The Ine Fishing Village

March 22, 2024

Nestled along the serene shores of Ine Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture, just 15 kilometers north of the renowned Amanohashidate, lies the charming town of Ine (伊根). Truth be told, The Ine Fishing Village has been on my bucket list since I first started documenting the hidden gems of Japan.

Ine boasts a rich history steeped in maritime traditions, serving as a testament to its legacy as a thriving fishing village. And it’s regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. This own’s unique geography, with its port facing south into the bay, so difficult for large waves to come into the inlet. And the presence of the tranquil Aoshima isle, that divides the channel into two. Acts as natural shields against the elements, safeguarding Ine for centuries.

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What Do to Do In The Ine?

What truly sets Ine apart’s its iconic architectural marvels known as “funaya” – traditional wooden houses standing proudly over the water’s edge. Over 200 of these enchanting structures adorn the bay, their reflections dancing on the shimmering surface, evoking a sense of tranquility and beauty. These funaya houses, with their ground floors serving as boat garages to protect them from insects, rot. Or even hang fish, squid to dry. And upper floors as cozy living spaces, offer a glimpse into fishermen’s way of life. The vast majority of these are actually homes in which the working fishermen of Ine live. Some of them now serve as guest houses where visitors can stay the night and experience the funaya first-hand.

Visitors’re invited to embark on a journey of exploration, either by strolling through the village’s charming streets or embarking on boat tours. That unveil the enchanting allure of the funaya houses and the breathtaking surroundings. Opting for a boat tour, especially the intimate sea taxi experiences operated by local fishermen, promises a attractived adventure. I recommend a visit to Funaya-no-Sato Park. Where you can savor panoramic views of the bay and arrange for a sea taxi tour with one of esteemed funaya residents. Simply inquire at the tourism office in the park for further details.

While Ine may not boast an array of tourist attractions, its true allure lies in its authentic charm and ambiance. Here, amidst the quaint streets and modest local establishments, visitors can immerse themselves in the genuine rhythms of daily life. An experience unlike any other in Japan.

How To Get To The Ine Fishing Village

To reach the charming Ine fishing village. You’ll need to take a bus all the way up from Amanohashidate Station or from the Motoise Kono Shrine or at the lower cable car station at the base of Kasamatsu Park.

Buses operate between Amanohashidate Station and Ine about once per hour. The one way ride takes about 50 minutes and costs 400 yen. (How to get to Amanohashidate Station learn more here).

If you take a bus from the base of Kasamatsu Park, the fare’s half the cost.

In Ine, all buses first make a stop at the cruise ship pier (Inewan Meguri Hide Stop) before serving the Ine bus stop in the town center. Alternatively, if you want to take a large boat cruise, you should instead hop off at the Inewan Meguri Hide stop. Or if you want to take a sea taxi tour with one of local funaya residents, you should hop off at the Funaya no Sato Park stop. But don’t worry, all of the action is a few minutes walk away from Ine Town center Stop.

Ine is a relatively remote location, so be prepared for limited public transportation options and plan your trip accordingly.

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