Eejanaika, located at Fuji Q Highlands park near the foot of Mount Fuji, was the world's second "4th dimension" roller coaster, meaning the seats can rotate forward or backward 360 degrees in a controlled spin. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
Eejanaika, located at Fuji Q Highlands park near the foot of Mount Fuji, was the world's second "4th dimension" roller coaster, meaning the seats can rotate forward or backward 360 degrees in a controlled spin. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
If roller coasters aren't your thing, there are plenty of other attractions, such as the water rides for visitors for Fuji Q Highland in Japan. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
At "Evangelion: World"attraction at Fuji Q Highland near the foot of Mount Fuji, visitors can see the first 3-D life-sized scale model of the "general-purpose, humanoid battle weapon" ... whatever that means. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
Fuji Q Highland park in Japan can be very crowded on the weekends, and wait time in lines for rides can be longer than a hour. There are fewer visitors to the park during the week. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
Like any good theme park, Fuji Q Highland at the foot of Japan's Mount Fuji has its own gift shops so you can share your experience with friends and family. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
At the Fuji Q Highland theme park in Japan, visitors to the gift shop can pick up one of these boxes. Although, this photographer was unsure what was inside. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
With a 121-degree drop angle, Takabisha is the steepest roller coaster in the world. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
Visitors to Fuji Q Highland park in Japan can choose to buy a free-pass ticket, at a cost of 5,200 yen ($52), which gives them access to all rides, or they can pay a 1,400 yen entrance fee and then buy tickets to ride the individual rides. (Eric Guzman/Stars and Stripes)
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Thrill-seeking families looking for a roller coaster fix during the warmer months need look no further than Mount Fuji.
At the foot of Japan’s most famous mountain, sits Fuji-Q Highland, which provides just the right mix of drops, turns and spirals to get the adrenaline pumping.
While the four main roller coasters are for adults, there are kid-friendly alternatives available at the park’s Thomas Town children’s area, including smaller roller coasters, tower swings and a water park.
The main attractions at the park are, of course, the roller coasters — Fujiyama, Takabisha, Eejanaika and Dodonpa.
All four have set a world record at one point or another; Dodonpa is the fastest-accelerating roller coaster in the world; and Takabisha owns the record for steepest free fall. Eejanaika is one of only seven “4th dimension” roller coasters, meaning the seats can rotate forward or backward 360 degrees in a controlled spin.
There is no shortage of other entertainment around Fuji-Q. Evangelion: World features 3-D shows based on popular Japanese anime. You can also spend time at the Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear, the Ultimate Fort or the Shining Flower ferris wheel.
Food and drink options within the park vary, and include everything from curry and rice to pizza. Canned beer is also available at the park.
Lines at Fuji-Q can sometimes exceed two hours for one ride on the weekends, so it is recommended to schedule visits during the week to avoid long waits. When planning a trip, it is also recommended to check the weather, as most of the larger coasters stop for high winds and rain.
All stations at Fuji-Q offer English menus and instructions, and there are employees throughout the park to assist guests, as needed.
Fuji-Q Highland Directions
Address: 5-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture 403-0017, Japan
Take the train to Fuji-Q Highland Station (about $26 and 120 minutes from Shinjuku Station). A round-trip bus ticket costs $75. Passes with discount rates are available through the Fuji Q website.
Costs Visitors can pay a 1,400 yen ($14) entrance fee and then buy individual tickets for each ride, or they can pay 5,200 yen ($52), which grants them access to the park and unlimited access to the rides.
Times Fuji-Q Highland is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The park also takes occasional holidays, so check the website in advance.
Food Restaurants and snack shacks offer a variety of treats.
Information Website: www.fujiq.jp/en; phone: 0555-23-2111
