The JR Ashiya Station renovation work, which has been underway since August 2020, is set to be completed on Saturday, July 29. On the day, there will reportedly be a commemorative ceremony and distribution of special novelty items!
Quoted from a JR West press release
↑Here’s what the completed station is expected to look like. The renovation will be considered complete once the escalator currently under construction on the southeast side of the station goes into service.
Quoted from a JR West press release
↑A new escalator on the inbound platform opened on June 17, leaving only the escalator at the South Exit to be completed.
↑A look at the current JR Ashiya Station South Exit. The escalator under construction is on the right-hand side as you face it.
↑Even from the outside, it looks like it’s getting very close to completion. The station building is shaping up to be stylish and modern.
Here’s the map↓
The address is 1-30 Funadocho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Mayor Takashima Is Also Expected to Attend the Ceremony. Novelty Items Such as Clear Files Will Be Handed Out
↑The waiting area inside JR Ashiya Station, where the commemorative ceremony will be held
On the day the renovation is completed, Saturday, July 29, from 10:00 to 10:30, a ceremony will be held to celebrate both the completion of the renovation and the 110th anniversary of JR Ashiya Station’s opening.
Mayor Ryosuke Takashima, who took office this May and drew attention as the youngest mayor in Japan’s history, is also expected to attend.
Also, for about 30 minutes after the ceremony ends, commemorative novelty items such as clear files will be distributed! We’re curious to see what the designs will look like.
“Children’s Tickets” and a Children’s Art Exhibition Will Also Be Held During Summer Vacation
From July 29, when the renovation is completed, through Thursday, August 31, original “children’s tickets” created by station staff to commemorate the renovation completion and the 110th anniversary will be distributed in front of the ticket gates from 8:00 to 20:00. ※Limited quantities available; distribution will end once they run out
In addition, drawings of stations and trains by children from municipal kindergartens in Ashiya City will be displayed in the north passage on the 3rd floor of JR Ashiya Station and at the event space on the 3rd floor of Mont et Mer.
Shopping Campaigns at Mont et Mer and Shops Inside the Station
A shopping campaign commemorating the 110th anniversary of JR Ashiya Station is also planned at participating stores inside the station-connected shopping mall “Mont et Mer,” as well as “UNIQLO,” “Ekimaru Sweets,” and “YAMASHO” inside the station!
You’ll need the “WESTER” or “WESPO” app, so be sure to download one in advance. Details will be announced later on posters and other materials.
Final Thoughts
After about three years of renovation work, it’s finally complete! Will redevelopment on the south side of the station continue to move forward from here? With new shops opening and road-widening work starting to take shape, the south side of JR Ashiya Station looks set to become an even more talked-about area.
