Besides the popular Disneyland, Disneysea, and Universal Studios Japan, did you know that Japan has another family-friendly theme park that’s worth a visit? Check out Fuji-Q Highland located in Kawaguchiko which, even better, has gorgeous Mt. Fuji views to boot.

Go all out with the record-breaking rollercoasters

Calling all daredevils: the theme park is best known for its four record-breaking rollercoasters. Try the classic Fujiyama, which was the world’s tallest rollercoaster at 79 metres tall when it first opened in 1996. 

Named after Mt. Fuji, the coaster is said to boast terrific views of the mountain at its peak!

Dodonpa followed in 2001, clinching a reputation as the world’s fastest rollercoaster at 180 kilometres per hour. It has one of the world’s fastest accelerations too, going up to 172 kilometres per hour in just 1.8 seconds.

Take on Takabisha — if you dare! — which has a death-defying 121-degree drop, holding the record for the world’s steepest rollercoaster.

Lastly, Eajanaika is a mind-boggling 4th dimension rollercoaster, where the seats move independently of the track. Indeed, the seats rotate 360 degrees a whopping 14 times during the entire ride!

Indeed, the rollercoasters aren’t for the faint of heart; my travelling companion had to take a break after riding just one of the coasters, and nursed a headache for the rest of the day. For those that will chicken out at the front of the line, Fuji-Q Highland has very aptly created a “chicken line” to prevent any disturbance to the queue.

Scream your heart out at the horror house

The world’s largest horror house, the Labyrinth of Fear takes you on a journey through an abandoned hospital. Based on a hospital near Mt. Fuji, where doctors were said to sell patients’ internal organs, the horror house tells the story of the ghosts of the victims who come back for revenge — with a startling vengeance.

The best (or worst) part? The horror house experience lasts for a grand total of 50 minutes.

Don’t worry, there’s plenty for the kids too!

Comprising the only outdoor theme park dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, Thomas Land offers life-size train models, and go on rides such as Captain’s Sea Adventures, Terence’s Driving School, Cranky’s Drop Tower, and Blue Mountain Engines.

If you’re visiting on a hot and humid day, don’t miss Nagashimasuka, a refreshing water coaster. Beware: you will get wet! Other family-friendly attractions include the carousel, Sky Cycle (the view from this ride is fantastic!), Wave Swinger, and more.

In addition, visit the observation deck to snap lots of photos of Mt. Fuji. From the deck, hop on the FUJIYAMA Slider, a tube slide that will bring you all the way back down to the ground. You can also take on the FUJIYAMA Walk, where visitors can walk along the circumference of the tower whilst hitched up to a harness.

Fun fact: the FUJIYAMA coaster will pass the observation deck once every four minutes, so keep a lookout for it!

The best part? You don’t need an admission ticket to enter Fuji-Q Highland, as the park operates on a pay-per-ride system. Otherwise, a one-day pass costs JPY6,300 (~SGD64). At the end of the day, wind down at the nearby Fujiyama Onsen. Alternatively, continue your journey to Kawaguchiko.

How to get to Fuji-Q Highland

The fastest way to Fuji-Q Highland is via bus from either Shinjuku, Tokyo, or Shibuya stations. Each journey takes around two hours, and costs approximately JPY2,000 (~SGD20).

We like taking the train, despite it taking a longer time (2.5 to 3 hours). From Shinjuku Station, take a train to Otsuki Station — this leg is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. At Otsuki Station, change to the Fujikyuko line. You can take this line to Fujisan Station, Fujikyu-Highland Station, or Kawaguchiko Station. The fare will be around JPY400 (~SGD4).