Japan’s most beautiful village - Ine (伊根), Kyoto (京都府)

Ine (伊根) is a town located around the Ine Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture (京都府). The town has a history of a fishing village and is regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.

Buses operate between Amanohashidate Station and Ine about once per hour. The one way ride takes one hour and costs 400 yen.

The most unique aspect of Ine are its Funaya (舟屋) or “boat houses”. These boat houses contain a garage for boats on the first floor and residential spaces on the upper floors.

Today there over 200 funaya along the bay. The town is mostly stayed by working people as personal residences. There are only a small number of shops and restaurants, meaning that there is not an incredible amount to do here.

Based on my experience, the best way to see these boat houses is from the sea. You’ll need to board the sightseeing boats that takes you on a 25 minute loop around the bay. The sightseeing boat operates 9:00 to 16:30 daily and admission is 1000 Yen.