Fukuoka City is known for its efficient operation. Fukuoka Airport is one of the most accessible airports in Japan, being only a 10-minute subway ride from the city center. The city's main districts, Tenjin, Hakata, and Nakasu are so close to each other that travel between them is effortless. As a compact city, it can easily and efficiently be explored on foot or using public transportation.

In addition, the sea and mountains are also in proximity to and easily accessible from the city, further adding to its image as a Sustainable Tourism destination. The quick travel between destinations means less carbon emissions, which also means you can enjoy a truly eco-friendly trip into nature.

Places abundant with nature in Fukuoka are within an hour away from Tenjin and Hakata. Enjoy the seaside, relaxing on the beaches of Shikanoshima Island on the east or Kitazaki in the west while getting your fill of fresh seafood. You can also camp or hike Mount Abura to admire the beauty that changes with the seasons.

Fukuoka City is filled with history in the form of the many temples and shrines, such as Kushida Shrine and Tochoji Temple, where you can get a hands-on feel of the traditional culture. One thing not to miss while you're there is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, held annually during the first half of July, a tradition that has continued for almost 800 years.

Fukuoka City’s food scene alone makes it worth the trip. It’s widely regarded as one of Japan’s top culinary destinations. This is the city where tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen was born in the 1930s before becoming a hit elsewhere. And while most cities in Japan lack a permanent street food culture like elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Fukuoka is a delicious exception. The city boasts over 100 famous street food stalls, with lively, permanent stalls lining the Naka River in Nakasu, drawing visitors from all over each evening.

What better city to experience Sustainable Tourism than one with a blend of urban convenience and nature but also rich with culture and great food?

Sightseeing on a bike is a great eco-friendly choice. Visiting the hotspots around the city on a bike is easy, and it's also a popular choice among locals and foreign tourists. Recently, there has been a focus on cycling-related infrastructure such as the creation of bike lanes and expanded bicycle parking.

If you plan to cycle around Tenjin and Hakata, ride out to Ohori Park and Maizuru Park, a circuit that can be completed within an hour. Ohori Park has simple paths on even ground surrounding a large lake, making it easy for cycling. You can immerse yourself in history at Maizuru Park, admiring the ruins of Fukuoka Castle as you cycle.

If you fancy venturing further out from Tenjin and Hakata, why not see the stretching horizon from Shikanoshima Island or the Itoshima area? These destinations are reachable within around two and a half hours and make for a nice day of bike exploring. Visit some fancy cafes and enjoy the beauty of the sea and countryside.

Bicycles are easily accessible through bicycle share services like Charichari within Fukuoka City or e-bike rentals provided by the Eco Tourism Association of Itoshima Peninsula.

Activities that promote Sustainable Tourism in Fukuoka City aren't the only things getting attention. Eco-friendly initiatives taken by accommodations within the city are also turning heads.

1. Hotel Okura Fukuoka

Hotel Okura Fukuoka, directly accessible from Nakasu-Kawabata Station, was one of the first hotels to address plastic marine pollution and introduced paper straws and glass caps in 2018. They have also been working on halving the amount of miniature bottle bath amenities by using pump bottles.

2. WeBase Hakata Hostel

Another accommodation in the Nakasu-Kawabata area with an eco-friendly agenda is the WeBase HAKATA hostel. Amenities such as toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes, and pajamas are not provided for customers but are sold if needed. They also have a bicycle rental service, which promotes eco-tourism by reducing travelers' dependence on public transportation.

3. Hotel Great Morning

Hotel Great Morning in Gofukumachi offers a new style of eco-friendly lodging. The hotel is powered by 100% natural energy, which will lead to a reduction in C02 emissions by about 2900 cedar trees per year. The hotel is also involved in the Shoku no Junkan Project, recycling food by using it as compost. Herbs and mints grown on the rooftop from that compost are in turn used in breakfast menus and welcome drinks.

Finally, let's look at a model sightseeing itinerary in Fukuoka that embodies Sustainable Tourism.

Begin at Fukuoka Airport, highly praised both domestically and internationally as one of the most easily accessible urban airports, just ten minutes away from the city center by subway. Being next to the heart of the city makes it convenient for business and sightseeing, and also dramatically cuts down travel time between destinations. Having an airport so close to the heart of a city is rare in Japan, and this is one of Fukuoka's charms.

After unloading at your hotel, try visiting some sights nearby. Thanks to Fukuoka being a compact city, many historical buildings and traditional hands-on craft shops can be easily found within walking distance. Many historical spots can be found in the Hakata Old Town district, about five blocks northwest of Hakata Station, such as Kushida Shrine and Jotenji Temple, symbols of its prosperity as a trading port town. You can also experience Fukuoka's long history and traditional culture through their Hakata-ori textiles and Hakata Ningyo dolls.

Head to the yatai food stalls in Nakasu for dinner. The outdoor settings don't require air conditioning, so you can enjoy the local cuisine in its traditional eco-friendly style!

Besides the local street food from the stalls, you can also enjoy fresh seafood and other delicacies in this area.

On day two, immerse yourself in the bountiful surrounding nature. Take a trip to the sprawling Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward to do some cycling, have a picnic, or visit the seasonal flower gardens. You can also relax on the beautiful beaches and coastlines of the Kitazaki area in Nishi Ward and enjoy the local cuisine made with fresh seafood.

If you're up for some hiking, head off to the 597-meter-high Mount Abura, which sits on the borders of the Jonan, Sawara, and Minami wards. You can also enjoy outdoor activities and camping in the beautiful outdoors at the comprehensive outdoor facility ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA.

Maizuru Park should be at the top of your list should you visit during cherry blossom season. Around 1,000 cherry blossom trees against the backdrop of Fukuoka Castle's stone walls create a spectacular sight. The blossoms are illuminated at dusk every year during the Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival which takes place from the end of March to the beginning of April. The resulting enchanting atmosphere combined with the food stalls and stage performances creates a festive mood that can only be experienced in the spring.

Fukuoka City has a lot to offer with its urban convenience, plentiful nature, history, and culture. Being an easy-to-navigate compact city that promotes Sustainable Tourism, Fukuoka City offers a truly unique experience.