First trip to Fuji Q

Near Mount Fuji, there is an amusement park called Fuji Q. We have traveled to the area twice since we have been in Japan. Every time we go by the park, everyone starts talking about going because of all the roller coasters. We were thinking about going this past weekend because we were going near that area to pick up my jacket that I had left on one of our trips. Since Mona and Macie weren't feeling well, I figured we would wait a couple of weeks. Zach and Andrea had other ideas - once they saw the roller coasters at Fuji Q, they were determined to get there. So, we ended up taking a quick trip - leaving Mona and Macie home to get some rest.

Getting to Fuji Q is easy - it is located right off the tollway. However, finding our way into the park ended up not being so easy. We arrived late in the day and there was no one going into the park (it was also pretty cold - in the 30s). So, with no one to follow, we had to find our own way to the ticket gate. Sounds pretty simple. We walked up to the Fuji Q sign, took some pictures, and started looking for the ticket gate. 

Notice how close the roller coasters are - you will understand why this is important as you read the story. We walked a little further and came to a second sign - also notice the spelling of Fuji Q is different.

  It was a little strange because, as of yet, we still hadn't seen where to buy the tickets. Unsure about just walking onto the park property, we went into the store. We looked around and could not find any signs or places to buy tickets. This started to become one of those frustrating moments when you are in a country where you can't speak the language and the written language is indecipherable. We kept walking to back of the store where we found doors that opened up to stairs that lead to a village similar to something at Disneyland. Stores, places to buy snacks and even small restaurants. But still no place to buy tickets.

  After going through the village we see an arrow pointing towards the roller coasters. We follow the steps but they lead to an area that looked like a delivery and storage area. By this time, we were confused and starting to get frustrated. 

  So, we decide to go back to the parking lot to see if we can find another way into the park. In the parking lot, we see a path with a security officer standing by it. As we approach, he gives us the Japanese hand signal for No - crossing the forearms into a giant X.

  Finally, we decide that this area must be just for souvenirs and window shopping. So, we get into the van and go searching for the entrance. Zach uses google map and it tells us that the park is 20 minutes away. Which was ridiculous because we literally just walked under one of the roller coasters. I decide to just drive around till we find the entrance. We exit going over an overpass, go into another parking area and then go back across the highway - finally ending up in a hotel parking lot. It looked promising because there was also a bus and train station - and a path that lead back to where we could see the tops of the roller coasters. As we walked down the path and around the curve, Zach and Andrea were talking excitedly because we are thinking we finally have this figured out. As the path curved down around a corner, I stopped and couldn't believe what I was seeing. We were right back at the same entrance we had just left.  

  We go back through the store determined this time to find the way into the park. As we descended the stairs at the back of the store for the second time, I looked over the fence and could just make out the ticket gate. Then Zach noticed the fence had a gate/door, he tried it and found that it was unlocked. So, we ended up sneaking across the manicured grass hoping no one would see us and down to the ticket gate. Once we got there, we looked back at the village and we were finally able to see the path we were supposed to take. 

  With all the running around, there was only two hours left until the park closed - so we ended up only riding two rides. But they were two of the most memorable roller coasters I have ever been on. One, the Takabisha, was so wild looking that Andrea began stressing out as we waited in the line. This sign posted on the wall only added to her stress: 

It also didn't help when I told Andrea that the 3 women in front of us that had their heads bowed and eyes closed were praying before they got on the roller coaster. Andrea bailed on us as we were literally getting into our seats. Actually, I was a little nervous myself. The ride has a 121 degree free fall - extra scary because the roller coaster stops during the middle of the ride, then slowly lifts you 140 feet straight up, then as you come over the top, it stops for several seconds before the final drop.

The other ride, The Screamer, launches you to a speed of 111 miles per hour in 1.8 seconds. You are literally pushed back into your seat. A lot of fun.

And, of course, the reason the park is named Fuji Q: