Roller coaster in Nagashima Spa Land, Mie Prefecture, Japan  Aug 16, 2024

From single rails to virtual reality experiences, roller coasters have been thrilling people for centuries. The origins of these rides can be traced back to 17th-century Russia, where wooden slides—"Russian Mountains"—provided seasonal entertainment. Pictured here is a hybrid coaster that combines wood and steel—Hakugei, the White Whale of Japan in Nagashima Spa Land. Once known as the White Cyclone, this beast underwent a transformation in 2019. The ride"s wooden track was replaced with a steel track. Its metamorphosis not only revved up its velocity and propelled it to new heights but also introduced gravity-defying inversions. So, if you find yourself in Japan, brave the Hakugei—buckle up, take the plunge and emerge with a tale as epic as the ride itself.

© Japanese amateur photographer/Getty Images

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