This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025.
To read the entire issue, click here.
Away from the gleaming splendor of Kyoto’s golden pavilion and bustling historic walkways lies a sleepy seaside village, untouched by the accelerated rhythms of metropolitan life. Here, you will find a dazzling watercolor of emerald waters and lush green hills divided by a winding ribbon of wooden boathouses.
Situated at the northernmost edge of Kyoto Prefecture, Ine is a coastal fishing village known for its quaint charm, cultural preservation and the vibrant waters of its bay. Often called the “Venice of Japan” due to its picturesque waterfront and historical significance as a site of trade, Ine is widely regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful villages.
Ine has a small population of around 1,800 residents, most of whom work in the fishing and agricultural industries, and it lies about 15 kilometers north of the scenic Amanohashidate sandbar. Given its far-flung location, the village is a bit of a trek to access via public transportation from Kyoto and Osaka stations — but its enchanting scenery has made it a popular spot for adventurous travelers in recent years.
The Living Heritage of Ine
While there are many seaside fishing towns across Japan, what distinguishes Ine is its rows of traditional boathouses, called funaya. Some 230 boathouses line Ine Bay. With roots in the Edo period, they’ve survived destructive ocean events and typhoons for centuries, thanks to the protective embrace of the surrounding mountainscape and the village’s south-facing direction.
Traditionally, the two-story boathouses are multipurpose, with the sloping first floor acting like an aquatic garage for the owner’s boat. The second floor once served as living quarters, though residents of the village today typically have a separate main house across the street and use boathouses as an extended work or living space. Some of the buildings have also been converted into atmospheric cafés or shops, and even into overnight accommodations for guests.
Cruise Around the Bay
For the best panoramic view of funaya, take a boat tour around the bay. Smaller sea taxi tours guided by local fishermen provide a more intimate experience and insight into life in Ine. Another option is to take a larger sightseeing cruise, which offers shade in the hotter months. Boat tours can be arranged at the Ine Tourist Information Center upon arrival. Advance reservations are not required for either tour, unless your party is more than 15 people.
Biking around the bay is also a great way to take in the scenery, with guides and e-bike rentals available. To admire the boathouses and bay from afar, head to Funaya no Sato Park, a roadside station that houses a tourist information office and an observation deck.
Savor Local Delicacies
With its long tradition of fishing, the village has an abundance of incredible seasonal seafood to try. Serving sashimi, salt-grilled fish, kaisendon (seafood bowls) and more, Ine’s dining establishments specialize in capturing the fresh flavor of the day’s catch. From the end of April to mid-August, for instance, you can feast on Ine’s famous iwagaki (rock) oysters, also known as the “milk of the sea” due to their mild taste. From November to February, you can sample winter yellowtail, which has long been the village’s pride and joy.
Some scenic and delicious eateries include Aburaya and Funaya Kajiya, where you can savor seasonal seafood set meals and iwagaki oyster feasts while admiring a beautiful view of the bay. At the first-floor café of Funaya Miyabi — a serene funaya-turned-lodging — you can try traditional Japanese sweets such as mitarashi dango and sip on matcha right by the water.
Lovers of sake should check out Mukai Sake Brewery, which boasts the distinction of being the closest sake brewery to the sea in Japan. Established in 1754, the brewery is known for its unique red rice-based sake, Ine Mankai, or “Ine in Full Bloom.” Beloved for its sweet, rosé-like flavor, Ine Mankai has even been purchased by members of the imperial family.
Since 1999, the brewery has been led by head brewer Kuniko Mukai, who made waves at the time of her appointment as one of Japan’s first female head brewers.
Picturesque Seaside Stays
With stunning views of the curving row of boathouses, crystalline waters and the lush green mountains beyond, inn stays at Ine are an unforgettable experience. But if you’re looking to stay overnight at a traditional boathouse, keep in mind that most funaya inns are typically fully booked three months in advance, as spaces are limited and some establishments only accommodate one group per day.
For those looking to book a place well in advance, options include Water Front Inn Yosasou, Funaya Kura, Funaya Fuga and Funaya Raku.
More Info
To learn more about Ine and plan a visit there, visit the official tourism website.
