
Beppu: Onsen hot springs, art & much more
With more onsen hot springs than anywhere else in Japan, Beppu takes the crown as the nation’s top…
Ranging from the thrilling to the benign, the entertainment at Kijima caters for all the family. The park’s 25-hectare site is dominated by Jupiter, a 1,600 metre long wooden roller coaster on which cars speed around its tightly twisting tracks up to 91kph and reach a height of 42 metres. In Jupiter’s shadow Kijima’s 37 other amusements include the Newton drop tower, which provides a 40-metre free-fall for those with a hardy stomach; the 30 metre-high Poseidon 30 sheer drop water splash; the innocent-looking but terrifying Kijima-ru pendulum ride; and the soaring Birdman, which repeatedly flings its riders high into the sky before sending them on low level, high-speed passes just metres above the ground.
Amusements for youngsters and those who prefer a more gentle time include the Merry-Go-Round carousel; Ferris Wheel; Kiddy Plane, Convoy and Seastone Burn rides; Plateau Train; and Patgolf 18-hole putting course. Energetic youngsters test their mettle on the Mission 7 K-Stadium obstacle course, their shooting accuracy in VR+, and their motoring skills at the Kid’s Driving School. A large pool area provides respite from the summer’s heat and in winter it is transformed into an ice rink.
At a glance
The Jupiter wooden roller coaster is just one of many thrilling attractions at Kijima Kogen, which also provides amusements suitable for all ages.