Fastest flower viewing ever? That is what the Bandit in Yomiuriland offers during the cherry blossom festival. The Bandit is more than just a roller coaster. It is an experience.
Built in 1988, the Bandit was once the fastest roller coaster in the world. It stole the crown from American Eagle. However, its reign was short. Magnum XL-200 took the title just a year later.
The Bandit is a steel roller coaster. It is located in Yomiuriland. Yomiuriland is an amusement park in Inagi, near Tokyo. The TOGO company constructed this thrilling ride.
The Bandit is a terrain roller coaster. This means it follows the natural curves of Yomiuriland’s hills. The official height is 167.3 feet. But the difference between the highest and lowest points is 256 feet. That was also a record when it was built.
Imagine speeding through the treetops. The Bandit weaves through hundreds of cherry trees. This makes the ride special during the sakura festival. At night, the cherry blossoms along the Bandit’s path light up.
Most of the Bandit’s course is away from Yomiuriland’s other attractions. From the top, riders can see Tokyo’s Shinjuku skyline. A ride on the Bandit costs 1000 yen.
The Bandit is Yomiuriland’s most popular roller coaster. RocketNews24 named it one of Japan’s “10 unmissable roller coasters”. Inside Track magazine ranked it among the world’s best in 1990.
Though thrilling, there have been incidents. In December 2023, the Bandit stopped mid-ride. Twenty-five passengers were stranded about 49 meters high. They walked down and one person had a minor hand injury.
Despite this incident, the Bandit remains a favorite. It combines speed, scenery, and a touch of nature. The Bandit offers a unique roller coaster experience. It is a must-try for any thrill-seeker in Tokyo.