December 2004

David Geer

For those wishing there was more to do in Wakayama, your prayers have just been answered. December 11 will see the completion of Garden Park Wakayama, a 15,000 square meter shopping center including a 10-screen movie complex, a book store/CD and video rental store, and a `high quality` supermarket. The Okuwa Corporation, which has a chain of Okuwa supermarkets throughout Japan, is building the shopping center just north of the Kinokawa bridge across from UniQlo and Mister Donuts. Those living in that area have surely seen the large structure under construction. The lot being used for the complex was formerly a baseball field and rugby field owned by the Sumitomo Company.
The largest part of the complex will be Xyst Cinema (pronounced like gist), which upon completion will be one of the largest movie theaters in western Japan measuring 7,359 square meters. Seating will range from 100 to 400 per theater and total 1976 for all ten theaters. This will be Wakayama Prefectures first cinema complex. The theater will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight everyday, with extended hours on Saturday.
Another first will be the Okuwa Corporations first “high quality” supermarket. Mesa Okuwa promises to deliver “your favorite fine import foodstuffs, direct fresh produce, an abundant delicatessen and more.” Mesa Okuwa will be open twenty-four hours.

Two chains will also find their way into the shopping center. Tsutaya Way, which doubles as a 24-hour CD/Movie rental store and a book store, and Starbucks coffee will both open along with Mesa Okuwa and Xyst Cinema. Kiyo and Wakayama Bank ATMs and dry cleaning will also be available.
The Okuwa Corporation, which is investing two and a half billion yen in the two-story complex, is expecting a lot of customers and has made space for 1200 parking spots. The home website proudly proclaims the center as a “new landmark in Wakayama” that will “support a complete cultural lifestyle for the young and old.” The company has also saved space for future stores but no definite plans for additional construction are set as of yet. But the theater, grocery store, Tsutaya Way and other aforementioned stores are all scheduled to open on December 11.
The exact address of Wakayama Garden Park is 1469-1 Matsue, Wakayama-shi. Okuwa representatives can be contacted at 073 - 425 - 2481.

Posted on December 2004 in the following categories: Places