Life in Fukuoka "English"

【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.