Hofu City is located in the central Setouchi area of Yamaguchi Prefecture, in the western part of the Chugoku region, facing the Suo-Nada Sea. It is home to the Hofu Plain, the largest in the prefecture, and is located at the mouth of the Saba River. The offshore plains are formed by reclamation of former salt fields. The Seto Inland Sea is home to the islands of Saba, Mukojima, and Nojima, which form the city's boundaries. While geographically connected to Yamaguchi City and Shunan City, Hofu City is also unique in that it has its own independent urban area. In the past, the city thrived on its salt industry, so much so that it was known as Ako in the east and Mitajiri in the west. Today, various companies have branches and offices here. The city's commerce has also flourished around the hub centered around Hofu Tenmangu Shrine, as well as in the Mitajiri and Nakanoseki districts. In the fishing industry, the city's hamo (conger eel) catch is high, and Tenjin Hamo has become a well-known brand.