujiyama provides a thrilling adventure from start to finish, cementing its legendary reputation as a pioneer of mega coasters.
Takabisha, which opened in 2011, was once the world's steepest roller coaster with a maximum drop of 121 degrees. The ride starts with a suspenseful dark section, creating an eerie atmosphere before the real thrill begins. Riders then ascend a vertical lift hill, pausing at the top before plummeting down the 121-degree drop. The ride includes seven inversions and a series of unexpected twists and turns, ensuring high adrenaline levels and a unique experience.
Eejanaika is one of the few 4th Dimension coasters in the world, featuring seats that rotate 360° in a controlled spin. This adds an extra layer of excitement and disorientation for riders. The coaster reaches a height of 76 meters (249 feet) and holds the record for the most inversions, with a total of 14. The combination of flips, spins, rotations, and high speeds makes Eejanaika a trully exhilarating experience.
Family Attractions and Kid-Friendly Rides
While Fuji-Q Highland is best known for its extreme rides, it also offers a wide range of other rides that cater to families, including Thomas Land, classic amusement rides, themed rides and interactive attractions.
Thomas Land at Fuji-Q Highland is a dedicated area that brings the colorful world of Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends to life. Ideal for young children and families, it features gentle rides such as Nia and Animal Coaster, a roller coaster suitable even for 3-year-olds, Thomas and Percy's Fun Ride, an outdoor rail ride, and Go! Go! Bulstrode!, a water raft rail ride. The park also offers classic amusement rides like the Eiffel Tower Carousel and Tea Cups, delivering a nostalgic and charming experience for both kids and parents.
Fuji-Q Highland also offers anime-themed rides and interactive attractions for anime loves. Visitors can delve into the Naruto universe at the Naruto x Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village and find Naruto-themed merchandise. This area includes a Naruto-themed 3D Shooting Ride, the Phantom Theater VR attraction, and arcade games at Game Ninjutsu Carnival. Additionally, there's the Attack on Titan XR Ride, a virtual reality roller coaster that brings the anime's intense world to life. It combines high-speed excitement with immersive storytelling, allowing guests to battle Titans alongside their favorite characters.
Seasonal Events and Festivities
Fuji-Q Highland hosts seasonal events that attract visitors nationwide. During autumn, the park turns into a haunted wonderland for Halloween. Decorations create a spooky atmosphere, especially at the infamous Haunted Hospital. Guests are invited to dress up for costume parades and contests, adding to the festive vibe and offering chances to win prizes.
In winter, Fuji-Q Highland dazzles with spectacular illuminations, transforming into a winter paradise. The winter illumination event is a major draw, captivating visitors with enchanting light displays. From late October, the park also offers an ice skating rink with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, creating a picturesque winter activity. Festive events like Christmas markets, food stalls, and performances add to the holiday cheer at the park.
In the summer, Fuji-Q Highland bursts to life with vibrant fireworks displays that light up the night sky. Many attractions remain open during the show, allowing visitors to enjoy rides against the wonderful backdrop of fireworks.
Record-Breaking Roller Coasters
Fuji-Q Highland is a haven for thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts, boasting several record-breaking coasters, each delivering unique and exhilarating experiences.
One of the park's earliest record-breaking roller coasters is Fujiyama, aptly nicknamed "The King of Coasters." When it debuted in 1996, it was the tallest roller coaster in the world, featuring a 70-meter drop. Fujiyama stands 79 meters (259 feet) tall and reaches speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.
Eejanaika, meaning "Ain't It Great!" in Japanese, is a 4th Dimension roller coaster and the world's second of its kind. It ties with Alton Towers' The Smiler for the world record of most inversions on a coaster, boasting a total of 14 inversions according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Takabisha, third on the list, is known for having the world's steepest drop on a roller coaster in 2011, with a 121-degree angle. This Euro-Fighter coaster halts the carriage at a 90-degree bend before the inverted drop. Its unique design and intense thrills earned it several awards, including the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster in 2012.
Horror Attractions: The Haunted Hospital
Beyond its thrilling roller coasters and immersive theme park experiences, Fuji-Q Highland is widely known for its infamous Haunted Hospital. Known as one of the largest and scariest haunted houses in the world, the Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear, also called the Jinkyu General Hospital, offers a bone-chilling adventure that tests the courage of even the bravest visitors. This expansive, multi-story building is themed around an abandoned medical facility with a dark and sinister past. Spanning over 900 meters of dark, winding corridors and eerie rooms, it takes about 50 minutes to navigate. Currently under renovation, the haunted hospital will reopen on July 20th this year.
Relaxing at Fuji-Q: Less Intense Attractions
Fuji-Q Highland offers a peaceful retreat with a range of less intense attractions and tranquil landscapes. The Shining Flower Ferris Wheel provides unobstructed views of Mount Fuji, the park, and the surrounding scenery, perfect for photography and relaxation. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Fuji Airways, a flight simulator offering a virtual tour of the mountain and its surroundings, as well as Sky Castle, an elevated bicycle track winding through a lush forest within the park.
The theme park also features well-designed landscapes for visitors to unwind and pause from the park's excitement. It includes designated picnic areas for families and groups to dine before continuing with the day's activities.
Dining Options in Fuji-Q Highland
At Fuji-Q Highland, whether you're craving a quick snack between roller coaster rides or seeking a themed dining experience to spice up your meal, you'll find over 20 eateries, ranging from restaurants to cafes and food stands, catering to every taste. Below are a few top spots to enjoy a meal within the theme park:
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Food Stadium: The largest restaurant in the park, this food court offers a variety of options ranging from burgers and fries to Japanese favorites like ramen and udon.
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Ichiraku Ramen: Inspired by Naruto's beloved ramen eatery from the anime, this restaurant serves original ramen dishes linked to the show's characters.
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Dream Tea Salon: Located at Lisa and Gaspard Town, this restaurant's interior mirrors a Parisian theater, offering a unique afternoon tea experience with picturesque views of Mount Fuji. Be sure to indulge in their signature 5-minute cream puff—freshly baked and filled with custard cream, made to order for that hot and fresh taste.
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Lady Hatt's Afternoon Tea: Situated close to the main entrance of Thomas Land, this food booth offers adorable castella cakes in the shape of Thomas the Tank Engine, along with Thomas and Percy popcorn souvenir cases, ideal for young ones.
Tips for Visiting Fuji-Q Highland
Although not as renowned as Tokyo's other amusement parks, it's essential to plan ahead for a fulfilling experience at Fuji-Q Highland. Spring and fall provide the ideal weather for a visit, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in fall enhancing the park's beauty. Summer is busy due to school holidays, so visiting on weekdays is advisable to avoid weekend crowds and the heat.
Entry to the park is free, and you can purchase tickets for individual rides if you're interested in trying only a few. For those looking to enjoy multiple rides, we recommend the Fuji-Q 1-Day Free Pass, granting unlimited access to all rides and attractions throughout the day. Another option is the Afternoon Free Pass, offering unlimited access from noon until closing at a reduced price. Tickets can be bought online in advance on Fuji-Q Highland's official website or other ticketing platforms, as well as at the park entrance.
Before your visit, it's crucial to check the amusement park's official website for business hours and ride availability, as some rides may be closed. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening to get a head start.
To avoid long queues, Fuji-Q Highland offers a Fast Pass system where you can reserve a time slot for specific rides and skip regular lines. Fast Passes are available onsite at designated booths or online in limited quantities and can sell out quickly. For real-time updates on ride wait times and attractions, download the Fuji-Q Highland app before your visit and utilize it to plan your day effectively.
Photography at Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland isn't just for adrenaline-junkies; it's a haven for photography lovers too. With Mount Fuji as its backdrop, the park provides stunning settings for capturing memorable photos. Here are some top photography spots within the theme park:
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Fujiyama Tower: The Fujiyama Tower offers panoramic views of the park and Mount Fuji, perfect for capturing stunning vistas of the rides with the iconic mountain in the background.
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Shining Flower Ferris Wheel: The Ferris wheel offers elevated views of the park and Mount Fuji, making it an excellent spot for aerial shots without the need of a drone.
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Themed Attractions and Areas: Thomas Land and Fuji Konoha Hidden Village bring a whimsical charm to your photos. The colorful decorations and character statues create a vibrant and lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for photography.
Getting to Fuji-Q Highland
Whether you're traveling from Tokyo or other major cities, there are various transportation options to reach the park conveniently. Located next to Fujikyu Highland Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line between Otsuki Station and Kawaguchiko Station, the theme park is easily accessible. From Tokyo, you can take one of the three daily Fuji Excursion services from Shinjuku, offering a direct route with no transfers. For a more economical choice, you can opt for the JR Chuo Line (limited express) from Shinjuku Station to Otsuki Station and then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to reach Fujikyu Highland Station.
You can also reach Fuji-Q Highland by taking a highway bus from various locations like Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal, Shibuya Mark City, Tokyo Station, or Akihabara Station, with the journey lasting about 2 hours. Alternatively, if you prefer driving, take the Chuo Expressway from Central Tokyo, exit at Kawaguchiko Interchange, and follow the signs to reach Fuji-Q Highland, with the drive taking around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
To ensure a smooth journey to Fuji-Q Highland, whether using public transportation or driving, it's advisable to travel early in the morning or later in the evening to dodge heavy traffic, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Conclusion:
From its record-breaking roller coasters and immersive themed areas to scenic viewpoints and family-friendly zones, Fuji-Q Highland offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to Japan. Whether you're capturing the thrill of the rides or the tranquil beauty of Mount Fuji, Fuji-Q Highland guarantees adventure and memories that will last a lifetime.
Combine the adrenaline rush of Fuji-Q Highland with the authentic flavors of Japan delivered to you through a Bokksu Snack Box subscription. Every month, indulge in specially curated Japanese snacks that promise to create the ultimate Japanese adventure.
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