A new ride called the Tower of Terror has opened at Tokyo DisneySea theme park in Japan.

Costing a reported Y21bn (US$0.17bn, £0.09bn, 0.14bn euro), the Tower of Terror – or Tawaa obu teraa in Japanese – is similar in concept to the freefall-style rides at Disney’s US-based parks and is the 26th ride to open at the Tokyo attraction.

Lasting two minutes, the 59m (194ft) tall ride reaches a maximum 38m (125ft) drop, where up to 22 riders plummet at speeds of 50kph.

The ride’s story revolves around a New York hotel at the turn of the 20th century which has been closed for 13 years following the disappearance of its owner, Harrison Hightower III. Riders then progress through themed ‘rooms’ until they reach the elevator leading to Hightower’s penthouse apartment, where the paranormal frights begin. Details: www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp