Hofu

① Climate

Reference: JMA Normals 1991–2020 / Approx. based on Yamaguchi station

• Annual mean temperature: 15.7 °C
• Warmest month mean: Aug ≈ 27.2 °C / Coldest month mean: Jan ≈ 4.8 °C
• Relative humidity: Max ≈ Jul ~82% / Min ≈ Mar ~67%
• Annual snowfall: Low (a few cm per year)
• Sunshine hours: Peak around Oct–Nov
• Annual precipitation: ~1,750 mm (wettest: Jul ~260 mm / driest: Jan ~70 mm)

② Landforms

 The city developed around the Hōfu Plain on the Seto Inland Sea, encircled by the Bōchō Mountains.
 The Saba River flows through the urban area, forming tidal flats and a delta near its mouth.
 Gentle mountains rise to the north, while the south opens to scenic coastal views.
 Offshore are small islets and sandbars, characteristic of the calm Inland Sea landscape.

③ Industry

 【Filled by me: brief overview of key sectors (primary / tourism / crafts, etc.)】
Local specialties

• Tenjin Mochi: Confection traditionally sold near Hōfu Tenmangū.
• Hōfu Mikan (mandarins): Citrus grown in the mild Setouchi climate.
• Suō Beef: Black Wagyu brand from the Hōfu–Yamaguchi area.

④ Local Culture & Traditions

 Hōfu Tenmangū Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, is the spiritual heart of the city.
 Ancient rituals continue today, including Tenjin Festival and the dynamic Hadaka-bō Festival.
 Hōfu is also known as a city of literature and learning.

• Hadaka-bō Festival (Hōfu Tenmangū): A vigorous “naked” festival, one of the prefecture’s foremost rites.
• Ōdōri Dance: A Bon dance tradition dating back to the Edo period.
• Saba River Taiko: Creative drumming performed at local festivals.