News

You can now ride Japan’s most famous roller coasters online

Tokyo Dome, Yomiuriland and other Japanese theme parks are sharing their wildest roller coasters online – so you can take a virtual ride at home

Kasey Furutani
Written by
Kasey Furutani
hakkeijima
Photo: Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Advertising

Getting a little antsy from staying at home all day? Theme parks, including Yomiuriland, Tokyo Dome City and Yokohama’s Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, have uploaded free videos of their attractions – including bungee jumping, VR games and of course, roller coasters – so you can get your adrenaline rush from the comfort of your couch. 

Here are some of the best, and scariest, rides. 

Thunder Dolphin at Tokyo Dome City

The adorably-named Thunder Dolphin is not for the faint of heart. The steel roller coaster starts with an 80-degree incline, where you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of Tokyo, before the roller coaster reaches speeds of 130kmph, whipping through Tokyo Dome’s famous Big O.

Roller Coaster at Hanayashiki 

Located in Asakusa, Hanayashiki is Tokyo’s oldest amusement park, dating back to 1853. It is also home to Tokyo’s oldest roller coaster, which opened in 1953. The aptly named Roller Coaster might not be the most thrilling ride as it only reaches speeds up to 42kmph. But, if you crank up the sound, you’ll notice some scary creaking noises coming from the nearly 70-year-old coaster. 

Bandit at Yomiuriland 

Bandit, Yomiuriland’s classic roller coaster, is surprisingly long – the three-minute ride will whip you through the forests of western Tokyo, reaching speeds of 110kmph.

Surf Coaster Leviathan at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise 

Yokohama’s Surf Coaster Leviathan (at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise) is Japan’s only roller coaster that travels over the ocean. The four-minute long ride is incredibly thrilling – you’ll dip and drop and twist on a 90-degree helix, all above the sea water. 

Merry-go-round at Seibu Yuenchi 

Not an adrenaline fiend? Seibu Yuenchi’s classic merry-go-round will calm your nerves. Featuring lions, giraffes, zebras and even an ostrich, the animals are connected to the ride from the floor rather than the ceiling, making for a slightly more realistic-looking animal parade. 

For more amusement ride videos, see Yomiuriland’s official website

More from Time Out Tokyo

Survey: tell us what living in Tokyo is really like for you

This Ginza department store is opening a dedicated sneaker floor

Brian Eno is holding his first major art exhibition in Kyoto this summer

This Kyoto temple is opening for cherry blossom viewing at night

See 4,000 cherry blossoms lit up at Niigata's Takada Castle this spring

Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

More on Time In
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising