🛶 Ine no Funaya (伊根の舟屋)
A Picturesque Fishing Village Where Homes Float on the Sea
Ine no Funaya, located in Ine Town, Kyoto Prefecture, is a rare and stunning traditional fishing village known for its "funaya" (boat houses) — unique waterfront homes built directly over the sea. These historic buildings give the town the nickname:
“The Venice of Japan.”
🏠 What Are Funaya?
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Funaya (舟屋) are two-story wooden houses:
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The first floor is a boat garage, where fishermen can dock directly from the sea.
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The second floor serves as a living space.
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There are about 230 funaya, many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
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This architectural style is unique to Ine and found nowhere else in Japan.
🌊 A Village Where the Sea Meets Daily Life
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The streets face the mountains, while the homes face the sea, creating a peaceful and timeless atmosphere.
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Many locals still live and fish from their funaya homes today.
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The bay is calm thanks to a natural harbor, allowing funaya to survive for centuries.
🚤 Things to Do in Ine
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🛥️ Boat cruise or sea taxi: View the funaya from the water for the best perspective.
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🐟 Stay in a funaya: Some boat houses now operate as guesthouses, offering authentic village life experiences.
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🥢 Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants — especially Iwagaki oysters and seasonal fish.
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📸 Take photos at sunrise or sunset when the houses reflect beautifully on the bay.
🎥 In Popular Culture
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Ine has appeared in Japanese films, TV dramas, and even international travel shows.
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Its charm has drawn comparisons to scenes from Studio Ghibli.
🚉 Access
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From Kyoto Station, take a train to Amanohashidate Station, then transfer to a bus to Ine.
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Total travel time is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
🎯 Why Visit Ine no Funaya?
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🛶 See one-of-a-kind floating boat houses
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🌅 Experience scenic sea life in a quiet fishing town
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🐟 Taste fresh local seafood and stay in historic homes
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🧘♀️ Enjoy a peaceful, authentic side of Kyoto away from crowds
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📷 Capture photogenic scenes of sea, sky, and wooden architecture
Ine no Funaya offers a magical combination of tradition, tranquility, and ocean culture, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a unique and serene experience in Japan.
Official Website
https://www.ine-kankou.jp/en/funaya
Accommodation sites
Agoda
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