Dodonpa, Steel roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland, Japan
Dodonpa is a steel roller coaster at Fuji-Q Highland rising 52 meters above ground and spanning approximately 1200 meters of track. A compressed air launch system propels riders at extreme speeds through its aerodynamic course.
The attraction opened in December 2001, establishing new standards for launch acceleration technology at the time. It represented a significant technological leap for the amusement industry.
The name draws from traditional Japanese drums that announce celebrations, linking contemporary amusement technology with classical Japanese cultural symbols. This connection gives the ride a local cultural resonance beyond its mechanical function.
Riders must be between 120 and 195 centimeters tall to experience this attraction. Visitors should prepare for intense acceleration forces and rapid directional changes.
On clear days, riders can glimpse Mount Fuji from the peak of the ride, adding a natural backdrop to the mechanical rush. This view transforms the experience into something beyond the usual amusement park attraction.
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