Brazil boasts the largest population of Japanese people outside of Japan. Many Japanese began moving to this South American country in the early twentieth century following the abolition of slavery and the subsequent need for laborers to harvest coffee. Japan and Brazil have since exchanged and blended cultures through many ways including agriculture, festivals, and Jiu-Jitsu. Although quirky, it is not too surprising that you can find a Brazilian theme park in the city of Okayama located in the southern region of Okayama prefecture.
Washuzan Highland Amusement Park features the SkyCycle, a unique roller coaster requiring passengers to pedal from beginning to end on side by side tandem bicycles. Though the course is simple, without any drops or loops, moving at a significantly slower rate than a normal roller coaster while suspended four stories above ground can be quite terrifying. While there are seat belts provided, there are no guard rails. We cannot say for sure, but we assume that the SkyCycle is in some ways an attempt to incorporate the elements of adventure travel that are popular in Brazil.
Take a look of the photos below and let us know if you would be so daring to hop on!
At the Washuzan Highland Amusement Park in Okayama, Japan, you will find the SkyCycle, a roller coaster in which passengers are required to pedal a course four stories high.
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The carts are open air and there are no guard rails.
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The cars are side by side tandem bikes, making the ride popular for couples.
Michael Calore / Flickr
Passengers can control the speed as they pedal along the course. How fast would you go?
Michael Calore / Flickr
Perhaps the growing vegetation can distract you from your fear of heights.
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There are no loops or drops, but it’s a much longer ride than the average roller coaster. Just remember not to look down!
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You can enjoy views of the Shimotsui-Seto Bridge while your heart races at record speeds.
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You tell us. Are these sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea worth the ride?
Source: Amusing Planet