Funaya

Funaya Boat Houses

Funaya, also known as "boat houses," have 1700 years’ old history. Been selected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, these traditional houses are located in the scenic fishing villages of Ine and Miyazu, situated along the picturesque Ine Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture.

Ine Town is the home to approximately 1,900 residents, nestled between the mountains and Ine Bay in a quiet and peaceful location. In ancient times, Ine was on the trade route from mainland China to Kyoto, so it developed into a town that relied on fishing. This is considered one of the most picturesque villages in Japan.

Funaya are two-story wooden houses built directly above the water, with the first floor serving as a boathouse and the upper floors used as living spaces. These houses have a distinct architectural design that reflects the region's fishing culture and harmonizes with the surrounding natural beauty. Today there are approximately 230 funayas, stretching 5 kilometers along the coastline. A few of the funayas are homestays, giving travelers a chance to get a glimpse into the real life of modern fishermen.

The main purpose of Funaya is to accommodate the local fishermen's boats and equipment. The lower floor is a functional space where boats are stored and prepared for fishing. The upper floors feature cozy living areas, often with large windows overlooking the bay, offering breathtaking views of the water and the surrounding mountains.

Things to do in Funaya of Ine Bay

1. Ine Bay boat tour and fishing experience

In addition to the charming architecture, the area around Funaya offers various attractions and activities. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the bay and learn about the local fishing industry. You can choose between large sightseeing boats or smaller boats driven by locals (also called sea taxis). The large sightseeing boat lasts about 25 minutes and reservations are not required. The boat leaves every half hour and the ticket price is 1000 yen per adult (500 yen per child from 6 to 12 years old). Smaller boats offer more personalized sightseeing itineraries and therefore cost more and reservations are required. During the boat tour, one of the entertainment items is to feed the birds. This is home to many species of birds (including sea eagles), and they all look forward to being fed by humans. Spending about 3 hours for a fishing experience is also a good choice for fishing enthusiasts. You can even rent fishing equipment when you arrive.

2. Cycle around Ine Bay

Cycling is a great way to enjoy the 5km-long Ine Bay. Ine Tourist Information Center provides 13 free bicycles and reservation is not needed in advance. You can also rent an electric assisted bicycle to explore the bay (2000 yen per day per bike). At Ine Tourist Information Center, a guided tour with e-bike (6500 yen per adult, free for 0-6 years old kid) is available from March to November (10:00-12:00 or 13:00-15:00) every day.

3. Stay in a a Funaya boathouse

Some Funaya have been transformed into guesthouses, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese fishing village life. Staying in a Funaya allows guests to immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy serene surroundings, and witness the daily activities of the fishermen. Almost all inns especially the boathouse inn just faced in front of the sea will be fully booked 3 month in advance. So an early reservation of the accommodations as well as the meals are necessary. Reservation can be made in the official website of Ine Tourist Information. Some guesthouses also provide online booking through their own websites.

4. Take a side trip to Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is a 3km long sandbank covered with 8000 pine forests and is famous for being one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, along with Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Drive about 30 minutes from Funaya, Amanohashidate is a natural bridge connecting the two sides of Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Amanohashidate means "Heaven Bridge" because when viewed from the mountains on both sides of the sandbank, it looks like a passage connecting heaven and earth.

The tranquil atmosphere, stunning scenery, and cultural richness make Funaya a popular destination for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience near Kyoto. Whether you choose to stay in a Funaya or simply visit the fishing villages of Ine and Miyazu, you're sure to be enchanted by their charm and the unique glimpse into Japan's traditional fishing heritage.

Recommended tour packages with Funaya and Amanohashidate: