Hofu Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and scenic Hofu city of Japan. Find places to visit, things to do, food and drink options, and where to stay in our ultimate travel guide.


Introduction to Hofu

Hofu is a small city located in the Yamaguchi prefecture of Japan. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and outdoor attractions. The city is situated in the Chugoku region of Japan and is easily accessible from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Hofu is also home to many traditional Japanese festivals, which attract tourists from all over the world. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore Hofu and all it has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Hofu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hofu has many museums and historical places that offer visitors an insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the must-visit places:

  • Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine: A Shinto shrine and the main attraction of the city, Hofu Tenman-gu is dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara no Michizane.

  • Kaiten Museum: This museum chronicles the history of Kaiten, a Japanese suicide torpedo used during World War II.

  • Oka Castle: Located on a hill and dating back to the 13th century, Oka Castle provides a scenic view of Hofu city and the surrounding mountains.

  • Shunan City Museum of Art and History: Exhibits here include traditional Japanese art and local historical artifacts from the Shunan region.

Natural Attractions of Hofu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hofu is blessed with abundant natural beauty, and visitors can indulge in outdoor activities while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Some of the natural attractions include:

  • Furusato Park: A park covering an area of 80 hectares, Furusato Park is famous for its vast fields of sunflowers.

  • Suo-Oshima Island: A small island located off the coast of Hofu, Suo-Oshima Island is famous for its scenic views and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

  • Hofu Senkouji Park: This park is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and its stunning fall foliage in autumn.

  • Osaki Hachimangu Shrine: This shrine is surrounded by a beautiful forest and a lake and is famous for its sacred pagoda trees.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hofu

Hofu has many hiking and biking routes that offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the city. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • Suo-Oshima Island Hike: A 13 km hike around Suo-Oshima Island, offering beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.

  • Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine Hike: This hiking trail leads up to Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine and provides beautiful views of the city.

  • Shimanta River Cycling Trail: A 70 km cycling trail that follows the Shimanta River and offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Hofu: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring the cultural and natural attractions, visitors to Hofu can also try many exciting activities and tours. Some of the best things to do in Hofu include:

  • Hofu Fireworks Festival: Held annually in August, this festival is a spectacular display of fireworks that attracts tourists from all over the world.

  • Waka Poetry Composition Workshop: Hofu is known for its Waka poetry, and visitors can participate in Waka poetry composition workshops to learn about this traditional art form.

  • Sake Brewery Tours: Hofu is known for its traditional Japanese Sake, and visitors can take brewery tours to learn about Sake brewing and sample various types of Sake.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hofu

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Hofu:

  • Day 1: Explore Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine and Kaiten Museum.
  • Day 2: Visit Oka Castle and go hiking on Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine Hike.
  • Day 3: Take a cycling tour of Shimanta River Trail.
  • Day 4: Visit Suo-Oshima Island and hike the Suo-Oshima Island Hike.
  • Day 5: Take a Waka Poetry Composition Workshop.
  • Day 6: Take a Sake brewery tour.
  • Day 7: Enjoy the Hofu Fireworks Festival.

Food and Drink Scene of Hofu

Must-Try Dishes

Hofu is famous for its traditional Japanese cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes in Hofu include:

  • Kawara Soba: A dish of buckwheat noodles served on a clay tile that has been heated in an oven.

  • Fugu: A dish made from the poisonous pufferfish, which can only be prepared by licensed chefs.

  • Oysters: Hofu is known for its juicy, fresh oysters that are available throughout the year.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Hofu is known for its traditional Japanese Sake.

  • Umeshu: A Japanese liqueur made from plums, sugar, and alcohol.

  • Green Tea: Hofu is also famous for its green tea, which is grown in the surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay in Hofu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hofu offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. Some of the best places to stay in Hofu include:

  • Hofu Dai-ichi Hotel: A modern hotel located in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.

  • Guesthouse Yabase: An affordable guesthouse located in a historic building in the heart of Hofu.

  • Oyado Tsuki: A traditional Japanese Ryokan located in the countryside, offering guests a peaceful retreat and traditional Japanese hospitality.

What to Buy in Hofu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to buy in Hofu include:

  • Hofu Waka Poetry Collections: Hofu is famous for its Waka poetry, and visitors can buy collections of traditional and contemporary Waka poetry.

  • Hofu Green Tea: Hofu’s green tea is famous for its unique flavor and fragrance.

  • Oysters: Hofu’s fresh, juicy oysters are a must-try and make for a unique and tasty souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Hofu

Hofu has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions. Some of the customs include:

  • Respect for elders: In Japanese culture, respect for elders is essential, and visitors are expected to show respect to the elderly.

  • Shinto Shrines and Temples: Visitors are expected to remove their shoes before entering Shinto shrines and temples.

  • Eating Habits: In Japan, it is customary to eat with chopsticks and slurp noodles.

Best Time to Visit Hofu

The best time to visit Hofu is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons also offer visitors the chance to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and colorful fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hofu

Do:

  • Respect Japanese customs and traditions.
  • Try traditional Japanese cuisine and drinks.
  • Explore the cultural and natural attractions of Hofu.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside Shinto shrines and temples.
  • Tip service staff, as tipping is not customary in Japan.
  • Litter or smoke in public areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hofu

Hofu is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, visitors are advised to take precautions and keep their valuables safe.

Health in Hofu

Hofu has a good healthcare system, and visitors can seek medical help if needed. It is recommended that visitors carry a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Getting to Hofu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hofu

The nearest international airport to Hofu is Hiroshima Airport, which is approximately 85 km away. Domestic flights also operate from Iwakuni Airport, which is approximately 40 km away.

Bus Stations Near Hofu

Hofu has a well-connected bus network that operates within the city and to nearby destinations like Hiroshima and Shimonoseki.

Other Options

Visitors can also take the train to Hofu Station, which is serviced by the Sanyo Shinkansen and the San-in Line.

How to Get Around in Hofu

Visitors can use the city’s well-connected bus network or rent a bicycle to explore the city at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Hofu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hiroshima: A city famous for its peace memorial park and traditional Japanese gardens, located approximately 85 km from Hofu.

  • Shimonoseki: A city known for its fresh seafood and the famous Kanmon Bridge, located approximately 25 km from Hofu.

  • Yamaguchi: The prefectural capital of Yamaguchi Prefecture, located approximately 40 km from Hofu.

Conclusion

Hofu is a charming city that offers something for every kind of tourist, whether you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty, learning about the local culture, or indulging in traditional Japanese cuisine. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Hofu and make the most of your stay in this wonderful city.

Mōri Museum Mōri Museum