🗺️ Ine Funaya (Ine Boat Houses)

Ine Bay is located in the northern region of Kyoto Prefecture and has been a thriving fishing area since ancient times. Along the coastline, there are many unique buildings known as "Funaya" (舟屋). Approximately 230 Funaya line the 5-kilometer stretch of Ine Bay, creating a rare and unique landscape in Japan, which has been designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District. The original purpose of building the Funaya was to dry and store wooden boats and fishing nets, protecting them from the elements and pests. The lower level is used as a boat storage area, while the upper level is mostly used for drying fishing nets and gear. As boats have grown larger, many fishermen no longer haul their boats onto the Funaya but instead dock them directly in front. The Funaya have gradually been used for preparing for fishing, repairing fishing gear, drying fish, and storing agricultural products. Fishermen do not live in the Funaya; instead, they reside in the main houses across the road. Nowadays, many Funaya have been transformed into inns or restaurants, and traditional Funaya have also been marked by the changes in lifestyle. At the center of the Funaya cluster is "Ine Ura Park," an excellent place to appreciate the Funaya. Visitors can leisurely stroll while enjoying the scenery of Ine Bay and get a close-up view of the Funaya. Within the Funaya settlement, there are also many cafes and restaurants converted from Funaya, where one can relax and enjoy the view. If you take a sightseeing boat or water taxi, you can view the Funaya from the sea and experience the unique charm of the Funaya cluster. The water taxi is operated by local captains who use their own boats to introduce tourists to the scenery while taking them on a tour around Ine Bay. The sightseeing boat allows passengers to board a larger vessel that circles Ine Bay, where they can also feed the seagulls flying around the boat, with a sailing time of about 25 minutes. Additionally, there is an observation deck at "Michi no Eki Funaya no Sato Ine," located on a hill. From the observation deck, you can see the Funaya cluster, Ine Bay, and the sightseeing boats in operation. Since the Funaya are privately owned, entry for visits is prohibited. If you wish to see inside, you can participate in the "Ine Ura Guided Tour" or visit the Funaya that are open to the public for sightseeing. Furthermore, accommodations converted from Funaya are definitely worth trying for an overnight stay.

The unique architecture of the funaya (舟屋) is designed for mooring boats, with the lower levels of the houses connected to the sea. It has been designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation Area in Japan. You can take sightseeing boats or water taxis to view the funaya and the scenery of Ine Bay from the water. Among the best spots to appreciate the funaya are "Ineura Park" (伊根浦公園) and "Roadside Station Funaya no Sato Ine" (道之驛舟屋之里伊根). Since all the funaya buildings are privately owned, it's important to observe proper etiquette while visiting.