Thirty-four members of the VAQ-142 Gray Wolves took part in a squadron MWR-sponsored trip to the Japanese theme park Space World on Feb. 28.

Space World is located in Kita-Kyushu, 15 minutes away from the famous Kanmon Bridge that connects Japan’s islands of Honshu and Kyushu. The 2 1/2-hour trip was made on a charter bus from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni.

Chilly weather kept most locals away so there were short waiting lines for most of the rides. Gray Wolves got to participate in almost all of the attractions multiple times.

Of the many rides, Venus gets the squadron’s vote. The roller coaster rises 40 meters (approximately 131 feet) into the sky and initially descends at a 60-degree incline with a 360-degree loop and numerous rolls. Almost everyone rode on this ride at least twice.

A close second on everyone’s list of favorites was the Titan, which is over 60 meters tall (approximately 197 feet) and descends at a 60-degree incline as well. While this favorite of the “older” crowd does not have any loops, it does include many rolls and twists and reaches speeds of over 70 mph!

Other attractions included a water ride and a 100-meter tall Ferris wheel and numerous. There were plenty of places to eat, from Japanese food to burgers and even Kentucky Fried Chicken.

One could find anything in the many souvenir shops, including freeze-dried ice cream enjoyed by our NASA astronauts.

Some slept on the ride home, while others talked over the day’s events.

Everyone who went enjoyed the sights and sounds of Japan and a day away from months of hard workk.