Jupiter was the first wooden roller coaster in Japan and the only one until White Canyon at Yomiuriland and White Cyclone at Nagashima Spa Land both opened in 1994.[3] At over 1,600 metres (5,200ft) in length,[1] Jupiter is the 7th longest wooden roller coaster in the world.[4]
History
Although Japan has had numerous notable roller coasters—including coasters that have held the record of world's longest, world's fastest, and world's tallest roller coaster—it has had relatively few wooden roller coasters. This resulted from Japanese earthquake engineering regulations that restricted the construction of tall wooden structures. It was not until after these restrictions were modified that Jupiter (and later White Canyon and White Cyclone) could be constructed.[5]
Jupiter was built by Intamin out of Norway sprucelumber[6] and it cost a total of 2.5 billion yen to construct.[2] The coaster was also the last to be designed by noted roller coaster designer Curtis D. Summers before his death in 1992 and it was one of only two coasters that he produced with Intamin.[7][8]
While it is reported to be the most popular ride at Kijima Kogen,[9] Jupiter is described by a number of sources as having a rough and somewhat uncomfortable ride experience.[2][9] Single rides on Jupiter cost 1,300 yen.[6]
