Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Fireworks in Higashi Ward】

Golden Week begins this weekend, and many of you may have plans to go out. If you are you looking for something around the city for the first day of Golden Week, then I've got information for you for Saturday the 27th, when the "Fukuoka Higashi Ward Fireworks Festival" will be held.

The location is the sea above Kashiihama in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, at the Mishima Green Bay Walk. Starting around 7:30 pm, approximately 7000 fireworks are scheduled to be launched. It's a fireworks festival that can be viewed from 360 degrees, anywhere.

And of course, festival stalls are an important part of these kind of events, aren't they? The stall locations for the festival are divided into three areas, and the ones that are especially recommended are in the "Island City Outer Green Space" area, which is close to the fireworks and has no obstructions, and in the "Kashiihama Central Park" area, which has a free viewing area, toilets, and many stalls. 

Stalls will also be set up near the paid seating area in "Kashiihama North Park," but it's expected to be very crowded. Keep in mind though that the full view of the fireworks cannot be seen from this area due to the highway, so the other two areas are actually recommended.

For access to the venue, "JR Chihaya Station" is the way to go. The route from "JR Kashiihama Station" might be crowded as you get close to "Aeon Mall Kashiihama" area and you might have to make a long detour around it. Therefore, it's recommended to get off at "JR Chihaya Station" and head towards the free viewing areas of "Kashiihama Central Park" and "Island City Outer Green Space." One other thing to remember is that there is no parking available specifically for the event, so public transportation is probably the easiest way to go. 

So, if you are in the city, go and enjoy the first fireworks of the year in Fukuoka and the beginning of Golden Week♪

【Special discount tickets for kids during Golden Week】

 I've got some information for you about children's discount tickets available during the Golden Week period.

First on the list is from "JR Kyushu". From Saturday April 27th to Monday, May 6th,  the "Kids' Adventure Ticket" will be on sale. It's a ticket that allows unlimited rides for one day on JR Kyushu's local and rapid trains for 100 yen. If you purchase a special express ticket in addition to it, you can also use it for the Shinkansen and special express trains. This ticket must be purchased by 11pm the day before you plan to travel. It cannot be bought on the day of use. Sales are available through "JR Kyushu Internet Train Reservation" and at  ticket vending machines for reserved seats at JR Kyushu stations.

Next is for the "Fukuoka City Subway". The subway is also offering a one-day pass called the "Elementary School Student 100 Yen Pass", allowing unlimited rides on all Fukuoka City Subway lines for 100 yen for one day. This can be purchased on the day at each station's ticket counter or at a customer service center.

Finally, the discount for "Nishitetsu Bus". For this, all routes of Nishitetsu's regular buses and express buses are only 50 yen per ride, regardless of the distance. Cash or nimoca can be used, and children should say  "I'm an elementary school student" to the driver when they get off the bus to receive the discounted fare.

All three tickets are aimed at "elementary school students", so it's a great chance for families with young school age children to get out and enjoy your outings in Fukuoka♪