Praliva Shopping Mall Opened on July 26 in Nishijin Fukuoka Posted On 30-08-2019

A new shopping mall, Praliva, opened in the Nishijin area of Fukuoka City on July 26. Located on the former El Mall Praliva site, the shopping center opened on the B2 to 4th floors of a residential and commercial complex. The mall with thirty-six shops including a supermarket, a language school for kids and a gym, mainly targets families who use Nishijin Subway Station in their daily lives. The residential area on the upper floors is planned to open in the spring of 2021. Source: Mainichi Shimbun, 7/23/2019

https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/news/praliva-shopping-mall-opened-on-july-26-in-nishijin/

Ropponmatsu Ranked as Most Favorable Residential Area in Fukuoka Posted On 30-08-2019

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd. surveyed the level of satisfaction for each residential area in Fukuoka Prefecture, and Ropponmatsu took the top spot on the list. Over 7,000 respondents rated their living district using 56 items such as accessibility and quality of public services. Ropponmatsu was highly valued for its convenient living environment, including a large shopping facility and close access to Ohori Park. The areas of Ohori Park and Akasaka ranked second and third respectively. The survey took place online between May to April 2019. Source: Daito Trust Construction

https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/news/ropponmatsu-ranked-as-most-favorable-residential-area-in-fukuoka/

Obon Festival 2019 in Japan Posted On 30-08-2019

The Obon festival (also known as Bon festival) is an annual Japanese holiday which commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives.

Chochin (paper) lanterns are hung to guide the spirits and Obon dances (bon odori) are performed. Families have reunions and visit the graves of their relatives and make food offerings at altars and temples.

It is observed from the 13th to the 15th day of the 7th month. However, according to the solar calendar the 7th month is July but according to the lunar calendar, the 7th month is August. Obon is therefore celebrated at different times in different regions depending on which calendar is observed.

The official 2019 dates are August 13-15 though it will be celebrated between July 13-15 in some places. The Obon week in mid-August is one of Japan’s three major holiday seasons making it one of the busiest times of the year for traveling. Many Japanese people will leave their cities around August 10 and come back on August 17-18.

Obon traditions and celebrations

There are a number of special Obon festivals which tourists can visit using their JR Pass. The Daimonji Festival in Kyoto is probably the most famous. A series of spectacular, 200m-long, character-shaped bonfires are built on mountainsides which are visible throughout the city. Each one is then individually set on fire.

For those who love to dance, the Gujo Odori Festival In Gujo, (Gifu prefecture) is a week-long party where dancers perform each night from 8 pm until 5 in the morning. Over 1.3 million tourists go there each year.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for a small festival which has preserved ancient traditions, there is the Hokkai Bon Odori. It is also the birthplace of one of the most famous Japanese traditional songs.

https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/obon-festival-in-japan

Oita Ranked Number One in Kyushu by Tourists Posted On 30-08-2019

On July 29, Recruit Lifestyle Co., Ltd. announced the results of a survey on overnight tourism in Japan. Amongst the seven prefectures in Kyushu, Oita ranked first in “overall level of satisfaction.” Its many tourist attractions for young people as well as the hospitality of the locals were praised by the respondents. The prefectures of Nagasaki and Kumamoto were also listed within the top 10. Meanwhile, travel consumption in Kyushu turned out to be much lower than the national average. The online survey was answered by a total of 15,559 people. Source: Recruit Lifestyle Co.

Nishitetsu to Launch First Class Sightseeing Bus Tours Posted On 30-08-2019

On July 25, Nishi Nippon Railroad Co., Ltd. (Nishitetsu) announced the launch of a first-class sightseeing bus tour brand for Kyushu and Yamaguchi. To meet the increasing demand for “experiences” rather than “goods,” Grandays tours will begin in October 2019, using a vehicle designed exclusively for the new brand. Twelve seats are spatially arranged in a 2 x 6 layout with storage made of traditional Okawa woodcraft in front of each seat. Tour prices range between ¥30,000 to ¥100,000 per person for a day trip and a two-day trip with accommodation. Source: Nishitetsu, 7/25/2019