Conquer 4 Record-Breaking Roller Coasters in Japan’s Fuji Q Highland

Attention all adrenaline junkies! Miss the thrill of Kingda Ka? While the former world record holder for the tallest roller coaster has recently closed its doors at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, fear not! Fuji Q Highland in Japan offers thrilling alternatives closer to home. This iconic theme park is home to a collection of world-class roller coasters that will leave you breathless, from the heart-pounding drops of Fujiyama to the mind-bending twists and turns of Takabisha.

Not a fan of roller coasters myself, but this is a place that I absolutely had to check off my Japan bucket list. I can proudly say that I’ve fallen in love with this amazing place, and for all those planning a trip to Tokyo or Japan, this amusement park definitely deserves a spot in your itinerary!

My coaster list goes by increasing scariness. So if you want to read about the most mind-blowing one first, start from the bottom-up!

Read more: 4 Days Tokyo Itinerary: Where to Go and What to Do

Zokkon – A Motorbike Coaster with Thrilling Launches and Sharp Twists

• Top Speed: 73km/h
• Duration: 3min
• Height: 25m

The latest addition to Fuji Q Highland’s repertoire of roller coasters, Zokkon is the slowest and shortest (in terms of height) of the 4 large rides at the amusement park. However, while it hasn’t broken any world records, you shouldn’t discount the thrill factor of this ride: With its futuristic motorbike-themed trains, this coaster features four intense launches, including a thrilling backward launch after a breathtaking spike! You’ll zoom through 1,300 meters of electrifying twists and surprising turns, all while enjoying the comfort of side-by-side seating and an immersive experience with sound and lighting.

Fujiyama – One of the World’s Tallest and Longest Roller Coasters

• Top Speed: 130km/h
• Duration: 3:36min
• Height: 79m

This roller coaster can be said to be the least intimidating among the four, but I would definitely still think twice (or thrice!) before daring to take this ride again. Fujiyama stands tall and proud at 79 metres, and was once the world’s tallest roller coaster. Given its height, riders can actually enjoy a fantastic view of Mount Fuji from the top. Warning: You’re only able to feast your eyes on this magnificent view for a total of just a few seconds before you descend on a whopping 70 metre drop! Eeeek!

Fujiyama is full of stomach-dropping twists, drops and turns, and brings its riders on one heck of a ride! A friend of mine was as blind as a bat without his spectacles, and his only memory of the ride was seeing alternating patches of blue (the sky) and white (Mount Fuji) that spiralled in all directions. What a trip! Of course, I was of no help at all, and provided a screeching soundtrack of screams.

Eejanaika – World’s Fastest 4th Dimension Roller Coaster

• Top Speed: 126km/h
• Duration: 2:10min
• Height: 76m

For those who want a coaster ride like no other, Eejanaika is the ride that you should not miss. It’s one of the 17 operating 4th dimension coasters in the world. The 4th dimension is a design in which the seats can rotate forward or backward 360 degrees in a controlled spin.

This was my first roller coaster ride in Fuji Q Highland, and being on the ride felt like I was being thrown around in a washing machine. No joke! Eejanaika ties The Smiler at Alton Towers as the roller coaster with the most (14!) inversions in the world. Gulp!

According to the park’s website, there are three kinds of spins – the “spinning of your seat forward and backward”, “loops and flip-flops through the air”, as well as “spinning with twists in it”. However, all the spins probably feel the same to most riders – hold onto your seatbelts, it’s going to be a topsy-turvy ride!

Takabisha – One of the World’s Steepest Roller Coasters

• Top Speed: 100km/h
• Duration: 2min
• Height: 43m

Unfortunately, I did not manage to personally try this ride due to the snaking long queue that was estimated to be three hours long. FYI, I went on a Tuesday – a normal run-of-the-mill Tuesday. For those planning a trip to the park, do be prepared for long queues! However, if you do manage to brave the queue and go on this ride, I salute you! Featuring the 2nd steepest drop in the world at 121 degrees, Takabisha is a real nightmare.

Just look at that 121 degree free fall! Excuse me while I hyperventilate at a corner. As if the drop isn’t scary enough, the ride even halts your carriage at the 90 degree bend for a few seconds before you go down the inverted drop! Instead of using a traditional lift hill, it uses magnetic launch motors to blast its cars from 0 to 100km/h in just 2 seconds! Good luck to all of you who are still dying for the Takabisha challenge – my heart can only take so much.

Like my friend so aptly put it: “There will never be a ride less scarier than the other. Unless it’s a kiddy ride”. True, because up to this day, none of us can decide which of the four roller coasters takes the icing on the cake. So which is the scariest? It’s your call! For me, I think I’ve had more than enough thrills to last me a lifetime.

Plan Your Visit to Fuji Q Highland

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Fuji Q Highland.

• Located near the base of Mount Fuji, Fuji Q Highland is about 1.5 hours from Shinjuku Station by bus or 2 hours by train. The park is open year-round, with occasional closures for certain rides. Be sure to check the official website’s operating calendar in advance to avoid disappointment!
• You can purchase a day pass with unlimited rides for adults aged 18–64, priced between ¥6,000 (S$53.88) and ¥7,800 (S$70.05), depending on the season. Check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing. 
• Alternatively, opt for a free admission ticket with a pay-per-ride scheme, where attractions cost between ¥500 (S$4.49) and ¥2,000 (S$17.96).
• For horror fans, the Labyrinth of Fear haunted house is a must-try, priced at ¥4,000 (S$35.92) with a day pass or ¥8,000 (S$71.84) without one.

Also read: 8 Attractions to Visit Near Mount Fuji

That’s it! Now let me ask you: Are you ready to push your limits? Whether you’re a seasoned coaster enthusiast or a first-time rider, you’ll be amazed by the intensity of these rides. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, be sure to add Fuji Q Highland to your travel bucket list. Just remember, you’ve been warned!