Ine no Funaya – A Seaside Village Where Homes Float Above the Water
Along the quiet coastline of northern Kyoto Prefecture lies Ine, a charming fishing village famous for its unique funaya, or “boat houses.” These rare waterfront homes, built directly over the sea with boat garages on the first floor and living spaces above, create a peaceful and almost surreal scenery found nowhere else in Japan.
Nestled between calm waters and steep forested hills, Ine feels like a place where time moves gently. More than 200 funaya line the curved bay, their wooden façades reflected in the glassy surface of the water. Many families have lived in these houses for generations, preserving a traditional lifestyle deeply connected to the sea.
One of the best ways to experience Ine is from the water itself. Small sightseeing boats and sea taxis glide past the funaya, offering close-up views of the architecture and everyday shoreline life. The quiet lapping of the waves and the sight of fishermen preparing their nets make the experience especially soothing.
Food lovers will also find something to enjoy here. With fresh seafood caught just steps away, local restaurants serve dishes like grilled saba, sashimi, and Ine’s famous yellowtail. Some cafés inside renovated funaya offer panoramic ocean views, making them popular spots for photography and relaxation.
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Ine has become increasingly popular on social media. The picturesque combination of traditional houses and calm blue water makes it a favorite destination for travelers seeking scenic, slow-paced beauty far from the crowds.
Whether you’re drawn by architecture, nature, or the gentle rhythm of coastal life, Ine no Funaya offers a glimpse into a uniquely Japanese world—one where people live in harmony with the sea, and where every view feels like a painted landscape.
伊根の舟屋- 海上に浮かぶ漁村
京都府北部の静かな海沿いに位置する伊根は、独特の「舟屋」で有名な日本でも最も魅力的な漁村の一つです。舟屋とは、1階が船のガレージ、2階が居住スペースになっている建物で、海のすぐ上に建てられています。このユニークな建築様式は、数百年にわたって受け継がれてきたもので、伊根の人々の海との深いつながりを示しています。
伊根湾の静かな水面に沿って約230軒の舟屋が並んでおり、木造の建物が水面に映る景色は、まるで絵画のようです。湾が山々に囲まれているため、水はいつも穏やかで、舟屋の姿がより印象的に見えます。
多くの訪問者が、伊根湾を巡るボートツアーに参加して、海側から舟屋を見ることを楽しみます。海から見る舟屋の眺めは、村の歴史的な生活様式を最も感じられる視点の一つです。また、近年では古い舟屋を改装した宿泊施設も増えており、訪れた人々が海のそばで静かに過ごす特別な体験ができるようになっています。
伊根の静けさ、ゆっくりとした時間、そして海とともに生きる人々の生活は、忙しい都会から離れて心を癒やしてくれる場所を求める多くの旅行者にとって魅力的な存在となっています。