Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival】

Have you seen this year’s cherry blossoms yet? Every year from late March to early April, Maizuru Park in Fukuoka City hosts the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival, coinciding with the cherry blossom season to celebrate the blossoms in full bloom.
Maizuru Park is a famous cherry blossom spot in the city, and features around 1,000 cherry trees of 19 different varieties, including Somei Yoshino and Shidarezakura or weeping cherry blossoms. This popular annual event is once again taking place this year at Maizuru Park.
One of the highlights of the festival is the variety of gourmet food stalls and food trucks, allowing visitors to enjoy spring flavors while admiring the cherry blossoms. The gourmet area features popular Fukuoka restaurants, the festival food area offers classic street food, and the tea house serves Yame tea, sweets, and sake. There’s even a BBQ area, making it easy to enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms.
The festival also includes performances by street entertainers, fun attractions for children, and a stamp rally, making it a great place for families to visit.
At night, the cherry blossoms and Fukuoka Castle are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical and
dreamlike atmosphere. The sight of the cherry blossom trees reflected on the moat, known as
“Sakasazakura” or upside-down cherry blossoms, adds to the wonderful scenery there, offering a different charm from the daytime.
The Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival is on until this Sunday, so if you haven’t been yet, be sure to visit!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Consultation Services for Foreign Residents

Are you facing any difficulties or uncertainties in your new life? The Fukuoka City Comprehensive
Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents provides guidance and information on various aspects of daily life, including residency procedures, employment, healthcare, welfare, childbirth, childcare, and education for children. If you are unsure where to ask for help, the center can introduce you to the appropriate service.

The phone number is (0120-66-1799). Phone calls will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM om weekdays.
The center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Year holidays Support is available in 23 languages.
If you need to confirm procedures related to National Health Insurance, waste disposal, or taxes in Fukuoka City, you can call the Interpretation Center, which will connect you to your local ward office for consultation.
The phone number for that is (092-753-6113). Phone calls will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. That center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Year holidays
Support is available in 23 languages.
Additionally, if you need assistance finding a medical institution, speaking with a doctor, or receiving
medication at a hospital or pharmacy, you can use the Fukuoka City Medical Interpretating Call Center for telephone interpretation.
Requests can be made not only by foreign residents but also by hospitals and pharmacies.
That phone number is (092-733-5429). The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support is available in 20 languages.
The service itself is free, but the caller is responsible for telephone charges.

【Fukuoka Tower Cherry Blossom Event】

This morning, let me introduce a wonderful event that lets you experience the beauty of spring! Fukuoka Tower is currently hosting a special cherry blossom event, where you can enjoy Japan’s spring with all five senses.
The tower itself is illuminated with stunning cherry blossom-themed lights, showcasing the progression of the blooms—from 30% to 50% in bloom, and finally reaching full bloom in a dazzling display. The plaza in front of the tower is also bathed in soft pink lighting, creating a breathtaking scene that feels like a spring night under the cherry blossoms. The illuminations are on display every evening from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, making it the perfect destination for a springtime evening stroll.
The experience doesn’t stop there! On the 3rd-floor observation deck, a special sakura-scented atmosphere has been created. As soon as the elevator doors open, the gentle fragrance of cherry blossoms fills the air, making your visit even more special—a truly immersive way to feel the essence of spring.
And that’s not all! The Sky Café & Restaurant "Refuge" on the 2nd floor is offering a limited-time cherry blossom-themed menu. Enjoy sakura-flavored matcha lattes, pink sakura lemon soda, and matcha pancakes topped with sakura cream. These delightful spring treats are sure to make your visit even more memorable.
This special event runs until Sunday, April 13. Be sure to visit Fukuoka Tower and take in the magic of cherry blossoms while savoring the joys of spring!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Rules about putting out the garbage

I guess there are a lot of people starting a new chapter in their lives in Fukuoka now and that does typically mean buying new things or getting rid of old things. Which brings us to garbage and the rules around garbage here.
In Fukuoka City, garbage is seperated into different categories. They are burnable, nonburnable and plastic pet bottles and glass garbage, as well as over-sized garbage. Other than oversized garbage, you can buy the bags for each type of garbage at convenience stores and supermarkets, so make sure you use the Fukuoka City garbage bags for throwing things out.
The red bag is for burnable garbage. This is used for garbage like food scraps, paper waste, clothes and plastics.
The blue bag is for nonburnable garbage which includes things like empty cans and glass or ceramics.
And the yellow bag is for plastic pet bottles and glass bottles.
The day on which garbage is picked up is specific to your neighborhood. Burnable garbage is picked up twice a week and nonburnable and glass bottles and plastic pet bottles are picked up once a month.
Garbage is picked up late at night so garbage should be put out between sunset and midnight on your collection day in the designated location.
If you need to find out when garbage is picked up in your neighborhood, you can do so by adding the official Fukuoka City LINE account to your friend's list. Set your location when you add the account and you will get notifications for the pickup day.
And, if you type in the name of the garbage you want to throw out, the account will tell you which bag you should put it in, so it's a pretty handy service.
If you can't fit something you want to throw out in one bag because it is too big or is heavy enough to tear the bag, it is considered over-sized garbage and needs to be thrown out through a different process. For over-sized garbage, pick-up can be arranged if you contact the Fukuoka City Oversized Garbage center, or Sodai Gomi Uketsuke in Japanese, by phone, on the internet or through LINE. They will tell you how much it will cost to throw away the item, where to put it and on what day and time they will pick it up.

If you decide to call the Oversized Garbage Center, you can call (092-731-1153).
They have support for 23 different languages through an interpretation center. There is also a QR code service that provides information on garbage disposal rules in 10 different languages. Just check the Fukuoka City website for more information on that.

【Indian Festival in Fukuoka】

This weekend, one of Kyushu’s largest Indian festivals is coming to Fukuoka!

On March 22 and 23 (Saturday & Sunday), Holi Festival will take place at Tenjin Central Park. Holi is a traditional Indian festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. People greet each other with "Happy Holi" while smearing colored powders and splashing colored water to mark the occasion.

The event will bring together over 50 renowned vendors from across Japan, offering Indian cuisine, spices, vibrant handicrafts, and accessories. Visitors can indulge in authentic Indian curry and shop for unique goods.

The festival also features exciting stage performances, including Indian music, classical dance, and Bollywood dance—a style often seen in Indian film musicals. Expect to have an amazing time with special guest appearances by popular DJs, dancers, and influencers!

Admission is free!

Celebrate the colors and culture of India at this lively two-day festival and welcome spring in a truly unique way!

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Consultations on Immigration, Residency and Nationality Matters.

Is there anything you don't understand about residency status and term of stay regulations? If there is, the Fukuoka City International Foundation provides free consultation on these matters to the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Consultations are held every second Sunday of the month. They are offered from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, but you must register by 3:30 PM. A gyousei-shoshi, or administrative lawyer will answer your questions and offer consultation.

There are English and Chinese interpreters present, and so, consultation in English, Chinese and Japanese does not require a reservation. For other languages, please consult with the foundation at least two weeks in advance. 

Your confidentiality is guaranteed, so please feel at ease to use this service. 

For more information, please call the toll free number (0120-66-1799). Phone calls will be accepted between 9am and 5:30pm on weekdays. 

Use Line Call for Consultations

And if you connect with the Foundation's official LINE account, you can make an appointment for consultations on daily life or free professional consultation using the LINE call feature. Telephone consultations are available in a number of foreign languages, so please feel free to contact them. In addition, you can get information on the Foundation's events and announcements from Fukuoka City, so please add the Foundation's official LINE account to your friends' list from the Fukuoka City International Foundation website. 

One thing to keep in mind though is that the foundation will not accept consultations via the Line chat feature.  So if you want advice via text rather than calling, please use the inquiry form on the foundation's website.

【Fukuoka Airport International Terminal Grand Opening】

After undergoing renovations since 2022, Fukuoka International Airport is now more convenient and
comfortable than ever. The Fukuoka Airport International Passenger Terminal is set to officially open on the 28th of this month! With the concept of “Easy, Fast, Fun,” the terminal has evolved into a more seamless and enjoyable space.
To ensure a smooth departure process, the security and immigration checkpoints have been expanded and relocated. The terminal will introduce "Smart Lanes", allowing up to four passengers, at the same time, to prepare for and proceed to security checks as soon as they are ready. Additionally, Kyushu’s first-ever "Priority Lane" will be introduced, enabling eligible travelers to go through security without waiting in line.
For those looking to enjoy their time before departure, the terminal now offers a duty-free shopping area four times larger than before and a brand-new food court featuring Fukuoka and Kyushu’s local cuisine. Travelers can enjoy regional flavors and immerse themselves in the local atmosphere right up until their flight.
As the gateway to Fukuoka, Kyushu, and western Japan, the newly upgraded Fukuoka Airport International Terminal is now more convenient and welcoming than ever. Be sure to check it out on your next trip!

【Fukuoka City Information】

Disposing of Garbage from Moving Home

I mentioned last week that it's moving season now that spring is here. That means that this time tends to be when we see a lot more oversized garbage and so I've got some information on how to use the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center.

The first way to do it is by applying for pickup with the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center. First, contact them by phone or by internet, or even through the Official Fukuoka City Line Account, to put in your application and then purchase the appropriate oversized garbage disposal ticket at the convenience store or other shops.
The garbage pickup day will be roughly one week after you apply. You must put out the garbage by 8:30am on the collection day in the designated spot.
The phone number for the Oversized Garbage Disposal Call Center is (092-731-1153). 
If you apply via the internet or Line, you can do so at your convenience, 24 hours a day. Look for that information on the official Fukuoka City homepage.
For TV's, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers and air conditioners, according to the home appliance recycling law, there are specific guidelines for disposal. You cannot dispose of them as oversized garbage or put them out in garbage bags.
You can have the old appliance removed by the firm installing the new one or you can contact the store where you originally bought the appliance. If you don't know where it was bought, you can also contact the Yamada Denki in your city about disposal. Recycling fees as well as fees for collection and transport will be required.

Citizen's Natural Disaster Prevention Day
To continue, I have one more announcement. This year is the 20th year since Fukuoka Prefecture was hit by the Seiho-Oki Earthquake and to keep this experience from being forgotten, Fukuoka City has designated March 20 as "Citizens' Disaster Prevention Day"
In recent years, major disasters such as earthquakes and heavy rain have occurred in many areas. We never know when a disaster will strike. In order for each of us to take appropriate actions when a disaster strikes, it is important to be prepared on a daily basis.
Please check the Fukuoka City website for hazard maps and information on disaster prevention, and again prepare and confirm what to take with you when you evacuate.

Let's take this "Citizens' Disaster Prevention Day" as an opportunity to think about disaster prevention for the safety of yourself, your family, and your community.

【Fukuoka Handmade & Zakka Festa】

Today, I have an exciting event recommendation for all handmade goods and craft lovers!
The Fukuoka Handmade & Zakka Festa will be held for two days this weekend, on Saturday, the 8th, and Sunday, the 9th, at the Fukuoka International Center!
This is one of the largest handmade and craft events in Kyushu, featuring approximately 660 booths from all over Japan. The venue will be packed with a wide variety of items, including handmade crafts, accessories, home decor, furniture, ceramics, gardening goods, and craft materials.
But that’s not all! Workshops will also be available, where visitors can experience making things by hand—great for both adults and children to enjoy together. Additionally, the event features a rest area, food stalls, and even outdoor kitchen cars, making it easy to spend the whole day exploring.
This year’s theme is “Ideas for a Comfortable Lifestyle”, so you might just find the perfect items to refresh your home or start a new lifestyle this spring. It's also a great chance to discover one-of-a-kind, unique handmade pieces!
Why not take a trip to the Fukuoka Handmade & Zakka Festa this weekend and enjoy a day filled with creativity and inspiration?

【Fukuoka City Information】

Avoiding the Rush When Moving House

March and April are busy months for moving house and as a result, the consultation desks at your local ward offices may be quite crowded. The period between March 21st and April 11th are especially busy with wait times of 2 to 3 hours, so if you can, try to avoid that period.
However, that's not always possible,and if you find that you're too busy on weekdays to submit the notification of your move to the ward office, then you'll be glad to know that there are several weekend days when the offices are open for paperwork related to moving in or out of the city.
On Sunday the 30th of March and Sunday the 6th of April, Fukuoka City ward offices and their branches will be temporarily opened from 9am to 1pm to take paperwork in regards to moving in or out of the city.
There is an also an oline service available to make reservations with the ward office to take care of moving procedures. Reservations can even be done via a smartphone but must be made by 8:30 am, 5 business days before your desired date. You just need to send the date you want to go in, and information about your address change. With this system, an appointment can be easily arranged and the process at the consultation desk will take less time.
If you are moving out of Fukuoka City, you do not have to go to the ward office to report your move-out. You can do so by mail or online if you have your My Number Card. However, please note that if you're moving out of the country, you can't submit your notification online, so please be aware of that.
If you are moving within Fukuoka city you do not need the notification of the move out of your previous residence, you just need to submit notification that you have moved into your new residence.
If you have any questions, you can check with the ward office using a telephone interpreter.
The telephone number is (092-753-6113).
Tell them what ward you are living in and that you would like to discuss moving procedures.
One more process that you should remember when moving is making sure you call to have your water turned on or turned off. You will need to have the notification of your move for this. Please call at least 4 business days before you move to arrange this. The phone number for that is (092-532-1010). Phone calls will be accepted in languages other than Japanese. This process can also be done online. Just search for the Fukuoka City official website for this.