Fuji-Q Highlands Discussion Thread

[bert425]

1 hour ago, Nrthwnd said:

^^ When that happened to me, on the 2013 Japan Tour, I just looked at the "Locker Key Whatever the F" and thought....

"You have got to be kidding me!"

And that one, plus what I remember of the "Thunder Dolphin Experience" (2007) were both WTF moments in regards to lockers, blah blah.

And By The Way..... I couldn't find where this new coaster was going. A reminder please? Thanks in advance?

there's a big, open, spot where the Wild Mouse coaster was.

[bert425]

16 minutes ago, PKI Jizzman said:

Hmm lots of supports... I'm excited for whatever they are adding. Honestly it's a tiny ass park with 4 amazing adult coasters in a few flat rides. It really needs more substance despite having 4 amazing unique coasters.

the Air Race was FREAKING FANTASTIC too. . . and I loved the Lucky Cat rapids (do make sure you purchase the poncho from the machine in line. . it WILL soak you)

[Nrthwnd]

^ We saw, but did not ride.

David, in front of, the rapids area. TPR 2013 Japan Tour.

[bert425]

 

 

we rode and the queue clearly notes it's a "moist" ride.

but those who invested in the "in queue" ponchos?  got significantly less wet (from FREEZING cold water) than others

[bert425]

^ Zach cracks me up in this pic every time I see it. . such fond memories!

 

[Garet]

^ I think these guys stayed pretty dry on it.

[Nrthwnd]

^ I wonder if that one cost 'extra' to ride in?

[KBrylczyk]

^^ That must be the Washing Machine upgrade.  Water comes in but it won't flow out.

[Garet]

Quote

Fuji-Q Highland, a theme park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, announced on Wednesday that it will cease operations of its Do-Dodonpa roller coaster.

Do-Dodonpa, a popular attraction known for its claim to be the “world’s fastest accelerating” roller coaster, can accelerate to a speed of 180 kilometers per hour in just 1.56 seconds. Since its opening in December 2001, it has been enjoyed by 9.3 million people. However, the ride has been out of service since August 2021 due to reports of serious injuries sustained by some riders.

According to Fuji-Q Highland, there have been 12 reported injuries possibly related to the use of Do-Dodonpa, with six people suffering serious injuries such as broken bones in the chest and neck. Despite ongoing discussions with the manufacturer on measures to ensure safe operation, the theme park has concluded that concrete solutions are difficult to implement.

Source

Quote

2024.03.13

Regarding Do-Dodonpa- Fastest Roller Coaster, from August 2021, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Lift Accident Investigation Subcommittee,
Since September of the same year, the Company has been under investigation by the Customer Safety Management Investigation Committee, a third-party committee of the Company.
To date, there have been no complaints regarding the relevant laws and regulations or management/maintenance.
Please note that the Customer Safety Management Investigation Committee ended in March 2022.

While the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Elevator Accident Investigation Subcommittee is currently investigating the cause and investigating and considering measures to prevent recurrence, we have completely eliminated the risk of injury to customers and the risk of a wrong-way vehicle stop.
Although we have held repeated discussions with the manufacturer regarding ways to ensure safe operation, we have come to the conclusion that it is difficult to make it concrete.
In order to fulfill our social responsibility as a company Business an amusement park that puts safety first, we have decided to close Business.

This model (including its predecessor) is Fuji-Q Highland 's representative coaster, which has been used and supported by 9.3 million people since it opened in December 2001.
We have received requests from many customers to resume Business, but we apologize for not being able to respond to them.
We would also like to express our deepest sympathies to the customers who were injured despite coming to the park.
We will continue to Business with the safety and security of all our customers as our top priority.

Official statement

[pianojohn]

Rode this once way back in 2003. It was INTENSE. Apparently too intense. 

[SharkTums]

Great ride but really pushed the limits of the human body. Gave me anxiety every time I rode with that launch. It was amazing, like getting hit by a truck in the best way possible! 

[Electerik]

Was really looking forward to going to Japan next year and not being allowed to ride it.

[Nrthwnd]

What I remember the most, is that insane THUMPing soundtrack that played on and on and on, in the indoor part of the queue. When I was TPRing there, 2007, 2011, 2013.

"When it had a TAAAAALLLLL Top Hat (I think) back then..." 2013 Tour

[Garet]

Quote

1st March 2025 – (Tokyo) A 29-year-old maintenance worker tragically lost his life at Fuji-Q Highland, one of Japan’s premier theme parks, during a routine inspection of the Eejanaika roller coaster. The incident occurred at approximately 11.50am on 28th February, when a ride vehicle unexpectedly moved, crushing Iori Kamura beneath it.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that Kamura was engaged in maintenance work on the park’s renowned fourth dimension coaster, famed for its 360-degree rotating seats and thrilling twists. Emergency responders swiftly transported him to a nearby hospital; however, he was pronounced unconscious upon arrival. The Fujiyoshida Police Department is currently investigating whether appropriate safety measures were adhered to during the inspection.

Eejanaika has a troubling history of incidents. In 2007, a maintenance worker sustained serious injuries when a ride vehicle moved unexpectedly, and a 2012 incident involving a snapped bolt resulted in injuries to a guest. Following these events, Fuji-Q Highland implemented new safety protocols, including restricting access to certain areas and banning onboard electronic devices.

The park has faced scrutiny over its safety practices in the past. In 2021, another roller coaster, Do-Dodonpa, was closed after multiple riders sustained severe injuries, leading to its permanent shutdown in March 2024.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Kamura’s death, Eejanaika has been suspended indefinitely, with no indication of when it may reopen.

Source

[SharkTums]

Pretty crazy to have an accident like that!

[KBrylczyk]

Fuji-Q, where ex-pat maintenance guys from Wisconsin Dells go.

[jedimaster1227]

Fuji-Q Highland and San-X have announced that San-X Paradise will open later this year in the former "Mini Fuji" section of the park!

https://www.fujiq.jp/en/special/sanxparadise/index.html 

https://www.san-x.co.jp/en/blog/2026-03-post-0649290/ 

Fuji-Q Highland x San-X new information ♪

What is the name of the new San-X area born in Fuji-Q Highland “San-X Paradise” has been decided! Also, it has been decided that it will open in the summer of 2026 ♪ At the same time, the area logo and new key visuals will also be unveiled for the first time!

“San-X Paradise” is a themed area with an area of about 6,500 square meters, and was born on the site of an old facility once called “Mini Fuji” in Fuji-Q Highland. It is the only outdoor theme park in the world that has attractions, restaurants, shops, etc. where you can experience the world view of the characters from the San-X universe in a perfect location overlooking Mt. Fuji.

The new key visuals to be released this time express how characters wearing original costumes from “San-X Paradise” welcome customers in a new area where the excitement of the amusement park and “healing” coexist. Also, various characters will appear in the area, including “Rilakkuma” and “Sumikkogurashi”!

Official X: https://x.com/sanxparadise 

Special site: https://www.fujiq.jp/special/sanxparadise 

Area Overview

• Name: “San-X Paradise”
• Opening date: Summer 2026
• Area: Approximately 6,500 square meters
• Location: 5-6-1, Nishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017
• Business hours: Same as Fuji-Q Highland business hours
• Annual holidays: irregular access:
• By car... Approximately 80 minutes from Shinjuku on the Chuo Expressway, next to Kawaguchiko IC Approximately 90 minutes from Tokyo via Tomei Expressway/Gotemba IC or Higashi-Fujigoko Road Bus...
• From Shinjuku, take the express bus for about 100 minutes and get off at Fujikyu Highland Train... Transfer to the Fujikyu Line at Otsuki Station on the JR Chuo Main Line and get off at Fujikyu Highland Station Approximately 50 minutes from Otsuki Station

Concepts

The concept of “San-X Paradise” is “character x healing x amusement park = chemical change in 'kawaii'”! By combining many characters with the thrilling excitement of an amusement park, we aim to be an area where you can enjoy a sense of immersion into a special world. Starting with “Rilakkuma,” “Sumikkogurashi,” “Tarepanda,” “Nyan Nyan Cat,” and new characters that have appeared in recent years, etc., there will be a large gathering of San-X friends ♪ It is planned to be a structure that both children and adults can enjoy.

What is “San-X Universe”?

With the magic of San-X's Yosei, friends with rich personalities crossed the world and were filled. Designs where nostalgia and freshness intersect, from long-loved characters to new friends, We will deliver a moment where a smile spills out while snuggling up to you. Why don't you feel the little magic that softly unravels your heart with the San-X girls?

Click here for the official website of “San-X Universe”

We will continue to deliver information sequentially in the future, Please pay attention to “San-X Paradise” ♪

Official X: https://x.com/sanxparadise 

Special site: https://www.fujiq.jp/special/sanxparadise

[Contact] Fuji-Q Highland Co., Ltd. Email: highland@fujikyu.co.jp Reception hours: 9:00 to 17:00 *Same as business hours

[jedimaster1227]

While Do-Dodonpa has been closed for some time, it appears that that construction of a new structure is taking place around the former coaster's remaining loop.