Dodonpa (ドドンパ?), an S&S Worldwide roller coaster located at the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi, Japan, is distinguished as the second roller coaster ever to utilize the power of compressed air to launch its trains. This steel roller coaster made its debut on 21 December 2001, immediately making headlines when it broke two records. First, it attained the title of fastest roller coaster in the world, previously shared by Superman: The Escape and Tower of Terror. Then, it claimed the record for fastest acceleration, previously held by another S&S Worldwide creation, Hypersonic XLC. Today, it is ranked as the fourth fastest roller coaster; however, over the past decade, it has proved unbeatable when it comes to acceleration.
With all of its credentials, Dodonpa is frequently ranked in the top 10 best/most extreme/scariest roller coasters in the world by Time Magazine, Travel + Leisure, AYNILists, About.com, and Travel Around the World.
Read more about Dodonpa: Speed and Acceleration, The Full Experience, Predecessor, Engineering Concept, Safety