Fuji-Q Highland: The Best Rides, Access From Tokyo, and Tickets

Fuji-Q Highland - Have Fun at the Foot of Mt. Fuji!

Takabisha. Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park located in the Lake Kawaguchi area of Yamanashi Prefecture. It is known for its thrilling scream-inducing roller coasters and attractions that make use of the spacious land at the base of Mt. Fuji.

Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

In summer July 21, 2021, the park is opening the Fujiyama Tower with a new observation deck that will allow thrill seekers and sightseers alike the chance to enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji from 55 meters up! The Fujiyama Sky Deck is located at the top of Fujiyama - King of Coasters, one of the park's major attractions.

Fuji-Q Highland is said to be one of the world’s largest amusement parks in scale and gripping rides. This guide introduces the main attractions, accessibility, how to purchase tickets, and tips on how to avoid crowds!

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How to Get to Fuji-Q Highland from Tokyo

Traveling to Fuji-Q Highland from Tokyo is the most convenient route. Regarding how to access the park, there are two options: the express bus or train. Both transportation options depart from Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Traveling by Train from Shinjuku

If you choose to travel by train, take the Limited Express Fuji Excursion from Shinjuku Station to Fuji-Q Highland without any transfers. This direct train line will arrive in approximately 110 minutes and two roundtrip trains operate each day. If you depart Shinjuku Station at 8:30 in the morning, you’ll arrive at Fuji-Q Highland Station at 10:19 a.m. In addition, this station is directly connected to Fuji-Q Highland.

For details on the Limited Express Fuji Excursion, please check the official website.

If you won’t be taking the Fuji Excursion, then you’ll have to take a train from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station (about a one-hour ride). From there, transfer to the Fujikyuko Line and exit at Fuji-Q Highland Station (about 50 minutes).

Traveling by Express Bus from Shinjuku

You can also directly access the park via an express bus in about two hours from Tokyo. When departing from Tokyo, the bus typically leaves early in the morning and will arrive at the park between 8:00 and 9:00.

There are also buses bound for Fuji-Q Highland from Kyoto and Osaka, which depart at night and arrive the next morning. Reservations from either of these starting points can be made through Willer.

Start From Here! The Park's "Big 4" Roller Coaster Rides

There are nearly 40 attractions in Fuji-Q Highland, but the main attractions are undeniably the scream-inducing roller coaster rides. We’ll introduce the park's centerpiece attractions known among thrill seekers as the Big 4 Roller Coasters!

1. FUJIYAMA – King of Coasters TOWER

Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

Scream Level: ★★★★★
View Level: ★★★★★

FUJIYAMA, a roller coaster deliberately named to suggest that it’s as tall as Mt. Fuji, boasts one of the world’s best views and is the park’s most popular large-scale coaster.

As the scream machine ascends to the summit, you'll see a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji. However, you’ll only have a brief moment to be captivated by this stunning view before dropping 79 meters down—a staggering height that surpasses a 20-floor building! The roller coaster also reaches a maximum speed of 130 kilometers per hour and you’ll experience a thrill beyond your imagination during the ride's two-kilometer span.

If you’re having difficulty imagining this heart-pounding experience, then please watch this video.

A camera installed in the middle of the course will take pictures of screaming ride-goers, which can be purchased after the attraction. This photo could also be a memento of your adrenaline-packed trip.

If you're hoping for a more relaxed way to enjoy the famous view of Mt. Fuji, you're in luck; on July 21, 2021, Fuji-Q Highland is opening a 55-meter tall observation deck right beside the FUJIYAMA coaster!

This platform is part of the Fujiyama - King of Coasters Tower, which offers guests the chance to enjoy this incredible scenery at their own pace, as well as giving thrill-seekers a new way to enjoy Mt. Fuji.

In addition to the observation deck, the new tower will feature a "Fujiyama Walk" experience where guests can strap into a safety harness and make their way across a thrilling walkway with no guard rails! Finally, guests who make their way to the platform can enjoy a ride back down in a giant, tubular slide.

Fujiyama Tower official website: https://www.fujiq.jp/en/fujiyama-tower/

2. DODODONPA – Accelerating to 180 km in just 1.56 Seconds!

A gigantic 40-meter diameter loop. Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

Speed: ★★★★★
Exhilaration Level: ★★★★★

DODODONPA’s greatest feature is its exhilarating speed that will launch you across 180 kilometers in just 1.56 seconds.

This speed will allow you to experience an immediate state of weightlessness once the ride begins. Then, the ride will turn onto a massive curve with your body tilting horizontally to the tracks. Furthermore, ride-goers will zoom through the world’s largest loop measuring 40 meters in diameter. Hands down, this is one roller coaster that speed enthusiasts won’t be able to resist.

3. Takabisha – The Dread of a 121-Degree Drop!

Descending from the steepest angle at 121 degrees. Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

Unpredictability Level: ★★★★★
Continuous Fear Level: ★★★★★

Takabisha is different from other roller coasters because it first starts off with a drop. The ride falls at an agonizing angle of 121 degrees—the steepest drop to ever exist—and you’ll suddenly find yourself screaming on the summit! Because its linear motor allows the ride to swiftly accelerate, you'll be reaching 100 kilometers per hour in just two seconds.

Unlike a multiple-vehicle roller coaster, the seats are arranged in a small carriage, which make tight twists to the left and right possible in seven different areas throughout the ride. You'll be reaching peak thrills before you can even catch your breath.

4. Eejanaika – Unpredictable Movements!

Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

Rotation Level: ★★★★★
New Sensation Level: ★★★★★

The Eejanaika’s greatest feature is how the roller coaster suddenly accelerates forward and rotates backwards! However, the seats not only rotate within the car, but the ride also makes loops as it twists and turns—making it impossible for ride-goers to predict its exact movements.

With your feet thrown into the air, you’ll feel as if you’re soaring through the vast sky. This surely is a one-of-a-kind experience you can’t have anywhere else but here.

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Other Attractions

So far, we've introduced "The Big 4 Attractions" that you must ride at Fuji-Q Highland. However, these aren't the only attractions at the amusement park and we’ll now introduce other must-visit rides!

The Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear – A Must-Go for Horror Lovers!

Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

The Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear is the world’s largest haunted house. Some attraction-goers have even left mid-course due to extreme fright.

The haunted house is set in an abandoned hospital. One step into the attraction and you'll feel as though you’ve entered a classic horror film.

Hidden devices and tricks scattered throughout the premises are set to not only stimulate your sense of sight and touch, but also instill terror through all five senses. Do you think you'll be able to escape through the entire 900-meter course without turning back?

More Scream-Inducing Attractions

Tondemina. Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

Aside from “The Big 4 Attractions,” the park is full of other scream-inducing rides. Such unique attractions include Tondemina, a ride with outward-facing seats that turn around repetitively in a flying saucer; the Cool Jappaan, where ride-goers dive into a pond from a 30-meter height; and Tentekomai, which allows you to take the controls and go for a spin!

Family-Oriented Areas

Thomas Land

Thomas Land. Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

There are also children-friendly areas aimed at young park-goers who are unable get on thrill rides. Thomas Land features eleven attractions based on the popular blue tank engine series “Thomas & Friends,” as well as restaurants and shops where families can enjoy the entire day.

Lisa and Gaspard Town

Lisa and Gaspard Town. Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

There’s also Lisa and Gaspard Town, which is based off the popular French picture book "Lisa and Gaspard." The area has a multitude of photogenic spots including streets lined with trendy cafés, the main square blooming with flowers, and a mirror maze inspired by the two fictional characters.

Original Attraction-Inspired Food Menu!

Tekkotsu Onion Bancho and the Tekkotsubancho (right)　Picture courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland

There are approximately 20 food joints and restaurants in Fuji-Q Highland. However, the original menu items—which are exclusively available at the park—have been gaining the most attention.

Pictured in the photo is the Tekkotsu Onion Bancho, which can be eaten at Food Stadium: the park’s food court. Inspired by the 50-meter-tall thrill ride Tekkotsubancho, the dish consists of crisp onion rings topped with plenty of cheddar cheese.

There are also various types of restaurants including Kaihoto Shingenkan, where you can enjoy local Yamanashi dishes like hoto (noodle soup with udon). At Grill Kitchen MEATxMEET, diners can sample a wide variety of teppan (grilled on an iron plate) dishes along with Hamburg steak.

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Ticket Information

Free Entry! What About The Best Ticket Values?

Entrance to Fuji-Q Highland is surprisingly free. However, it will cost a fee to ride each individual attraction. The attraction fee for the Big 4 Roller Coasters is 2,000 yen while other rides range from 800 to 1,500 yen.

If you would like to ride several attractions, then we recommend purchasing the Free Pass. If possible, you should buy your ticket in advance as the pre-sale price is cheaper.

Free Pass Price and How to Purchase

The Free Pass price table is available below.

There are also a variety of other tickets, such as the Afternoon Pass that allows afternoon park-goers to go on rides at a discounted price. Advanced tickets can be purchased from the official Fuji-Q Highland website.

Please be aware that some attractions cost a separate fee that is not included with the Free Pass—notably the Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear.

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Opening Hours and Peak Seasons

The park’s opening hours will change depending on the season and day. Opening hours are also extended during peak season and on the weekends, so please check the official website for details.

Additionally, the park usually becomes crowded between March and April during students' spring break, Golden Week at the beginning of May, and summer vacation in August. Be sure to keep this in mind if you’ll be heading to the park during these periods.

Fuji-Q Highland Hotel

One day isn’t enough time to ride all of the attractions! Luckily, Fuji-Q Highland has an official hotel to accommodate your overnight stay.

On top of being directly connected to the park, you’ll have the privilege of entering Fuji-Q Highland fifteen minutes before it opens to the general public. The Free Pass is also available for purchase at a discounted price.

Enjoy Fuji-Q Highland to the Fullest!

Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park filled with fun and thrilling rides beyond your imagination.

There are also nearby tourist attractions, such as Lake Kawaguchi, which would simply be a waste to not spend more than one day visiting this charming area. Please have an exceptional time unmatched by anywhere else while visiting the scenic foothills of Mt. Fuji.

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Fuji-Q Highland

5-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture 403-0017

Original Author: Mayu
This article is updated from an article originally published on August 15, 2016.

Main image courtesy of Fuji-Q Highland