Fuji-Q Highland One-Day Pass

Fuji-Q Highland, the theme park beside Mount Fuji

Fuji-Q Highland stands in Fujiyoshida on the northern foot of Mount Fuji, close to Lake Kawaguchiko. It opened in 1961 and grew into one of Japan's best-known amusement parks, drawing visitors from all over the country for coasters that have set height, speed and steepness records over the years. Few theme parks anywhere have a backdrop like it: a 3,776-metre volcano rising above the rides.

A full day gives you time to enjoy the park without rushing. You can ride the big coasters in the morning when queues are often shorter, spend the middle of the day on the family attractions and come back to the thrill rides late in the afternoon. On clear days Mount Fuji looks close enough to touch from the top of the lift hills, though views are never guaranteed.

The giant coasters and the family rides

The headline coasters are the reason most visitors come. One, opened in 1996, climbs about 79 metres and was once the tallest in the world; another, opened in 2011, plunges at an angle steeper than vertical; a third has seats that rotate forward and backward as the train runs. Drop towers, spinning rides and a large haunted-house attraction, which needs a separate ticket, complete the thrill side.

Younger guests are well served too. The children's areas have small coasters, carousels and play zones, so families can split up and meet again easily. Many of the big coasters have minimum height rules and upper age limits, and some close in strong wind or rain, so check the rules at each entrance. Is Fuji-Q Highland worth visiting for a full day? For coaster lovers, absolutely.

Planning your day at Fuji-Q Highland

Arrive shortly before opening and head straight to the coaster you want most, because the most popular rides build long queues by late morning, especially at weekends and during Japanese school holidays. Weekdays in spring, early summer and autumn are usually the calmest. The park has many restaurants and kiosks, and food and drinks are paid separately; lockers are available for bags you cannot take on the rides.

Many visitors spend the night before or after at Lake Kawaguchiko, a few minutes away, to add the Chureito Pagoda, Oshino Hakkai or the Panorama Ropeway to the trip. Haqqi Tours can arrange a private car with driver for that extra sightseeing day, or private transfers between Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Hakone and the park.

How to get to Fuji-Q Highland and opening hours

How to get to Fuji-Q Highland from Tokyo: highway buses from Shinjuku and Tokyo Station stop right at the park, a ride of about one hour and three quarters to two hours depending on traffic, and the park also has its own station on the local railway, one stop from Kawaguchiko Station. By private car the drive from central Tokyo takes around two hours.

Fuji-Q Highland opening hours vary with the season and the day, generally from morning until early evening, with longer hours in summer and on holidays and occasional maintenance closure days. Check the park calendar for your date. On arrival, scan the QR code of your e-ticket at the ticket reader to receive your admission ticket and walk in.