By Alex
When people think of visiting Kyoto, the most commonly mentioned attractions are probably Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama. But in a small fishing village called Ine on the northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture, there are traditional wooden houses built right over the sea known as “funaya,” which are well preserved to this day. This has earned the area nicknames such as the “Venice of Kyoto” and the “Marine Kyoto.”
▲ (photo by usalica @Twitter)
The funaya, lined up along the winding coastline, are actually fishermen’s homes. The lower level serves as a boathouse for storing fishing gear and mooring boats, while the upper level is the living space. It is said that this style of fishing village life in Japan has a history of 1,700 years. Currently, about 230 funaya remain preserved in Ine, and the area has been designated by Japan as an “Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings,” as well as being certified as a two-star Michelin travel destination.
▲ (photo by usalica @Twitter)
Ine is far from the central tourist spots of Kyoto, resulting in fewer visitors, allowing you to relax and quietly enjoy the charm of the fishing village.
If you want to capture the beautiful sunrise or sunset of the fishing village, consider staying overnight. There are more than ten guesthouses converted from funaya, where guests can enjoy stunning sea views, fresh seafood and local cuisine, and experience the simple and peaceful life of the fishing village. For more details about the guesthouses, you can check the Ine Tourism Association’s official website.
▲ (photo by haletoke @Twitter)
▲ (photo by haletoke @Twitter)
Lastly, please note that Ine still has residents living there. When visiting, keep noise levels down to avoid causing any disturbance.
▲ (photo by _tuck4 @Twitter)
▲ (photo by koichi1717 @IG)
▲ (photo by tm_9729 @Twitter)
▲ (photo by tetsu6o6 @IG)
▲ (photo by tsuyoshinges @Twitter)
▲ (photo by usalica @Twitter)
▲ (photo by usalica @Twitter)
▲ (photo by riki_s7_ @Twitter)
▲ (photo by riki_s7_ @Twitter)
Source: Ine Town Tourism Association