Japan’s First Swing-type Hanging Coaster Opens at Yomiuriland

As TDR Explorer continues to expand, in addition to continued coverage of Disney and Universal properties, we aim to shine a spotlight on the many, many theme parks and attractions found throughout Japan. Many of these smaller theme parks feature unique theming, specialty foods and innovative rides. Today we are featuring one of Tokyo’s older modern theme parks which recently opened a Japan-first coaster.

Yomiuriland

Yomiuriland (よみうりランド) is an amusement park in Inagi, Tokyo, Japan situated on the hillside. The park opened in 1964 and features 44 attractions, from thrilling rides including coasters to family-friendly spinner rides. The park has a water amusement park which is popular in the summer months, features about 1,000 cherry blossoms during the spring and stunning illuminations during winter.

Yomiuriland is split into 8 themed areas, including Flag Street, Lan Lan Area, Plaza Stage of the Sun and Aqua Area. The largest area of the park is “Goodjoba!” (Good Job!), an area themed to “monozukuri“, or Japanese craftsmanship. The area consists of ‘factories’ reflecting food, automotive, fashion, and bungu (stationery), with each factory sponsored by a partner company. Each factory offers daily workshops to provide guests with a hands-on experience with manufacturing.

Unlike typical amusement parks, Goodjoba at Yomiuriland has adopted an ‘edutainment’ model, encouraging guests to learn about the processes behind manufacturing, while being entertained. Each of the factories is sponsored by and highlights products of national corporations – much like the early EPCOT Center at Disney World.

SPACE Factory – “Lipovitan Rocket ☆ Luna”

A new space-themed area “SPACE factory” opened in the Goodjoba area on November 12, 2021, featuring the main attraction, “Lipovitan Rocket ☆ Luna”. The new area is in collaboration with Taisho Pharmaceutical who produces the popular Japanese nutritional drink, “Lipovitan D”.

“Lipovitan Rocket ☆ Luna” is Japan’s first swing-type hanging coaster which features fantasy elements, combining thrill and story. The hanging coaster allows the seats to sway back and forth and left and right. Guests join Lipovitan-Man to make their own LIPOVITAN D capsules, then prepare to launch a rocket to outer space to save Lipovitan-Girl.

Guests start their adventures swinging through the Lipovitan D manufacturing factory where they will see how the drink is bottled, before travelling into space and outside of the building. During the ride, guests can take part in a game that will determine the ending of the ride, with multiple options offered.

After the ride, younger guests can visit the Lipovitan Lab, to participate in a simulated medicine-making experience.

Location	4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8566, Japan
Operating Hours	10:00 to 17:00, 9:00 to 18:00 (Varies depending on season)
Pricing	One-Day Pass: Adult – 5,800, Teen- 4,600, Child – 4,000, Preschoolers- 2,400 Park Admission only tickets are also available
Services	Stroller rental, Wheelchair rental, Baby room, ATM, Coin lockers, Lost and found
Official Website	https://yomiuriland.com/en/

Information and images from Yomiuriland.