The Village of Ine 伊根町
A timeless fishing village
North of Kyoto Prefecture, along the Sea of Japan and nestled in Ine Bay, this remote village has a rich history and its identity is deeply rooted in the region. This fishing village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.
Ine is a quiet and picturesque small fishing town in central Japan, characterized by its emerald green waters and verdant mountains . It is located in the northeast of the Tango peninsula , nestled between sea and mountains. The village extends over a rather narrow strip of 5 kilometers long facing the bay of Ine , exposed to the south.
To visit the city, the means of transport available other than walking is the bicycle . You can rent one directly at the city bus stop when you arrive. This will allow you to quickly climb to the " Michi no Eki Funaya no Sato " viewpoint, where you can enjoy views of Ine Bay and eat at restaurants using locally grown ingredients to make the delicious culinary specialties of the region.
During your stay in Ine, you can stroll through the streets admiring the local traditional architecture , visit the fishing grounds or relax in a "Funaya cafe" , tea rooms set up in the wooden houses.
The Funayas
The Funaya type houses are the main characteristic of the village of Ine. Their existence dates back to the beginning of the 18th century.
Literally translated as "boat houses", they were built to house fishermen and their small boats. These traditional waterfront buildings contain boat garages on the first floor and living areas on the upper floors . Today there are more than 230 funaya on Ine Bay.
- To read: The funaya of Ine
The funaya of the village of Ine
Petr Meissner
Today, some of them have become guest rooms where visitors can spend the night. Since the houses face the sea, they give you a wonderful view of the Sea of Japan every time you look out the window.
Take a boat trip to Ine
The original architecture of the Funaya being best observed from the sea, we advise you to take the plunge:
Local fishermen guide you along the coast of Ine on a cruise on their own boats , which they have called "Sea Taxis" for the occasion. Information in English is also available on the way of life of the inhabitants and on local customs. They allow you to better understand and get to know the city of Ine better.
There are also large tourist boats operating every 30 minutes daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a 25-minute cruise . The boat being very stable and comfortable , the experience can be enjoyed as a family without problems.
How to get to Ine?
Ine can only be reached by bus or car. Buses run from Amanohashidate Station to Ine Village once every hour. The trip takes about an hour and costs 400 yen (3.20€).
