FujiQ Highland

Are you really, really serious about your theme parks?  Is your idea of a good time hanging upside down, or being spun around so many times that you don't know which way is up? Then read on...

Located in the shadow of Mt Fuji, FujiQ Highland is the big daddy of Japanese theme parks and the home of Japan's most frightening rides, featuring three Guiness Book of Record Holders.

When Fujiyama was built in 1996, at 259 feet it was the world's tallest rollercoaster and had the largest drop in the world (235 feet). Currently sitting at a respectable 8th, when you are at the top of Fujiyama facing that massive drop, you feel like you are level with Mt Fuji!

Dodonpa opened in 2001 and took the title of the fastest coaster in the world. Currently it sits in 3rd place, however at 172km/h (107mph) it still has the highest acceleration at launch time.

Last but certainly not least, is the newest addition, the monstrous Eejanaika (translation - Hey, what the hell!).  Only the second '4th Dimension' coaster in the world, its in the Guinness Book of Records as the roller coaster with the most inversions in the world (14). The seats can rotate forward or backward 360 degrees, making it a truly hair-raising experience!

Fuji-Q has a host of other terrifying rides, including a haunted hospital, but also caters for the young ones as well. Thomas Land based on Thomas the Tank Engine is particularly popular and features all the main characters.