Hey, it’s Wes, and welcome to DinkLife! Today, I want to share my solo day in Japan with you. My wife and I decided to explore different activities for the day—I headed to an amusement park, while she enjoyed a relaxing massage.
My first amusement park visit of the year was Fuji-Q Highland, located near Mount Fuji. It took about an hour and 20 minutes from Shinjuku, where we were staying. To make things convenient, I purchased a bus tour package through a service called Klook. For around sixty dollars, I got the bus ride to and from the park, as well as admission. I’ll include the details and links in the description below.
To join the bus tour, you need to go to the Shinjuku West exit and look for a specific meeting point. Keep in mind that there aren’t many food or coffee options around that area since it’s close to a university campus.
Upon arrival at the meeting point, I spotted a guy in a yellow jacket with “Fuji Q” written on the back. The tour reviews mentioned that there would be English-speaking staff, but in my experience, the guide had limited English skills. The bus was mostly filled with people in their early 20s, and I happened to be the oldest person on board. Not a big deal, though.
It’s worth noting that the bus has assigned seats, and you’ll have the same seat on the return journey. The bus stays at the park all day, so it’s the same one you ride in and out. Make sure to arrive on time as the bus departs at 7 am sharp. Also, there are no restroom facilities on the bus, so plan accordingly.
The bus ride to Fuji-Q Highland takes around an hour and 20 minutes. It’s a beautiful journey through the mountains, especially with Mount Fuji in the backdrop. Since I visited in March, the temperature was colder up there, and there was some snow on the ground, about one to one and a half inches. The snow was melting quickly due to the warm weather, and it didn’t seem like they get a lot of snow regularly.
Once we arrived at the park, we got off the bus, and I noticed workers on lifts brushing off the snow from the roller coaster tracks to speed up the thawing process. Walking through the entrance, which passes through a large store and cute dog figures, I followed a path with a charming European vibe that led me to the front of the park. At the entrance, the bus driver provided a QR ticket that needed to be scanned at a kiosk. The instructions and kiosk were available in English, making the process smooth. After scanning the temporary ticket, a printed ticket was issued for entry.
I arrived at the park just before 9 am, as it opened at that time. Surprisingly, I had to wait in line for the park gates to open, which was a first-time experience for me at an amusement park. Upon reaching the gate, I scanned my ticket and underwent a face scan. This face scan was used to verify my identity on all the rides throughout the day. Each time I boarded a ride, I simply scanned my face, confirming that I was a park visitor.
Since not many attractions were open yet and there was still snow to clear, I noticed some young visitors excitedly playing in the snow. They were making snowballs, having snowball fights, and even building snowmen in the park center. It was a fun sight to see and added to the unique experience.
Apart from the roller coasters, I explored other areas of the park, like Thomas Land, which was a hit among families with young kids. The Thomas the Tank Engine-themed attractions were cute and nostalgic.
Overall, my solo adventure to Fuji Q Highland was a memorable one. The bus tour made it convenient and saved me the hassle of navigating public transportation. Despite some rides being closed and the lingering snow, I had a great time enjoying the open attractions, trying local food, and immersing myself in the unique atmosphere of the park.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and love amusement parks, I highly recommend adding Fuji Q Highland to your itinerary. Just make sure to check the park’s website for ride availability and consider the weather conditions, especially during the winter months.
That’s it for today’s adventure on DinkLife!
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