What Is Ine Funaya?

What Does “Funaya” Mean in Japanese?

The word funaya (舟屋) literally means boat house.

In Ine, these buildings serve a dual purpose:

• Ground floor: boat storage and fishing equipment
• Upper floor: living space, storage, or guest rooms

This design allowed fishermen to head straight out to sea from their homes, even during rough weather—an architectural response shaped entirely by daily life and the sea.

Why Is Ine Funaya So Unique in Japan?

What makes Ine Funaya village special isn’t just the architecture—it’s the scale and continuity.

• Over 230 funaya line the calm waters of Ine Bay
• Many are still privately owned and lived in
• The village layout has changed little since the Edo period

Unlike more famous destinations in Kyoto, Ine feels personal and unpolished. You’re not walking through a theme park—you’re stepping into a working fishing community.

What to See and Do in Ine Funaya

Despite its small size, Ine offers far more than just photo opportunities. The key is to slow down and experience it in layers.

Walk Through the Ine Funaya Fishing Village

Start with a simple walk along the waterfront road.

This is where you’ll see:

• Boats moored directly beneath homes
• Reflections of wooden facades on still water
• Locals going about their daily routines

Early morning and late afternoon are best, when tour buses are gone and the village returns to its natural rhythm.

Photography tip: Please avoid photographing inside homes or pointing cameras at residents—privacy is taken seriously here.

See the Funaya Boat Houses Up Close

While most funaya are private, simply viewing them from the outside tells a story.

Notice the details:

• Sliding wooden doors at sea level
• Weathered timber shaped by salt air
• Narrow spacing that follows the curve of the bay

A few funaya have been converted into guesthouses or cafés, offering rare glimpses inside—without turning the village into a spectacle.

Climb Up to the Funaya Observation Deck

For a wider perspective, walk uphill to the Funaya Observation Deck.

From here, you’ll see:

• The full arc of Ine Bay
• How tightly the village hugs the shoreline
• Why this location was perfect for fishing life

The climb is short but slightly steep. Wear comfortable shoes, especially in summer.

Enjoy Coffee at INE CAFE (If It’s Open)

INE CAFE is one of the most pleasant places to pause.

• Floor-to-ceiling windows facing Ine Bay
• Simple drinks and desserts
• Calm, unhurried atmosphere

⚠️ Important notes:

• Closed every Wednesday
• May close temporarily without notice

If it’s closed, don’t worry—wandering the older backstreets of Ine is just as rewarding.

Take the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise

If you do only one activity, make it the Ine Bay sightseeing boat cruise.

This short cruise offers:

• A sea-level view of the funaya
• A chance to understand their structure
• A surprisingly fun interaction with seabirds

Hours and Fees:

• Departures: 9:00 to 16:00, every 15–30 minutes
• Admission: 1,200 yen

You can buy shrimp crackers before boarding and feed the seagulls as they follow the boat—simple, slightly chaotic, and genuinely memorable.

Best season: Late spring to early autumn for calm seas and clear views.

Take the Ine Bay Sea Taxi

For a more flexible experience on the bay, try the Ine Bay sea taxi. Operated by local fishermen, these small boats offer a slightly more personalized way to see the funaya houses up close.

This experience offers:

• A closer, more intimate view of individual funaya
• A flexible route to photograph or explore quiet corners of the bay
• A chance to ride alongside local fishermen in their working environment

Hours and Fees:

• Typically 9:00 to 17:00
• Admission: Typically 1,000 yen

You don’t need to book in advance—just hop on at the harbor and enjoy a unique perspective of the village from the water.

Best season: Late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the water is calm.

Other Things to Do in Ine Funaya

• Sit quietly by the harbor and watch boats return
• Visit small local shops selling seafood snacks
• Observe village life rather than rushing between “attractions”

Ine rewards patience more than planning.

How to See Ine Funaya and Amanohashidate in One Day

After spending time in Ine Funaya, many travelers continue west along the coast to Amanohashidate 天橋立, one of the most iconic landscapes in Kyoto Prefecture.

Known for its long pine-covered sandbar stretching across Miyazu Bay, Amanohashidate has been celebrated for centuries as one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, offering a very different atmosphere from the intimate fishing village of Ine.

From Ine Funaya, visitors can take a local bus from the village to Miyazu Station, followed by a short train ride to Amanohashidate. The entire transfer typically takes around 40–50 minutes, making it convenient to move from the calm bay of Ine to the open landscapes of Amanohashidate without losing momentum.

Once there, travelers can enjoy the views from Amanohashidate View Land, ride the area's unique cable car for panoramic views of the sandbar below, stop by Zhien Temple, cross the Swinging Bridge, or take a leisurely walk along the white sand beach—all activities included in our Ine Funaya and Amanohashidate one-day tour for those who want a structured experience.

By evening, it’s easy to return to Kyoto or Osaka, completing a day that blends the quiet charm of Ine with the iconic scenery of Amanohashidate.

How to Get to Ine no Funaya

Reaching Ine isn’t difficult, but it does take time—and that’s exactly why the village has managed to stay quiet and unspoiled. With no direct train access, a little planning goes a long way.

How Far Is Ine from Kyoto?

• Distance: around 120 km
• Travel time: roughly 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on train and bus connections

There’s no direct train to Ine, so expect at least one transfer along the way.

How to Get to Ine Funaya from Kyoto

The most common route looks like this:

1. Take a JR limited express or local train from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Miyazu Station
2. Transfer to a local bus bound for Ine
3. Get off at a stop near the Funaya waterfront

Buses run less frequently, especially outside peak season, so it’s best to check schedules in advance and allow extra buffer time—weekends and holidays can be busy.

If you’d rather skip transfers and tight connections, joining an Ine Funaya & Amanohashidate day tour is a convenient alternative, especially for first-time visitors.

How to Get to Ine Funaya from Osaka

From Osaka, the journey follows the same route but takes longer:

• Osaka → Kyoto → Amanohashidate → Ine
• Total travel time: about 3.5–4 hours

With multiple transfers and limited bus schedules, many travelers choose a guided Ine Funaya and Amanohashidate one day trip to save time and avoid logistics.

Public Transport vs. Guided Tour

Estimated travel times below do not include waiting time.

Which Option Makes Sense?

If you enjoy figuring out train routes and don’t mind adjusting your schedule around bus timetables, public transport works fine. It’s also the more flexible option if you plan to stay overnight in Ine.

That said, many travelers—especially those visiting for the first time—find that joining an Ine Funaya & Amanohashidate day tour makes the experience far more relaxed. With direct departures from Kyoto Station or Osaka’s Nippombashi Station, no transfers, and no need to watch the clock, you can focus on the scenery instead of the logistics.

For a place as remote as Ine, that peace of mind often makes the journey just as enjoyable as the destination itself.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Ine no Funaya?

Ine sits right on the Sea of Japan, and the weather here feels closely tied to the water. Seasons are distinct, but conditions can shift quickly—sunny mornings can turn breezy or overcast by the afternoon. Packing with a bit of flexibility is always a good idea.

Visiting Ine Funaya by Season

Spring (March–May)
Spring is one of the most comfortable times to visit. The air feels fresh, the village is still quiet, and walking along the waterfront is genuinely relaxing. Crowds are light compared to summer, making it easier to enjoy the Funaya streets at a slow pace.

Summer (June–August)
Summer brings deeper greens and a livelier atmosphere. It’s the best season for boat cruises, with calmer seas and longer daylight hours. That said, humidity can be high, especially in July and August, so expect warm, sticky afternoons.

Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is often considered the most photogenic season. Clear skies, crisp air, and soft light make the Funaya houses look especially striking. It’s also a great time for photography and unhurried walks, with fewer visitors than in peak summer.

Winter (December–February)
Winter in Ine is quiet and atmospheric. Snow occasionally dusts the rooftops, and the village feels almost suspended in time. Temperatures are cold, and some boat services and shops may operate on reduced schedules, but for travelers who enjoy solitude, this can be a rewarding season.

Ine Funaya FAQs