2025 Hofu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#Spring0yenTrip Hofu is a town with a calm atmosphere, and I first visited Hofu Tenmangu Shrine. It is said to be the first Tenmangu Shrine in Japan, and the shrine building at the top of the stone steps is magnificent, and as befits the god of learning, there were rows of votive plaques for success in exams. From the shrine grounds you can look down on the town, and you can pray at your leisure in the calm air. Around Tenmangu Shrine, there are historic streets, small cafes and souvenir shops, and it was fun to walk around. There weren't many tourists, and the atmosphere of the shrine, which seemed to blend naturally into the lives of the local people, was comfortable. It's not flashy, but it's a place where you can feel the weight of history and the quiet charm of the area, and it was just the right town to spend a relaxing time.

At Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, there is a remarkable building called the Spring Breeze Pavilion. Elevated with an open-air design, this structure has an intriguing history. In 1822, the 10th lord of the Mori clan, Mori Takamochi, envisioned constructing a five-story pagoda to pray for peace in the area. However, by 1831, financial difficulties forced the project to halt. The design was later revised, transforming the pagoda into a wooden pavilion, which was completed in 1873. Over the past 150 years, the Spring Breeze Pavilion has become a prime spot for panoramic views of Hofu city. Its most distinctive feature lies in its foundation—crafted from the eaves and intricate wooden structures originally intended for the pagoda. Thanks to its elevated position and excellent ventilation, the pavilion has preserved its detailed carvings and layered architecture through the changing seasons for over a century. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing breeze as they ascend the pavilion, surrounded by a variety of seasonal flowers that offer stunning views year-round. 📍Address: 14-1 Matsuzakicho, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0029, Japan 🚗 A 15-minute walk from JR Hofu Station

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the three oldest Tenmangu Shrines, along with Kyoto Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and Hofu Tenmangu Shrine. According to legend, when Sugawara no Michizane was banished to Dazaifu, Yamaguchi-Hofu was his last stop. It is said that when Michizane passed away, divine light appeared in Katsumama Bay in Hofu and auspicious clouds appeared on Mt. Sakadare. The local people believed that Sugawara no Michizane had returned, so they built the first Fuso Suga Temple, which later became Hofu Tenmangu Shrine. Sugawara no Michizane studied hard since he was young, and his family was loyal to the emperor, but he was framed and exiled to Dazaifu. After his death, strange signs fell from the sky in Kyoto, and finally the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was built to appease the situation. Because he is revered as the god of learning, candidates enshrine Daruma tumblers here to pray for passing, smooth competitions and national examinations, creating a special spectacle. Another special thing is that Shaoxing wine and Taiwanese pineapples are offered in the worship hall. Because Tenmangu Shrine is about to hold a grand festival, with the help of Japanese companies, a cypress box donated by Chiayi County and private enterprises was officially placed in front of the worship hall a few days ago, becoming a link between Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and Taiwan. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine has collaborated with ANA to launch the Goshuin Book, as well as a limited edition Goshuin for the 1125 festival, the Love Shrine's Love Amulet, and the cute Haniwa Mikuji. It can be seen that the temple is very serious about attracting believers to come and worship. 📍Address: 〒747-0029 14-1 Matsuzaki-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 🚗It is a 20-minute walk from Hofu Station. There are very few buses. If you have enough time, take the bus to Amida-ji Temple and get off at Tenmangu Station. #MarchGoodPlaces2025

In 741 AD, in order to eliminate the epidemic and calm the pain caused by the war, Emperor Shomu issued an order to establish branch temples in various places and to protect the people of various places as official temples. The Suho Kokubunji Temple in Hofu is one of the temples built in that group. As temples began to exert political influence in the Heian period, the imperial court intentionally weakened their influence. The situation did not improve until the Kamakura period, when Suo Province covered expenses and Suo Kokubunji Temple was preserved. It is the only old temple in Japan that has been designated as a national historic site. The construction style of the Daikon Hall is very unique, with a two-story design of the mother house. It is said that the temple houses many precious Buddha statues from the Heian period, such as the Sunlight and Moonlight Bodhisattvas, but it is a pity that it is not open to the public. It now belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect, which mainly worships Medicine Buddha, and the mountain is called Jorurisan. There is a fire-walking ceremony every November, where people walk barefoot through the ashes after burning the Homa wood, symbolizing letting Medicine Buddha burn away all diseases. There is also a statue of Master Kobo donated by believers in the temple. 📍Address: 2-67 Kokubunji-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 🚗25 minutes walk from Hofu Station #MarchGoodPlaces2025

In recent years, Yamaguchi has started promoting itself as the 'Kyoto of the West,' highlighting its shrines, temples, and historical sites. However, I visited the relatively lesser-known Tennenji Temple, a Jodo sect temple. In 1871, the temples of Sainenji and Shoujouji merged to form today's Tennenji Temple. Every temple has its own legend, and Tennenji is no exception. It is said that Sainenji was once a temporary resting place for traveling monks. One day, a monk carrying a large wooden box came to stay. The monk Shin'yu welcomed him, and they had a deep conversation about Kannon worship and Buddhist teachings. The next morning, the traveling monk had disappeared, leaving behind only the large wooden box, which contained a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva. Because this area was once the center of the Hagi Road, the Miyamachi Honjin of the important Kamakura period trading post, and the Nakamura family of the Waki Honjin were located here, the Kannon statue later became known as Miyamachi Kannon, protecting the merchants traveling through. In front of the Kannon Hall, you can freely donate incense money, and take candles and incense. Then, enjoy the tranquility of the bell tower, old buildings, and gardens. 📍Address: 〒747-0032 Yamaguchi Prefecture, Hofu City, Miyamachi 9-29 🚗 A 15-minute walk from Hofu Station

. #YamaguchiGourmet#HofuGourmet #YamaguchiLunch#HofuLunch #YamaguchiCafe#HofuCafe #Waka #LunchAndTeaWaka @waka3879 📍2-2 Niireimachi, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture ☎0835-28-1685 #ThisWakaSetMealOfTheWeek #ChickenNanban #LotusRootTartar #ChickenCutlet #PoundCake #BlackTea #CafeLatte I finally got to go to a restaurant I've been wanting to go to for ages٩( ᐖ )و٩( ᐖ )و As expected, it's a popular restaurant! I couldn't get a reservation for lunch, so I started lunch quite late. The wait time was long, and the staff were kind enough to talk to me many times. My dear mommy friend who came with me ᑦᑋᵃⁿ*✼ Thank you for always being with me. Let's go eat some delicious food again ꔛᡣ𐭩˒˒

. #YamaguchiGourmet #HofuGourmet #YamaguchiCafe #HofuCafe #THEDAILY @thedaily._hofu 📍2-5-18 Sennichi, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture ☎0835-28-1699 #WhiteDress #MatchaLatteEspresso #CafeLatte I wanted to eat Pavloa, but unfortunately it was sold out 🥲 Cheese Cream White Dress 🍓 This is also delicious ♪♬ヾ(´︶`*)ﾉ♬♪ I went out with my mommy friends for the first time in a while I've been feeling unwell for a while, but I was able to relax and chat a lot with my friends who are always stable and positive It was a really good day Thank you so much for everything The plum blossoms are in full bloom again this year at #HofuTenmangu Shrine I'm glad I was able to visit, thank you (*´ω｀人) thank you

A shrine in Osaki Ward, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, and also a shrine in Maeshu Prefecture. The main festival is held on the Saturday and Sunday closest to September 25th every year. The shrine is dedicated to the creator of Nanjumaru and the Eight-foot Mirror; as well as Tamamo Gozen, the goddess of mirrors and stone carvers, also the creator of the Eight-foot Mirror. The origins of the shrine are unknown, but it is believed to have begun with a family of hot arts and craftsmen during the Kofun period who worshipped Tamano Gobe Noyomi and made rolled beads and tama balls, and were known as the Tamanoya-no-Kamikan. In the Nihon Shoki, the legendary Emperor Katsura was aided by a divine artifact during his conquest of the Kumoze region and prayed for victory at the Tamanokoda Shrine. The shrine is also recorded in the Japanese Sandaijiroku and Chakki of the Heian period and is considered to be a provincial shrine. #2024TravelReview

Admission was 400 yen for children and 800 yen for adults. There was also a great souvenir corner inside the venue. I was very satisfied!!

We took a tuk tuk ride!!!!!!!

The other day I went to the Pokemon exhibition at Solar in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. I looked at the various exhibits and ended up buying a stuffed toy. It was a very worthwhile experience!!!

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is "Japan's first Tenmangu Shrine" and enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, who is revered as the god of learning. It is collectively known as the Three Great Gods of Japan along with Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka. You can see the last words of Takasugi Shinsaku, who highly praised Lord Suga. The New Year's Hatsumode (first visit to a shrine in the new year), the early spring plum blossom festival, and the Gojinkosai (Nakbo Festival) in November, which is known as the premiere festival in western Japan, are held. The festival activities are rich and colorful throughout the year, attracting many visitors and making it very lively. #2024TravelReview

The season of changing leaves and coming to pray at Hofu Tenmangu Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. This prefecture is in the Western Japan region. It is a famous place and is popular among students in Japan for praying for success in competitive exams and being able to enter their desired institution. #Travel to Japan by yourself

You can eat the highest quality squid!

On a trip to Yamaguchi, after visiting Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, I went for a drive here❣️ Opened in 1959 (Showa 34), this municipal ropeway connected the middle of Mount Ohira in Hofu City to the top of the mountain. It has long been loved by locals as a Hofu landmark, but unfortunately it was closed in 2015 due to aging facilities. The red-roofed station building with a Showa-era feel on the west side of the mountaintop was open, and the ropeway was on display at the boarding and disembarking area, recreating a stationed state. The door was locked, so I couldn't get inside, but just looking at it made me excited and moved🥹✨ The view from the top of the mountain was also amazing, and I could see the whole city of Hofu. I bet the night view would be beautiful at night. There are toilets, a well-maintained parking lot, and a park, so it was a great place❣️ Ohirayama Ropeway Summit Park 📍 163-59 Mure, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture #Trip to Yamaguchi #Tourism in Yamaguchi #Tourism in Hofu #Mt. Ohira #Mt. Ohira Summit Park #Mt. Ohira Ropeway #Domestic Travel Record

#DomesticTravelRecord #YamaguchiGourmet #HofuGourmet #Ramon'sDining #ThaiRestaurant #PadThai #KhaoManGai I went to a Thai restaurant in Hofu, Yamaguchi! The restaurant was crowded around lunchtime on a weekday♪ I ordered Pad Thai, Khao Man Gai, and lunch soup. All of the dishes are seasoned to suit Japanese tastes, so even those who don't like spicy food can enjoy them very much😋 The portions were very filling, so I took the rest home🥡 The staff and owner were very polite and I had a pleasant lunch🩵I'd love to visit again! ☑️1-8-31 Midoricho, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0026

Hofu Tenmangu Shrine ⛩️ 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is said to be the first Tenjin shrine built in Japan. There are about 12,000 shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane throughout the country, making it a historic shrine. It is also one of the three major Tenjin shrines in Japan. The deities enshrined are Sugawara no Michizane, Amenohohi no Mikoto, Takehi no Dori no Mikoto, and Nominosukune. You can see many cow🐃 statues associated with Michizane. The magnificent tower gate and worship hall were wonderful. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Hofu Tenmangu ꕥAddress: 14-1 Matsuzakicho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚉 Hofu Station → approx. 24 minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #shrines and temples #shrine visit #shrine tour #shrine #Yamaguchi sightseeing #Yamaguchi trip

Tamaiwaya ⛩️ 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 A place associated with Suo Province's Ichinomiya Tamasu Shrine. It is said to be the place where the deceased deity, Tamasu no Mikoto, was placed. The road is a little confusing, but it is a dead end and there is a sign🪧 at the entrance. The sign says "Yamaguchi View Spot". There is a stone monument surrounded by a stone fence, which is said to be the grave. In the center of the stone monument, "Tamanoiwaya" is engraved. Currently, the surrounding area is a construction site and is fenced off with an iron fence. The surrounding environment may change in the future. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Tamaiwaya ꕥAddress: Osaki, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏 Migita → approx. 33 minutes walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #shrine #shrine tour #shrine worship #shrines and temples

Yakugami no Mori ⛩️ 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 A place called Yakugami no Mori. It is said to be the former site of Suo Province Ichinomiya Tamasugi Shrine. The detailed history and time of relocation are unknown. It is located along Yamaguchi Prefectural Route 348 Ouchi Migita Line, and you can see a small shrine surrounded by a stone fence. There is a torii gate ⛩️ and a pair of lion dogs, and you can see that it is well-maintained with offerings. It seems to be a wonderful place where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Yakujin no Mori ꕥAddress: Osaki, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏 Migita → 29 minutes walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #Yamaguchi Prefecture #Yamaguchi Prefecture tourism #Shrine #Shrine tour #Shrines and temples #Shrine worship

Tamaoya Shrine ⛩️ 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 Tamaoya Shrine, Ichinomiya, Suo Province In the "Nihon Shoki" completed in 720, it is said that Emperor Keikō prayed at this shrine when he conquered the Kumaso. The enshrined deity is Tamaoya no Mikoto, the ancestor of the people who make magatama and tubular beads, and is said to be the god who created the Yasakani no Magatama, one of the three sacred treasures. In addition, there is a Japanese chicken called "Kuro Kashiwa🐓" in the precincts. It is said that Kuro Kashiwa gathered the Tokoyo Naganari birds and made them sing when Amaterasu Omikami disappeared. It has a pretty solid body, and its cry seems to be quite long. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Tamasu Shrine ꕥAddress: 1690 Osaki, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏General Medical Center → About 20 minutes walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #shrine #shrine tour #shrines and temples #shrine worship #Yamaguchi Prefecture #Yamaguchi Prefecture tourism

When I went on a trip to Yamaguchi, I rented a car and drove around and found a great cafe❣️ You can see the ocean from the terrace seats ───────────────── ▶︎Hot sandwich...¥600 ▶︎Hofu Japanese-style parfait...¥900 ▶︎Rich pudding...¥600 ▶︎Cafe latte...¥600 ───────────────── [Hot sandwich] My personal recommendation❣️ The toast is crispy and delicious even when it's cold♡ Full volume💯 600 yen is too cheap😳✨ ☑︎Cheese curry (most popular) Uses spicy curry from "ROOT" ( @hofu_root_curry ) It has cheese and eggs inside, and it is mellow and not spicy, so I think even children can eat it☺️ ☑︎Meat sauce Homemade meat sauce with plenty of coarsely ground minced meat and king oyster mushrooms The secret ingredient for richness is a secret🤫 If you can guess it, it's amazing🙌 [Hofu Japanese-style parfait] A sweet that can only be tasted here, topped with rare "acorn flour"🥹 Acorns are organic and a superfood with high nutritional value🥰 The fluffy and gently sweet castella cake and the addictive chewy texture of Yamaguchi Prefecture's specialty Uiro♡ I enjoyed the various flavors and textures❤️ [Rich pudding] Made with 100% eggs from Toritama no Sato 🥚 The traditional firm texture is irresistible 🥰 The vanilla ice cream was also rich 🍨💕 They also have tea and juice, so even those who don't like coffee can enjoy it 🙆♀️ The interior of the store is stylish and has relaxing sofa seats The location is excellent, and the space was super cozy 🥰✨ ——————[Store information]—————— ONE COFFEE 📍 2367-17 Nishiura, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 🚃 15 minutes by car from JR Hofu Station ☎️ 090-2861-8525 🈺 11:00-18:00 (until 19:00 on weekends) 🅿️ Available ##Yamaguchi Trip #Yamaguchi Gourmet #Yamaguchi Lunch #Yamaguchi Cafe #Hofu City Gourmet #Furitabi

The roadside station "Shiosai Market Hofu" has the theme of "fish and flavors that can only be found here." At the roadside station, there are shops that sell not only seafood but also specialties of Yamaguchi and Hofu, and the tenants are lined with seafood specialty shops. The Yamaguchi Prefectural Fisheries Association and the Fish Square Information Center are also located on the premises, so if you go early in the morning, you can see lots of fresh fish. There is a photo spot for "Hamoranger" near the entrance, so be sure to check it out! The location is also wonderful, facing Mount Taihei, and from the observation deck you can see all the way to Kyushu's "Himeshima". Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm. (Varies by tenant) About 3.7km from JR Hofu Station Roadside station "Shiosai Market Hofu" 2-3 Shintsukichi-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, 747-0824 #Roadside station #Hofu #Yamaguchi #Yamaguchi trip #Yamaguchi sightseeing #Hofu walk #Fish #Furitabi

This is the town station "Ume Terrace", a tourist information center with a restaurant and a specialty product shop in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It has free Wi-Fi, a rest area, and bicycle rentals, and has a wealth of information on local specialties, so it's a must-visit for tourists in Hofu. It was a comfortable rest area where you can feel the warmth of wood 😊 About 1.5km from JR "Hofu Station" Opening hours are from 9:00 to 20:00. (The cafe and souvenir corner have different opening hours) Hofu City Town Station "Ume Terrace" 1-20 Matsuzaki-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 747-0029 #Yamaguchi #YamaguchiTrip #YamaguchiTourism #Hofu #TouristInformationCenter #HofuWalk #TownStation #FuriTabi

This is "Hofu Tenjin Mochi", a gourmet food that can be enjoyed on the approach to Hofu Tenmangu Shrine in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. At a shop on the approach to Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, tenjin mochi baked from a baking mold is sold for 150 yen each. There are three types. They have "white mochi", "mugwort", and the summer-only "summer orange", but I chose the classic "white mochi". This is a gourmet food that you can enjoy on the go, eating freshly baked mochi! Business hours are Thursday to Sunday 9:30 to 16:00. About 1.5km from JR "Hofu Station" "Hofu Specialty Tenjin Mochi" 12-14 Matsuzaki-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 747-0029 #Yamaguchi gourmet #Yamaguchi sweets #mochi #Hofu specialty #Hofu gourmet #Hofu sweets #Yamaguchi sightseeing #Yamaguchi trip #Furitabi

#Fritabi #HofuGourmet #MiyanosobaUsagiya #HofuLunch #HofuSobaRestaurant #RawMegKakeRice I went to Usagiya, a soba restaurant in Hofu🚗 It's located near Tenmangu Shrine, and is a restaurant with an old-style house. If you go to the back of the store, there is a corner with figures that you can enjoy. The soba is chewy and has a great flavor. The egg-topped rice with lots of ingredients and shirasu is also famous and delicious😋 The staff were also very cheerful and helpful! ☑️8-22 Miyaichi-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 747-0032 ☑️11:00-14:30 Closed on Tuesdays

Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is the birthplace of Taneda Santoka, a representative haiku poet of free verse haiku. At the Santoka Hometown Museum, you can learn about the works and upbringing of Taneda Santoka. You can freely browse the museum, but I recommend talking to the staff about Santoka. I thought he was a haiku poet from the old days, but it seems he also reads haiku that include "coffee". The statue of Taneda Santoka near the reception desk in the museum is made to look a little more handsome than the real Taneda 🫣 There is also a cosplay corner, and the Santoka Hometown Museum is wonderful for its many humorous stories. About 1.3km from JR Hofu Station Opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. Santoka Hometown Museum 5-13 Miyaichi-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 747-0032 #Yamaguchi #Taneda Santoka #Haiku #Hofu #Yamaguchi Trip #Yamaguchi Tourism #Haiku Poet #Free Travel

There are about 12,000 shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane across the country, but Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is said to be the first to be built. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the three great Tenjin shrines of Japan, along with Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka. It is about 1.6km from JR Hofu Station. We recommend renting a bicycle at the station! Opening hours are 6:00am to 8:00pm. Hofu Tenmangu Shrine 14-1 Matsuzakicho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, 747-0029 #Yamaguchi #Hofu #Shrine #YamaguchiTourism #YamaguchiTrip #HofuWalk #FuriTabi

#Fritabi #HofuCityGourmet #HofuItalian #ItalianDiningRyo’s #PastaGourmet Italian restaurant in Hofu🍝 I went around lunchtime, but it was full and I had to wait a bit! Reservations are guaranteed! There are so many types of pasta that it’s hard to choose💦You can choose the noodles, and I prefer thin noodles, so it was the best! All the pasta was very delicious♪ The staff were also very polite and nice! ☑️1-24-29 Hachioji, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 747-0037 ☑️Closed on Wednesdays