Discover Fukuoka City’s Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Experiences
Fukuoka City has flourished as Japan’s gateway to the Asian continent since ancient times. Many aspects of Japanese culture, such as udon and soba noodles, manju (sweet buns), and tea, are said to have originated in this city. As a result, Fukuoka offers visitors countless opportunities to immerse themselves in its rich history and traditions. Additionally, Fukuoka’s compact city structure allows for a variety of unique and captivating experiences, all within easy reach. Here are some sustainable and environmentally friendly activities and attractions you can enjoy in Fukuoka City.
1. Bike is Life.
Run by world-renowned cyclist Daigoro Yamada, "Bike is Life" provides bike rentals and subscription services tailored to cycle tourism. The service includes convenient bike delivery to locations near your hotel in Fukuoka City, such as mountain bikes for exploring scenic routes.
2. Hakata Doll Painting Experience (Shogetsudo)
Hakata dolls, famous as Fukuoka souvenirs, are cherished for their smooth texture, vivid colors, and intricate craftsmanship. Designated as a traditional craft by Fukuoka Prefecture and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, these dolls hold significant cultural value. At Shogetsudo, located near Nakasu-Kawabata Station, you can personalize your own Hakata doll in a painting workshop. The building houses Japan’s largest collection of Hakata dolls, featuring over 400 types and 800 pieces on display.
＜Official Website＞https://shogetudo.jp/painting/
3. Zazen Meditation at Myorakuji Temple
Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Hakata Station in Hakata Ward’s Gokusho-machi, Myorakuji Temple is a serene sanctuary founded in the Kamakura period (1185–1333). Amid the bustling city, this Zen temple offers a tranquil environment perfect for zazen (seated meditation) sessions, allowing visitors to find peace and mindfulness.
4. Yusentei Park
Yusentei Park is a stunning Japanese garden that was designated a Fukuoka City Scenic Beauty site in 1998. Originally built in 1754 as a villa for Kuroda Tsugutaka, the 6th feudal lord of the Kuroda clan, the park features a circular walking path around a pond with colorful carp. Visitors can explore traditional stone lanterns, ancient trees, and remnants of a torii gate, offering a glimpse into the Edo-period splendor of the Kuroda clan.
5. ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA
Nestled on Mount Aburayama, which spans the Jonan, Sawara, and Minami wards, ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA is a multifunctional outdoor facility located just 30 minutes by car from Fukuoka’s city center. Reopened in April 2023, this site combines two attractions, the "Aburayama Citizens’ Forest" and "Moo-Moo Land (Aburayama Farm)," into a new hub for nature-based activities. It’s an ideal destination for experiencing Fukuoka’s natural beauty. Enjoy zip-lining, mountain biking, and hiking through cool, green forests, with natural streams and waterfalls.
＜Read More＞
How to Spend a Spring Day at Fukuoka’s Premier Forest Camp [ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA]
6. Kanetake-no-Sato Park
Located in Fukuoka’s Nishi Ward, Kanatake-no-Sato Park is a large satoyama (village forest) park that opened in 2012. A short 30-minute drive from the city center, it attracts around 70,000 visitors annually. Visitors can participate in agricultural experiences using local fruits and vegetables, collaborate with local farmers, and explore eco-friendly initiatives like composting with organic waste. These efforts promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness.
＜Read More＞Sustainable Tourism in Fukuoka
7. Idobeta (I do better)
Idobeta, derived from the phrase "I do better," is a creative team promoting eco-friendly awareness and solutions. This organization’s award-winning efforts include innovative projects such as repurposing discarded fishing nets to create Christmas trees in Itoshima. Their hands-on programs, ideal for team-building, aim to inspire individuals to tackle environmental challenges collaboratively.
8. Hotel Nikko Fukuoka's Initiatives and Itoshima Farm
As one of Fukuoka’s premier hotels since 1989, Hotel Nikko Fukuoka actively engages in sustainable practices. Its Itoshima Farm supplies fresh, locally grown vegetables served at the hotel’s "Café Restaurant Serena." A blackboard in the restaurant displays the vegetables grown in each plot of the farm, emphasizing transparency and sustainability in their farm-to-table approach.
Fukuoka City is a model of sustainability, offering diverse activities that allow visitors to connect with its history, culture, and natural beauty while promoting environmental consciousness. We warmly invite you to explore the eco-friendly experiences that make Fukuoka a unique and inspiring destination.
