Ine
Japan’s Most Beautiful Village built right on the water
The village of Ine is like nowhere else in the world, and that’s not hyperbole. It has been recognized to be among Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages. Without much room to build between the mountains and sea, the villagers created this village right along the waters of Ine Bay (in Kyoto Prefecture), one of UNESCO’s World’s Most Beautiful Bays, and the 230 “funaya” (boat houses) that line the bay trace their origins back to the Edo period.
So why are Ine’s funaya still standing?
It’s no secret that Japan has typhoons that cause flooding along with damaging winds. And while Japan historically had other towns built along the water, nature has since erased them. The Sea of Japan can be unforgiving, especially during the winter months with wave swells measuring meters high. But Ine has nothing to fear because the village is enveloped by mountains that separate it from the Japanese Sea. Geographically, Ine faces south. As the Sea of Japan (to the north) wears away at the cliff faces of the Tango Peninsula, Ine remains safely nestled within a lush mountain-scape. What’s more is that the mouth to Ine Bay has a sacred uninhabited island called Aoshima, which also helps to keep Ine Bay calm, and its boat houses safe from large tidal fluctuations.
Traditionally used in conjunction with houses to stow boats and provide extra storage/living space, now many of these historic buildings have been converted into Japanese inns, living spaces, and quaint cafes while still retaining their original designs. The people of Ine still live in harmony with the sea as the bay is a fishing port, but it’s also a center of cultural identity; the bay is the setting for spectacular fireworks and local festivals, a world renowned sake brewery, and views that really have no parallel anywhere in the world.
What do do in Ine
A great place to explore on foot or by bike. We recommend stopping by the Ine Tourist Association for information on using bicycles in town, e-bike rentals and tours, taking a sea taxi tour, trying a sashimi experience, or even fishing.
food and drink
Ine has a variety of excellent restaurants that specialize in locally sourced ingredients. Fish and shellfish from the bay and Sea of Japan, and locally grown rice and vegetables farmed in the mountains outside the funaya village.
Mukai Shuzo Sake Brewery
In a world where sake breweries are run by men, Mukai Shuzo breaks the mold with a female master brewer. And she isn’t just making good sake, her creations have been featured in Denmark’s 2-Star Michelin Restaurant, Noma, as well as Belgium’s 2-star Michelin Restaurant, The Jane. Part of her success comes from her signature Ine Mankai sake that uses ancient red rice. It looks more like wine with its unique reddish-pink color, and its sweeter than their clear sake. It pairs excellently with food and is a highly sought-after product throughout Japan.
Mukai Sake Brewery what3words address (entrance): ///institutions.flattest.vindicated
Sea Kayaking
Explore the greater Ine coastline by sea kayak. There are nearby caves and unique volcanic rock formations.
Check out the Kyoto by the Sea Times article featuring Ine’s sea kayaking, farms, and E-bikes.
Sea Taxi
This is traditionally the way most people went to visit their neighbors, by private boats. In fact, more people had boating licenses than drivers’ licenses in the town! You can also take a larger double-decker boat to see more of the bay and neighboring waters. The friendly people at the Ine Tourist Association can help with arranging one, or simply walk down to the nearby pier in Shichimenyama parking lot to see which boats are available for a tour.
e-bike tour
Another popular option in Ine is touring the funaya boat house village or great Ine area with an e-bike tour. There are two different options to choose from. A shorter 2-hour tour will focus on the bay area, while the 4-hour course will take visitors into the wilds of Ine’s countryside, and to a restaurant set in the hills where they produce their own organic ingredients.
Staying in Ine
For unique experience in Ine, try staying in an inn or boat house in Ine Bay. Some of the boat houses have been renovated for visitors wishing to stay right on the Bay. With the wavelets lapping at the sides of your accommodation, you can look out on scene of Japan-unchanged.
Because Ine is such a small village, the accommodations are quite limited. Another excellent option is to base your stay in the nearby Amanohashidate, and make a day trip of Ine.