Ine Bay in Kyoto is truly the kind of place you fall in love with at first sight! The row of funaya boat houses built along the sea reflects on the calm water like a painting. It was so beautiful I didn’t want to leave.
There weren’t many visitors on a weekday, so I could take a leisurely walk, enjoy the fishing village scenery, and feel a slow-paced atmosphere completely different from downtown Kyoto.
If you have time, I recommend taking a sightseeing boat to view the funaya from the water. You can also try feeding the seagulls, which makes for an unforgettable memory. If you like getting away from the crowds and enjoying peaceful views, you’ll definitely fall in love with this dreamy little fishing village known as the “Kyoto by the Sea.”
Ine no Funaya | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat
This activity is located in the northern part of Kyoto on the Tango Peninsula, the boat takes about 25 minutes to cruise around Ine Bay. The bay is lined with funaya houses along the shore, offering a beautiful, quintessential Japanese landscape you can see from water.
I visited Ine Bay in Kyoto on a weekday, and there weren’t many tourists, so the relaxed atmosphere made it especially calming.
This time, I joined the sightseeing boat cruise and tried feeding seagulls for the first time. It was even more fun than I expected! Once the boat left the harbor, a large flock of seagulls followed closely behind. As soon as you held up the feed, they would swoop in with amazing accuracy to grab it. The scene was both impressive and exciting.
Luckily, the weather was clear that day. The blue sky, the sea, and the Ine funaya boat houses complemented each other beautifully, like something on a postcard.
This special experience gave me lots of great photos and became one of the most unforgettable memories of my Kyoto trip. I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself when visiting Ine Bay! -
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Otaru Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street
Located just one street away from the main thoroughfare facing the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi-dori flourished during the Meiji and early Showa periods, becoming Otaru's main street.
If you come to Hokkaido, you definitely have to stroll around Otaru’s shopping street. This 1,300-meter shopping street has famous sweets and souvenir shops like LeTAO, Rokkatei, and Kitakaro, plus lots of other great gifts to bring home.
There’s plenty to eat, shop for, and explore. I especially recommend the café where you can even take home an Otaru Canal-themed coffee cup! -
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Otaru Canal Cruise
The Otaru Canal, completed in 1923 (Taisho 12) by reclaiming the offshore coast, is lined with historic stone and timber warehouses and remains a popular tourist attraction. A 40-minute tour on a cruise boat around this area is a popular choice among visitors.
Otaru Canal is one of the must-visit spots in Hokkaido. I visited in December and happened to catch the snow, which made the scenery absolutely beautiful.
There are lots of shops nearby, so it’s really convenient for buying souvenirs. You can also join a canal cruise, and it’s definitely worth a visit. -
