Selected news topics by Fukuoka Now from Fukuoka’s Shisei Dayori.
New City Transportation Passes
On Oct. 1 Nishinippon Railroad, JR Kyushu, Showa Bus and the City Transportation Bureau began selling the Fukuoka Tourist City Pass, a one-day ticket for foreign visitors that includes bus, train and subway access to major sites in and around the city as well as Dazaifu. A one-year trial of the Fukuoka Downtown Double Pass also began. This pass is ¥12,000/month and provides all-you-can-ride access to central destinations on the Nishitetsu Omuta Line (Fukuoka~Takamiya) and regular buses within the city center area. It’s now more convenient than ever for visitors and residents to get around the city on public transport.
Park-and-Ride
Park-and-Ride, a system of parking lots near train stations and bus stops for people transferring to public transport, aims to alleviate traffic jams and reduce CO2 emissions. City Hall has teamed up with three local shopping centers to provide park-and-ride service using their large parking lots: (1) Aeon Mall Fukuoka Ito (¥4,000/mo./0120-02-8924 (Times 24 Co.)), (2) Konoha Mall Hashimoto (¥6,500/mo./092-407-2800), (3) Aeon Mall Kashiihama (available with purchase of ¥5,000 gift certificate/092-673-6100).
Clothes and Books Recycle
If you have old clothes and books that are still in usable condition, please drop them off at the Seibu 3R Station (1043-2 Imajukuaoki, Nishi-ku / 092-882-3190; Open: Tue~Sun, 10:00~16:30/Closed: Mondays and days following national holidays). Used items are put on display and given to people who want them.
Late Night Subways in December
The last trains on the city subway will run about 30 minutes later than usual on Fridays in December (12/6, 12/13, 12/20, 12/27). Call the Subway Customer Center (092-734-7800) for last train times at each station.
Charity Baseball Fest
Come join some SoftBank Hawks players for a fun-filled baseball event at Seibu Undo Park on 12/21 (Sat), 10:00~13:00. Autographed baseballs and other equipment will be auctioned off, with a portion of the proceeds going to local child welfare facilities. Applications are being accepted on a first come, first served basis by telephone (092-811-5625) and online (www.kofu-field.com/seibu/). Capacity: 100 / Fee: ¥1,000 / Target: Elementary school students
Yipee! For FREE!
Christmas Twilight Cruise
Applications are now being accepted for cruise around Hakata Bay on the City’s own Kinin ferry. Date/Time: 12/25 (Wed.), 16:45~17:45. Capacity: 150 / Free. Meeting Place: Bayside Place Hakata (Chikkohonmachi, Hakata-ku). Apply by 12/2 on the Port’s homepage (www.port-of-hakata.or.jp/poh/). Inquiries: 092-271-1378 (Port of Hakata Promotion Association)
For more Information
Fukuoka City Bulletin
Fukuoka Shisei Dayori is City Hall’s official magazine published bi-weekly on 1st and 15th of each month 23 times per year. It’s available in Japanese online too. Consider using it for Japanese study! ふくおか市政だより Website: www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/shisei/kouhou-hodo/shiseidayori/
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn180, Dec. 2013)