By TAKUYA IKEDA/ Staff Writer
September 8, 2023 at 08:00 JST
The new “Zokkon” roller coaster at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture (Takuya Ikeda)
FUJIYOSHIDA, Yamanashi Prefecture--A motorcycle-themed roller coaster ride is now sending thrill seekers into a frenzy at the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park here.
The “Zokkon” (head over heels in love) ride is the first new roller coaster to be introduced in 12 years at the amusement park following the Takabisha attraction, dubbed the world's “scariest.”
Users straddle motorcycle-shaped contraptions for a ride that shoots up 24 meters in a riding position, navigates a series of curves and runs backward. The three-minute adrenaline-coursing ride achieves a top speed of around 73 kph.
The attraction was named Zokkon because it has a Japanese ring to it and sounds rhythmical, according to the park operator, adding that it should be easy for non-Japanese speakers to remember.
“It was fun. I was so thrilled I couldn’t help crying,” said an enthralled Sarara Maeno, 25, a company employee from Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, who was the first to enjoy the ride.
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