We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Hofu. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Hofu in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Hofu and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Hofu and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Hofu so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Hofu?

Renting a car in Hōfu, Japan, offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city's rich historical sites and the surrounding Yamaguchi Prefecture at your own pace. With a personal vehicle, you can easily visit attractions like the Mōri Museum, Hōfu Tenman-gū Shrine, and Suō Kokubun-ji Temple without the constraints of public transportation schedules.

Additionally, having a car allows you to venture into the picturesque countryside and coastal areas nearby, providing opportunities to discover hidden gems and enjoy scenic drives along the Seto Inland Sea. This convenience enhances your travel experience, making it more personalised and efficient.

Car rental tips for Hofu

  • Hōfu has several car rental agencies, including a Budget Rent a Car location approximately 2 kilometres from Hōfu Station. It's advisable to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
  • Driving in Hōfu and the surrounding areas is relatively straightforward, but be prepared for narrow roads in rural regions. Familiarise yourself with local traffic signs and regulations before setting out.
  • If you plan to visit multiple attractions in a day, having a rental car allows for efficient travel between sites like Hōfu Tenman-gū Shrine, Mōri Museum, and Suō Kokubun-ji Temple, maximising your sightseeing time.
  • Ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid driver's license, as this is a requirement for foreign drivers in Japan. Also, consider obtaining a GPS or a reliable navigation app to assist with route planning.

FAQs about renting a car in Hofu

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Hōfu's city streets and the surrounding rural areas. These vehicles offer a balance of comfort and manoeuvrability, making them suitable for both urban driving and countryside excursions.

What are the parking options?

Parking in Hōfu is generally accessible, with public parking lots available near major attractions. Some sites, like Hōfu Tenman-gū Shrine, offer dedicated parking areas for visitors. It's advisable to check parking availability in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What's the speed limit?

In Japan, the general speed limits are 60 km/h (37 mph) on urban roads and 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways. Always adhere to posted speed limits and be cautious of local traffic regulations.

Popular attractions

  • Hōfu Tenman-gū Shrine: Established in 904, this is Japan's first shrine dedicated to Tenjin, the deity of learning. The shrine is renowned for its beautiful architecture and the 1,100 plum trees that bloom spectacularly in spring.
  • Mōri Museum and Garden: Located within the former Mōri Clan Main Residence, the museum houses a collection of over 20,000 artefacts, including four National Treasures. The surrounding gardens are designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty.
  • Suō Kokubun-ji Temple: Founded in 741, this Buddhist temple retains its original layout and features nearly 100 Buddhist statues and paintings. The temple grounds are especially picturesque during the blooming of crape myrtles from July to October.

More places to visit

  • Yamaguchi City: Approximately 15 kilometres west of Hōfu, Yamaguchi City offers attractions like Ruriko-ji Temple with its iconic five-storey pagoda and the serene Sesshū Garden.
  • Shimonoseki: Located about 50 kilometres west, Shimonoseki is known for the Karato Fish Market and the historic Akama Shrine overlooking the Kanmon Straits.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Hofu

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Hertz Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Hofu: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.