Fuji-Q Highland: Roller Coasters Beside Mount Fuji

Plan a day at Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, where record-setting coasters, haunted houses and family zones sit beneath Mount Fuji, with access and tips.

Published October 17, 2026 at 8:54 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, is a free-entry amusement park at the foot of Mount Fuji, famous for coasters such as Fujiyama, Eejanaika and Takabisha. Fuji-Q Highland Station is about a one-minute walk from the park.

Thrills With a Famous Backdrop

Most amusement parks would be happy with a good ride lineup. Fuji-Q Highland has that and a mountain on top. Set in the town of Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture, it sits at the foot of Mount Fuji, and on a clear day the volcano looms behind the track as coaster trains rattle past. The park has built a worldwide reputation among thrill seekers for its record-breaking coasters, and it also offers gentler rides, character zones and haunted houses. This guide covers the history of the park, the headline coasters, other attractions worth planning around, and how to get there and make the most of a busy day.

A day at Fuji-Q is easy to pair with other Fuji-area plans, such as lakeside sightseeing around Kawaguchiko or the famous pagoda view nearby. Many visitors also treat it as a high-energy break between more traditional temple and shrine stops.

A Brief History of the Park

Fuji-Q Highland opened on March 2, 1968, and is operated by the Fujikyu group, a company closely tied to the local Fujikyuko railway. Over the decades it has grown from a modest leisure park into a major destination, adding new coasters and themed areas along the way. Today it is open year-round and uses a distinctive model: entry to the grounds is free, and visitors typically buy a one-day ride pass or individual tickets for the attractions they want.

That free-entry approach makes the park welcoming for those who just want to look around, enjoy the scenery or take part in a few activities. It also makes it flexible for groups where some members want big thrills and others prefer to relax at a cafe. Prices vary by date and category, and some attractions are not included in the pass, so check the official site before you go.

The Headline Coasters

The star of the park is Fujiyama, which opened in 1996. Reaching 79 meters in height and a top speed of about 130 kilometers per hour, it was once the tallest roller coaster in the world, and it remains a legendary ride, nicknamed the "King of Coasters." Its long track and steep drops give riders sweeping views of the landscape, and, on a clear day, of Mount Fuji itself.

Eejanaika, which opened in 2006, is a different kind of thrill. It is a fourth-dimension coaster, which means the seats rotate freely while the train moves along the track, adding flips and spins to the big drops. The ride includes 14 inversions in total, a headline feature that makes it one of the park's most talked-about rides. Its name comes from a Japanese phrase that roughly means "Isn't it great?" and the ride does its best to make you say exactly that, or perhaps gasp it.

Takabisha, from 2011, took a different approach to extremes. It reaches about 43 meters tall and 100 kilometers per hour, with a 121-degree drop, and it was the steepest coaster in the world when it opened. Newer additions have broadened the lineup, including Zokkon, a launched steel coaster from 2023 that is designed with a family-friendly spirit. Each ride has height and age limits, so check the requirements on the official site, particularly if you are traveling with children.

More Than Coasters: Themed Zones and Haunted Houses

Not everyone in your group needs to love speed. The park has several themed areas designed for younger visitors and families, including Thomas Land, based on the beloved children's train characters, and areas devoted to the characters Lisa and Gaspard and to San-X. There is also a hidden-village zone inspired by the anime Naruto. These areas have gentler rides, photo spots and merchandise, so they are a good choice for a slower pace.

For a different kind of adrenaline, the park is famed for its haunted attractions. One walk-through maze stretches around 900 meters, and it is known for sending many guests rushing for the exit. Haunted attractions are a Japanese specialty and can be a fun, shared experience for brave groups. Check each attraction's age guidance in advance.

Between rides, you can enjoy the park's food stands and shops, many of which serve Japanese snacks and sweets. Facilities include coin lockers, credit card payment, free Wi-Fi, and signs or pamphlets in several foreign languages, which makes the park easy for international visitors to navigate.

Getting There and Planning Your Day

From Tokyo, the simplest route is a highway bus from Busta Shinjuku, which takes around an hour and 40 minutes in light traffic but can take much longer on busy weekends and holidays. Alternatively, take a limited express on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to Fuji-Q Highland Station, which is about a one-minute walk from the park. Direct Fuji Excursion trains also run on some schedules, taking roughly an hour and 50 minutes. Check timetables and any rail passes you might be using.

The park usually opens in the morning and closes in the evening, with hours varying by day, so check the calendar before you travel. Arrive early, because the most popular rides build queues quickly. The official Q-chan app shows ride wait times and offers priority tickets, which can save time on busy days, and extra-fee priority passes are available for some rides. Weekdays outside holidays are generally calmer, while Japanese holidays and school breaks bring the biggest crowds.

Dress comfortably, wear secure shoes and carry a rain jacket, since mountain weather can change quickly. Loose items such as hats and sunglasses usually need to be stored before boarding the big coasters, so plan to use a locker. Drink water and eat properly if you plan to ride several intense coasters in a row. As of autumn 2026, ride lineups and special events can change, so confirm which attractions are open before you decide your plan.

The seasons change the experience. Crisp, clear days in autumn and winter often give the best chances of seeing Mount Fuji, while summer brings warmer weather and a lively holiday atmosphere. The park also runs a skating rink in winter, which gives colder months their own charm. If you plan to spend a full day, take breaks to sit in the cafes, step outside the rides for a look at the mountain, and keep a little energy for the last ride of the evening, when the lights come on and the park takes on a different mood.

Quick Takeaways

Fuji-Q Highland is a bucket-list stop for coaster fans and a fun day out for families. Come for Fujiyama, Eejanaika and Takabisha, stay for the themed zones and haunted houses, and look up whenever the clouds clear so you do not miss the mountain behind the track. Arrive early, use the app for wait times, check height limits and bring layers. With a little planning, this park near Mount Fuji delivers a day you will remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to enter Fuji-Q Highland?

Entry to the grounds is free, and visitors usually buy a one-day ride pass or tickets for individual attractions. Prices vary by date and category, and some attractions are not covered by the pass, so check the official site first.

How do you get to Fuji-Q Highland from Tokyo?

A highway bus from Busta Shinjuku takes about an hour and 40 minutes in light traffic. By train, take a JR Chuo Line limited express to Otsuki and transfer to the Fujikyuko Line for Fuji-Q Highland Station, a one-minute walk from the park.

Which are the most famous coasters at Fuji-Q Highland?

Fujiyama, which opened in 1996, was once the world's tallest coaster. Eejanaika is a fourth-dimension coaster with rotating seats and 14 inversions, and Takabisha has a 121-degree drop. Each ride has height and age limits, so check requirements before you queue.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Chureito Pagoda: A Classic Mount Fuji View, Ryogoku: Tokyo's Sumo Town and Koenji: Tokyo's Easygoing Vintage Neighborhood.