Hōfu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For authentic Japanese ambiance, Hofu Castle Town Hotel stands out, located near the historic Hofu Castle Ruins and blending Edo-period architecture with modern comfort. The hotel features tatami rooms, private gardens, and seasonal kaiseki dining. Guests can stroll through the Castle Town Old Street, visit Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, and enjoy local crafts like washi paper-making. Nearby, Hotel Sunroute Plaza Hofu offers a more contemporary option with traditional touches, ideal for travelers seeking cultural immersion. Book early during cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn foliage seasons for best availability.

The best area for convenient hotel stays is Hofu Station District, where major accommodations like ANA Crowne Plaza Hofu and Hofu City Hotel are located. This central zone provides easy access to Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, Oyama Park, and the Giyoda River Promenade. Public transport links include JR West’s Hofu Station, connecting to Shimonoseki, Iwakuni, and Hiroshima. Many hotels offer free shuttle services and family-friendly amenities. Walking distance to local eateries serving Yamaguchi beef and Hofu tofu makes it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Visitors can experience Hofu Tenmangu Shrine’s annual festival in spring, featuring traditional dance and lantern processions honoring Sugawara Michizane. Hands-on workshops at Hofu Washi Craft Studio allow guests to make traditional Japanese paper. Strolling the Castle Town Old Street in yukata (summer kimono) offers a glimpse into Edo-era life, while tasting Yamaguchi-style grilled beef and Hofu tofu enhances the sensory journey. Guided tours of the Hofu Castle Ruins reveal historical ties to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Yes, ANA Crowne Plaza Hofu and Hofu City Hotel are excellent family-friendly options. Both feature spacious family rooms, child-sized toiletries, indoor play areas, and kid-friendly breakfast menus. Located near Oyama Park and Hofu City Library, they offer safe, engaging environments for children. Some rooms even have private balconies overlooking greenery. The hotels also provide free shuttle services to nearby attractions like Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and Giyoda River, making family outings seamless. Early HopeGoo is recommended during peak seasons.

Hofu City hosts vibrant seasonal events: the Cherry Blossom Festival at Oyama Park and Giyoda River in March–April, with illuminated night walks; the Summer Festival in July features taiko drumming and fireworks; Autumn Leaf Viewing in October–November highlights the red maple trees around Hofu Castle Ruins and Akamichi Shrine; and the Winter Light Festival in December transforms old town streets with warm lantern displays. These events often occur on weekends, so pairing them with a stay at a local hotel enhances the full cultural experience.

Top photo spots include Hofu Castle Ruins, with its ancient stone walls and skyward views perfect for historical shots; Oyama Park’s cherry-lined paths, especially during bloom season; Hofu Tenmangu Shrine’s vermilion torii gate and lantern-lined approach; and the Castle Town Old Street with its wooden facades and sliding doors. The Giyoda River at dusk, reflecting city lights, creates dreamy mirror-like images. For the best results, visit early morning or late afternoon when lighting is soft and crowds are smaller. Wearing a yukata adds charm to your photos.

Must-try dishes include Yamaguchi-style grilled beef, marinated in sweet-savory sauce and charcoal-grilled to perfection; Hofu Tofu, silky and delicate, served in soups or as a dessert; Giyoda River Fish Cuisine, featuring fresh river catch prepared by local chefs; and Hofu Soba Noodles, served cold with a rich dipping sauce. Visit Castle Town Dining or Oyama Restaurant for authentic flavors in traditional settings. Many hotels also offer dinner sets featuring these regional specialties, allowing guests to savor local cuisine without leaving their accommodation.

Yes, transportation in Hofu City is convenient via JR West’s Hofu Station, which connects to Shimonoseki, Iwakuni, and Hiroshima. Local buses serve key sites like Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, Oyama Park, and Giyoda River Promenade. Taxis and shared e-bikes are available at the station and downtown. For those driving, the Yamaguchi Expressway provides quick access to surrounding regions. Consider purchasing the Yamaguchi Area Pass for unlimited train rides within designated zones, offering cost-effective travel across the region.

Couples will enjoy walking hand-in-hand along the Giyoda River at sunset, sharing quiet moments beneath the willow trees. A romantic evening at Hofu Castle Ruins’ night-viewing path offers panoramic city lights and a peaceful atmosphere. Strolling the Old Town Street in yukata, capturing photos among lantern-lit alleys, adds a nostalgic touch. Some hotels, like Hofu Castle Town Hotel, offer couples’ suites with private balconies and hot springs. Ending the night at a hilltop restaurant with views of the illuminated city provides an unforgettable moment under the stars.

Key natural attractions include the Giyoda River, winding through the city with lush banks ideal for walking, cycling, or picnics—especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Oyama Park, a large green space atop a hill, offers panoramic views of Hofu and surrounding mountains. It’s perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying seasonal blooms. Nearby, Akamichi Shrine’s forest trails provide a serene escape with clean air and ancient trees. Early mornings are best for solitude and stunning light, making these spots ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike.