Hakugei (roller coaster)
Hakugei is a hybrid steel and wood roller coaster located at Nagashima Spa Land in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the tallest and fastest hybrid roller coasters in the world.
Overview
Hakugei, meaning "white whale" in Japanese, opened on March 28, 2019. It was constructed by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and utilizes their patented I-Box track on a partially existing wooden support structure originally used for the defunct White Cyclone roller coaster. This process is known as an "Iron Horse" conversion.
The ride features a 55-degree first drop, reaching speeds of up to 107 km/h (66 mph). The layout includes several inversions and airtime hills, characteristic of RMC designs.
History
White Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster, operated at Nagashima Spa Land from 1994 to 2018. Due to the coaster's aging and increasing maintenance costs, the park decided to replace it with a new attraction. Instead of demolishing the entire structure, they opted for an "Iron Horse" conversion, reusing a significant portion of the existing wooden supports to create a new hybrid coaster.
The conversion process involved removing the original track and trains of White Cyclone. Rocky Mountain Construction then installed their I-Box track onto the existing wooden frame, reinforcing and modifying it as needed. This resulted in a coaster with a smoother ride and more complex elements than its predecessor.
Ride Experience
Hakugei offers a thrilling ride experience with a combination of high speeds, steep drops, and multiple inversions. The I-Box track provides a significantly smoother ride compared to traditional wooden coasters, allowing for more intricate and intense maneuvers. The airtime hills provide moments of weightlessness, while the inversions offer riders a unique perspective. The coaster's setting within Nagashima Spa Land further enhances the overall experience.
Characteristics
- Type: Hybrid (Steel-Wood)
- Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction
- Height: Approximately 55 meters (180 ft)
- Speed: 107 km/h (66 mph)
- Inversions: Yes
- Drop Angle: 55 degrees
- Former Coaster: White Cyclone
- Location: Nagashima Spa Land, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan