Jul 9, 2025
A bad day for a roller coaster anniversary
July 9th annually is Rollercoaster Day. Tokyo Dome Corporation registered it to commemorate the first large scale "roller coaster" at Korakuen Amusement Park (now Tokyo Dome City) on July 9th, 1955. Honestly, the very last thing I would want to do on this day is ride a roller coaster. But in fairness, it is hotter this July 9th than national averages.
Today, July 9th 2025, it is about 35 degrees in most of Kanto. And, despite a cloudy day being forecast, the sun is intense in my area of Saitama. I can't imagine queuing up to ride a roller coaster in this weather. Moreover, I imagine that the seats and handles of any roller coaster ride are burning hot to the touch today. Even if the weather was more like an average year, the chance of rain is always quite high on July 9th as it is often still rainy season. It really isn't a good date for the anniversary, in my humble opinion.
Have you ever wondered why roller coasters are called jet coasters in Japan? Well, its actually because of that very first large scale roller coaster at Tokyo Dome City. The name of the roller coaster ride was "Jet Coaster". It was named after a jet plane, and became so popular that the term "Jet Coaster" came into common use.
Do you like roller coasters? Would you ride one in this weather?
Irish, Mom of 4, currently also living beside the In-Laws. 25+ years back and forth between Ireland and Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
2 Comments
Lyssays
on Jul 10
Yeah, even with the breeze a decent rollercoaster would hopefully generate, that does not sounds fun at all. Just thinking about queueing the heat makes me groan. Interesting about the origins of the name! I did wonder how “jet coaster” came to be the go-to word!
BigfamJapan
on Jul 9
@Lyssays it only took me one year to see your comment! Sorry about that, a lot was going on last July. I was thinking even the ones that splash into water wouldn't make the wait worth it! I really am envious of people who are able to take the humidity here, I just want to live under an air conditioner in the summer!