Travellers' Checks | For a crazy Japan experience, try Don Quijote fairground ride in Osaka
The fairground ride on the front of a discount store, broken for the past 10 years, has just reopened and costs just US$5 per person. Plus a new entrant to Historic Hotels of America and its star-studded past
The Don Quijote discount store in Osaka’s busy Dotonbori shopping, dining and nightlife district has finally reopened its once-popular fairground ride. Fixed to the front of the store, the ride broke down about 10 years ago but was this month relaunched in the hope of attracting “both foreign tourists and locals”.
It might not offer views like the London Eye Ferris wheel, and is only about half the height, but this is one of those “crazy Japan” experiences that shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the area. The 32 four-seat cabins take about 15 minutes to go around, and the ride is open from 11am to 11pm, weather permitting, costing 600 yen (US$5) per person.
Even more impressive is the half-pipe roller coaster that the Don Quijote store in Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills built – on its rooftop in 2006. Sadly, though, that has been unable to open due to protests by local businesses and residents, and still stands silent above the capital’s streets, awaiting official approval that may never come.
