Hofu - Nihoner

Hofu Overview

Hōfu is a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 May 2023, the city had an estimated population of 114,846 and a population density of 610 persons per km². The total area of the city is 92.13 square kilometres (35.57 sq mi).

KANJI: 防 │ 府 │ 市

Hofu Key Statistics

Population

113170

Area

189 km²

Parks / Museums / Cafés

19 / 3 / 2

Practical Essentials for Hofu

Meet-ups & Expat Community

Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.

Find Events ↗

EV Charging Map

all available CHAdeMO and CCS fast-charging points Hofu.

View Chargers ↗

Bike-Share & Cycling

Rent a bike by the hour and cruise the riverside paths.

Bike Rentals ↗

Transit & Timetables

Travellers can check live routes & timetables.

Route Planner ↗

Emergency Phones

Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119

Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.

Safety Tips ↗

About the City (Wikipedia)

Hofu history, administration, demographics and more.

Visit ↗

Getting Around Hofu

Hofu Main Station & Rail Lines

防府 (Hofu)

Train Travel to Hofu

Hofu is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.

Driving to Hofu

Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.

Real-Time Air Quality in Hofu

34

Good

Fresh skies above Hofu, – great day for outdoor plans.

Source: World Air Quality Index

Cover Your Trip to Hofu

Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.

Get Instant Quote ↗

What to Eat in Hofu

Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Hofu downtown.
Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Hofu.
Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Hofu Station.
Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Hofu.
Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Hofu.

Hungry for more?

Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.

Book Food Tours ↗

Things to Do in Hofu

Visit one of Hofu’s 19 parks for jogging or cherry-blossom viewing.
Tour Hofu City Museum and 3 smaller galleries nearby.
Grab coffee at any of the 2 indie cafés around Hofu Station.
Walk the main food-street after dark and try local dishes unique to Hofu.

Book Tours Now

Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.

View Tours ↗

Income & Living Costs in Hofu

¥3,400,000*est

Median household income / year

78*est /100

Price level vs Tokyo

Moving money internationally?

Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.

See Wise fees ↗

Best Hotels in Hofu

Plan & Book Your Trip

Hotels

Find your perfect stay and save.

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Flights

Compare airfares to Hofu.

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FAQ about Hofu

When was Hofu founded?

Hofu was founded on August 25, 1936.

How old is Hofu?

Hofu is roughly 90 years old.

What is the population of Hofu?

The latest estimate puts the population at about 113,170.

What is the land area of Hofu?

Hofu covers roughly 189 km².

What is the main railway station in Hofu?

The primary hub is 防府 (Hofu).

How many parks, museums and cafés are in Hofu?

The city has roughly 19 parks, 3 museums and 2 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.

Is Hofu expensive to live?

Hofu is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.

Do I need travel insurance for visiting Hofu?

Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗

How can I send money internationally while in Japan?

Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.

Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Hofu?

From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Hofu has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗

What tours are available in Hofu?

Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗

Where can I access official city services in Hofu?

All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗

Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Hofu?

Hofu hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗

Where can I charge my EV in Hofu?

CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗

Can I rent a bike in Hofu?

Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗

How can I check public-transport routes in Hofu?

Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗