Ine

Ine is a quaint seaside village located in northern Kyōto Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast. It’s famous for its unique wooden boathouses (funaya). There over two hundred of these boathouses around the bay. Although the Japan Sea is known for its stormy character, the bay is protected by islands and a peninsula.

The first boathouses were built in the Edo period, and they’ve been rebuilt occasionally ever since. Each boathouse has two levels. The lower level is used as a shelter for fishing boats and gear, while the fisherman and his family live on the second floor. Since the house goes down to the waterline, the houses appear to be floating. Ine is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan, and it’s been the location of films and TV dramas.

Some of the boathouses have been transformed into cafés, restaurants, and accommodation, and an overnight stay is the best way to appreciate the life of the town. Since Ine is principally a fishing town, delicious fresh seafood is one of its attractions.

Boat tours and walking tours are an ideal way to enjoy Ine. Tourists on the boats hold snacks aloft for seagulls and kites to grab, presenting a bonanza for photographers. Be sure to visit the museums that show how the boathouses are managed. It’s also good to visit Funaya no Sato Park, a road-side station on a hill above the town, which offers a stunning view of the bay from its observation deck.

Information

Name in Japanese: 伊根
Pronunciation: i-nei
Address: Ine, Yoza District, Kyōto