Local News

Wave a flag at the Nanatsuboshi train as it passes by Ukiha on March 25th! JR Kyushu’s Nanatsuboshi “Seven Stars in Kyushu” train is a sleeper train that focuses on luxury and “omotenashi” (hospitality). The train debuted on Oct. 15, 2013 and at the time, welcome events were held at various locations to celebrate and watch the new train go by. One such event was held under the Tetsudo-bashi bridge on Chikugo River, in Ukiha Ward, Fukuoka Prefecture. To show continued support for the Nanatsuboshi, the people of Ukiha have decided to hold a follow-up event at Hoki Park on Mar. 25, called the “Nanatsuboshi Kyudai-line Service Welcome Party”. Hoki Park is located under Tetsudo-bashi and is expected to have cherry blossoms blooming by the end of March. A local official commented, “I would like tourists to enjoy Japanese sakura, and for those from outside Kyushu to enjoy the blooming from behind the windows of the Nanatsuboshi”. The Nanatsuboshi is scheduled to depart from Hakata station for a three night/four day trip, passing the Tetsudo-bashi at around 14:14 on Mar. 25. It won’t stop at a local train station, but event organizers are calling for around 200 participants to attend and wave small flags at the passengers of Nanatsuboshi from Hoki Park. For more information, contact 0943-75-4975. If you want to wave a flag, call and ask for application papers. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun Jan. 29

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