My Trip to Ine Funaya: Kyoto's "Venice"! 🛶

#holidayitinerary
I've always thought Kyoto was beautiful, but nothing prepared me for the "Kyoto of the Sea." This is the only place in Kyoto where you can see the ocean, and it's nicknamed Japan's "Venice" for good reason. The boathouses built along the water, the mountains in the background, the circling seagulls—it felt like stepping into a real-life Hayao Miyazaki movie.

My Journey to Ine Funaya

I was torn between going on my own or taking a tour. If you're a planner and have a JR pass, you can take a 2-hour train from Kyoto to Amanohashidate, then a 1-hour bus to Ine. This lets you see both spots in one day.

In the end, I chose to join a day tour from Osaka to avoid the hassle. Our tour first went to Amanohashidate, and then we took a 30-minute boat tour of Ine Bay. It was so easy, and I didn't have to worry about any of the logistics.

Exploring the Boat Houses

On the boat tour, I bought some fries to feed the seagulls. It was a thrilling experience, especially when some eagles even flew down to join in! After the boat ride, I rented a bicycle and rode along the beautiful coastline. The air was so fresh, and I passed by the famous INE CAFE before cycling up to a viewpoint to get a panoramic view of the fishing village.

For anyone who's tired of the city bustle, I highly recommend a day trip to Amanohashidate and Ine. The shops mostly close around 5 PM, and with so few tourists, you're left with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

#japan #japantravel #kyoto #osaka #travelguide #inefunaya

Post by Patootie18 | Aug 12, 2025