We arrived at the park entrance around noon. The afternoon pass wasn't valid until 1 PM, so we bought a full-day pass instead. Buying through Ctrip was convenient and a little cheaper than buying on-site.
A retired lady in her early fifties came to Fuji-Q Highland specifically for their world-record roller coasters. We rode them once, and while the Takabi Coaster had the steepest drop and Fujiyama the highest and longest ride, neither felt particularly thrilling. The only one that made me scream was Eejanaika, a roller coaster where the seat spun 360 degrees while the coaster rapidly ascended and descended – it felt like being in a washing machine, my brain was practically spinning! My favorite was ZOKKON, with its amazing light and music effects – it was incredibly exciting. Despite the longest queue, we rode it twice and still wanted more. Riding it after dark is even better.
To get our money's worth, we also tried a few other moderately intense rides (see picture two). Halfway through, the clouds cleared, and we saw Mount Fuji with its snow-capped peak. Climbing hundreds of steps this morning was tiring for my legs; riding roller coasters non-stop this afternoon was tiring for my neck. A perfect day! [smirk]