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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Hofu sharing quite a few of those!
Hofu, Japan’s hidden gem, awaits you with open arms, beckoning you to explore its rich cultural history, indulge in its authentic cuisine, and revel in the tranquil beauty of its natural landscapes.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Hofu:
1. Hofu Tenman-gu Shrine
A revered Shinto shrine in Hofu city, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visit the Main Hall, where you can see a statue of the deity enshrined at Hofu Tenman-gu – Michizane Sugawara, the god of scholarship, learning, and divination.
Stroll around the beautiful garden that has a pond and a bridge, and witness the Japanese art of pruning in the bonsai exhibit.
Pay homage to several other sub-shrines located within the complex.
Don’t miss: The Tenjin Market held on the 25th of every month, where around 300 stalls sell local produce, seafood, and street food.
Insider travel tips: Visit the shrine during the plum blossoms (late February to early March) and the Chrysanthemum Exhibition (October) when the garden is at its most beautiful.
Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of stairs to climb.
If you are interested in Japanese calligraphy, attend the Kakizome event held on January 2nd, where visitors can try their hand at writing their wishes for the New Year in calligraphy.
2. Hofu City Historical Museum
The Hofu City Historical Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Hofu City in Japan.
What to see or do: The museum offers exhibits that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage, including artifacts, photos, and documents. Visitors can learn about the city’s past through interactive displays and educational programs.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the exhibit on the Hofu clan, a powerful family that ruled the region during the Edo period.
The exhibit features stunning samurai armor and weapons, as well as items used by the clan’s leaders.
Insider travel tips: – Make sure to check the museum’s schedule for special events and exhibitions.
3. Kusano Park
Kusano Park is a beautiful green space located in the city of Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: This park offers a perfect retreat away from the chaos of city life.
Visitors can admire the cherry blossom mesmerizing the vast land of the park in spring or take a leisurely walk through the lush greenery.
The park also features several ponds, a Japanese garden, and an impressive collection of azaleas that bloom in the spring.
Don’t miss: The park is particularly famous for its cherry blossom, as it is home to over 400 cherry trees, creating an idyllic setting in early April.
Insider travel tips: Kusano Park is quite popular among locals, so it’s a great place to experience a traditional Japanese hanami party with local families and friends.
To ensure you have a good picnic spot, arrive early in the morning and bring a mat, drinks, and food. Also, don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes as the park is vast and has many walking trails to explore.
4. Hofu Yume Kaido Street
A charming street in Hofu, Japan filled with historic buildings, unique shops and restaurants.
What to see or do: Stroll along the street and admire the traditional architecture, browse the shops for souvenirs and gifts, and dine at one of the many delicious restaurants.
Don’t miss: The Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine located near the end of the street. Also, keep an eye out for the unique manhole covers featuring local landmarks and symbols.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the evening when the lanterns along the street are lit up for a magical atmosphere. Be sure to try the local specialty of udon noodles at one of the restaurants.
And don’t hesitate to ask the friendly locals for recommendations on what to see and do in the area.
5. Hofu-machiya Residence Inn
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Book early for the best availability, be prepared for steep stairs and narrow hallways, bring slip-on shoes for easy access to tatami floors, inquire about private garden rental for special events.
6. Hofu Castle Ruins
Hofu Castle Ruins are the remains of a once magnificent castle located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Explore the castle ruins and imagine the grandeur of this once imposing stronghold. The site offers stunning views of the city below and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Seki.
You can also visit the nearby Hofu Tenman Shrine, which is located just a short walk from the castle ruins.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the castle’s iconic stone walls, which still stand tall despite the centuries that have passed since the castle’s heyday.
The castle’s gate, known as the Akagaki Gate, is also a must-see for history buffs and castle enthusiasts.
Insider travel tips: For the best view of the castle ruins, visit during the sunset hours when the sky turns a beautiful shade of orange.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.
Lastly, consider visiting during the castle’s annual autumn festival, known as the Hofu Taisai, when the site is lit up with lanterns and offers various food and drink vendors.
7. Hofu Hanko Yaki Pottery Studio
Hofu Hanko Yaki Pottery Studio is a renowned pottery studio located in Yame, Japan producing traditional Japanese pottery using a unique yaki technique.
What to see or do: The pottery studio offers a wide range of workshops for visitors to learn about the traditional art of pottery making. Visitors can try their hand at creating their own pottery masterpiece under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the firing of the pottery in the kiln.
It is a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience to see the craftsmen skillfully manipulating the fire and smoke to create beautiful pottery.
Insider travel tips: – Book a pottery-making workshop in advance to ensure availability.
8. Hofu Nishi-Otsuka Underground Tomb
The Hofu Nishi-Otsuka Underground Tomb is an ancient burial site that dates back to the Kofun Period in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the underground tomb, which consists of a large burial chamber with several smaller chambers connected to it. The tomb is made of stone and has intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a close look at the carvings that decorate the walls and ceiling of the tomb. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs and customs of the people who built the tomb.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes, as visitors must walk down a steep flight of stairs to reach the tomb.
9. Hofu City Old Capital Ruins Park
Hofu City Old Capital Ruins Park is a historic park in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, where the remains of the ancient capital of Suo Province are preserved.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the park grounds to see various architectural structures and old excavations such as foundations of government buildings, walls, wells, and gatehouses, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Hofu City.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is the impressive reconstruction of the East Gatehouse, giving visitors a glimpse of what the gatehouse looked like during the Heian period.
Insider travel tips: If you are interested in Japanese history or archaeology, you should not miss this place.
The park has a convenient route for visitors to follow and provides a free audio guide for foreign tourists in English, Korean, and Chinese.
It is recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon as there is little shade in the park.
10. Tenjinyama Park and Lookout
Tenjinyama Park and Lookout is a popular park located in Hofu, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Hofu city from the top of the Tenjinyama Lookout which stands at 200 meters above sea level.
The park is home to a variety of trees and sculptures, which make it a perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Don’t miss: The Tenjinyama Art Studio, which is located within the park, hosts workshops and exhibitions that showcase the work of local artists.
Also, visitors can check out the Tenjinyama Shrine, which is said to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who make a wish there.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the park during the autumn season when the leaves turn yellow and red, providing a fantastic natural backdrop to the cityscape.
Additionally, visitors can avoid crowds by going in the morning or early afternoon.
11. Jokoji Temple
A historic Zen temple located in Hofu, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the serene temple grounds, walk through the beautiful Japanese garden, and see the intricate architecture of the buildings.
The temple also holds meditation sessions, Zen calligraphy workshops, and tea ceremonies.
Don’t miss: The Hatto building, which is a designated national treasure and features stunning artwork and intricate carvings. The temple’s bell, which has been in use for centuries, is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the temple grounds and be respectful of the temple’s cultural significance by following proper etiquette.
The temple is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in the spring and fall foliage season in the fall. Visitors can also enjoy hot springs in the nearby area after their visit to the temple.
12. Kofukuji Temple
Kofukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It was initially built in 729 in Nara as one of the Eight Great Temples.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the ancient architecture of the temple, including the main gate, pagoda, and main hall. The temple grounds also feature peaceful gardens, ponds, and a museum exhibiting precious Buddhist art.
Don’t miss: The Five-story pagoda is an iconic landmark of Kofukuji Temple and is the second tallest pagoda in Japan. It is a must-see and is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
Insider travel tips: – Try to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
13. Sakuraki Park
Sakuraki Park is a spacious park located in the city of Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: The park is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which attract thousands of visitors during the cherry blossom season.
Visitors can also enjoy strolling around the park’s well-manicured gardens, playing tennis or baseball, or having a picnic with friends and family.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is the cherry blossom festival during the first two weeks of April, where visitors can witness the breathtaking beauty of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Insider travel tips: – Go early in the morning to avoid crowds during the cherry blossom season.
14. Choko-ji Temple
Choko-ji Temple is a stunning Buddhist temple located in Hofu, Japan. The temple dates back to the 8th century and is considered one of the oldest temples in the region.
What to see or do: Visitors to Choko-ji Temple can explore the temple’s beautiful grounds and take in the majestic architecture of the buildings. Inside the temple, visitors can see an array of artifacts and works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Choko-ji Temple is the stunning statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha.
The statue, which dates back to the 11th century, is considered a national treasure of Japan and is a must-see for visitors to the temple.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the history and significance of Choko-ji Temple, consider hiring a local guide to share insights about the temple’s architecture, artifacts, and traditions.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds can be quite expansive.