
Ine Bay Cruise Ine Japan
Discover Ine Bay's iconic 'funaya' boathouses, where homes float on water. Enjoy a scenic cruise and feed the local wildlife!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Ine Bay Cruise Ine Japan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ine Bay's iconic 'funaya' boathouses, where homes float on water. Enjoy a scenic cruise and feed the local wildlife!
"The Ine Bay cruise is a peaceful and beautiful way to experience one of Japan’s most charming hidden gems."

🎯 Feed the Birds!
Bring snacks like shrimp crackers to feed the seagulls and eagles on the cruise. It's a highlight!
🚗 Parking Advice
If driving, park near the shore. Inner parking lots belong to different companies.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ine Bay Boat Cruise
Ine Bay
Glide past unique 'funaya' boathouses that appear to float on water. Feed seagulls and eagles for an interactive experience!

Funaya Boathouses
Ine Town
Marvel at the iconic 'funaya' - traditional houses built directly over the water, a UNESCO recognized beautiful bay.

Seagull and Eagle Feeding
Ine Bay Cruise
An exhilarating experience where birds swoop down to snatch snacks from your hand. A hit with all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ine Bay Cruise
What to Bring for the Cruise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Feed the Birds!
Bring snacks like shrimp crackers to feed the seagulls and eagles on the cruise. It's a highlight!
🚗 Parking Advice
If driving, park near the shore. Inner parking lots belong to different companies.
🚫 Wednesday Caution
Avoid visiting on Wednesdays as some services may have reduced schedules.
📸 Capture the Funaya
The unique 'funaya' boathouses are a photographer's dream. Get close on the boat cruise!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Feed the Birds!
Bring snacks like shrimp crackers to feed the seagulls and eagles on the cruise. It's a highlight!
🚗 Parking Advice
If driving, park near the shore. Inner parking lots belong to different companies.
🚫 Wednesday Caution
Avoid visiting on Wednesdays as some services may have reduced schedules.
📸 Capture the Funaya
The unique 'funaya' boathouses are a photographer's dream. Get close on the boat cruise!
🍦 Try Olive Ice Cream
Don't miss the amazing olive ice cream at the boat stop!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique 'funaya' boathouses and the interactive experience of feeding seagulls and eagles on the Ine Bay cruise. The scenery is consistently described as beautiful, peaceful, and a highlight of trips to Kyoto. Some note that the funaya views from the boat can be a bit distant, and caution is advised due to bird droppings.
"📍Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat, Kyoto
¥1200/adult
Our tour guide got the tickets for us. There were toilets (long lines), and souvenirs at the dock.
Others managed to get breads/feeds for birds. Seagulls and eagles came, swooping down to snatch food it was awesome. They were huge tho. Lovely weather that day, everything was beautiful. Def worth it."
Astrow Ty
"The Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat is a peaceful and beautiful way to experience one of Japan’s most charming hidden gems. As the boat glides gently across the calm waters, you get up-close views of the iconic funaya – traditional wooden boathouses lining the shore. The scenery is quiet, timeless, and almost surreal, especially when the sea reflects the sky like glass. If you’re lucky, friendly seagulls might follow the boat, adding a playful touch to the ride. It’s a short but unforgettable journey that lets you slow down and soak in the quiet beauty of rural Japan."
Steven D
"One of the most fun activities for kids (and adults!) during our day trip to the seaside Kyoto.
We took the 3.30pm boat and it started raining as we boarded. Despite the rain, the seagulls still came for the snack and we stayed at the lower deck at first. The rain stopped halfway through the ride and we moved to the upper deck to continue feeding them.
My family and I had a great time being so close to the seagulls. Do be careful though, as there are many droppings on the upper deck.
The view of the charming funaya (boat houses) was a bit farther than I expected, but still nice to see from the water.
If you are driving, make sure to park near the shore. The inner parking lots belong to a different company."
Leh Ping
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a train from Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to Ine Bay. Some tours from Kyoto or Osaka include transportation to Ine Bay and Amanohashidate.
Yes, Ine Bay is a popular day trip destination from Kyoto. It offers a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese coastal life and is often combined with a visit to Amanohashidate.
Yes, driving is an option, and there are parking lots available. However, be mindful of which parking lot you use, as inner lots may belong to different companies.
Once you arrive, the Ine Bay cruise is the primary way to see the funaya. Walking around the town and cycling (free bicycles are sometimes available) are also great options.
While direct buses from Kyoto are less common, you can take a train to Amanohashidate and then catch a local bus or taxi to Ine Bay. Some organized tours may offer direct transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat typically costs around ¥1200 per adult. Some tour packages may include this ticket, or it can be purchased separately at the dock.
Tickets can usually be purchased directly at the dock before boarding the sightseeing boat. Some tour operators or online platforms like Klook may also offer them.
Cruise times can vary, but they generally operate throughout the day. It's advisable to check the schedule in advance, especially if visiting on a Wednesday, as some services may be limited.
For the standard sightseeing boat, advance booking is usually not required, especially if you are purchasing tickets at the dock. However, for organized tours, booking in advance is necessary.
There are no general entrance fees to visit Ine Bay or stroll through the town. The main cost is for the boat cruise and any food or souvenirs you purchase.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the boat cruise, offering unique angles of the funaya. The shoreline also provides great views, and drone photography can capture the entire bay.
Ine Bay is exceptionally photogenic due to its unique funaya boathouses and scenic bay setting. It's considered one of Japan's most beautiful bays.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the reflections on the water, while late afternoon can offer softer light. The weather can also add dramatic effects to your photos.
Absolutely! The cruise is the perfect vantage point to photograph the funaya up close. Just be mindful of other passengers and the boat's movement.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of private residences and businesses. Drone photography might have specific regulations, so check local guidelines.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find fresh seafood dishes in restaurants located within some of the funaya or along the shore. Don't forget to try the unique olive ice cream!
While the cruise itself doesn't typically have dining facilities, some of the funaya have been converted into restaurants or cafes that you can visit before or after your boat trip.
Ine Bay is known for its fresh seafood, particularly yellowtail (buri) and other local catches. The olive ice cream is also a popular local treat.
Yes, many funaya have been transformed into charming restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine with a view of the bay.
Options might be limited, as seafood is the local specialty. It's advisable to check with restaurants in advance if you have specific dietary needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the cruise, exploring the town on foot or by bicycle can be enjoyable. Some funaya have been converted into cafes, offering a pleasant spot to rest and enjoy local treats like the famous olive ice cream. The overall atmosphere of Ine Bay is peaceful and safe, making it a relaxed outing for families looking for a unique cultural experience in Japan.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Beyond the funaya, the tranquil bay waters, the surrounding natural landscape, and the interaction with wildlife (seagulls and eagles) offer diverse photographic opportunities. Drone photography can provide breathtaking aerial views of the entire bay and its distinctive architecture. Remember to be respectful of the local community and any private property when capturing your shots.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Consider spending a night in one of the converted funaya accommodations for a truly immersive experience. Exploring the town on foot or by bicycle allows for personal discovery and quiet contemplation. The local seafood and unique olive ice cream provide delightful culinary experiences to share.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Funaya of Ine Bay
The history of the funaya dates back centuries, evolving from simple fishing huts to more elaborate dwellings. They are a testament to the ingenuity of the local community in adapting to their coastal environment. The sight of these houses lining the bay, with boats neatly tucked beneath them, is truly captivating and offers a glimpse into a slower, more traditional pace of life.
Visitors can get an up-close perspective of the funaya by taking a sightseeing boat cruise across the bay. This allows for excellent photo opportunities and a deeper appreciation of the architectural marvel. Some funaya are open to the public as cafes or restaurants, providing an immersive experience where you can dine or relax within these historic structures.
Experiencing the Ine Bay Cruise
A highlight of the cruise is the opportunity to feed the seagulls and eagles. Many locals and tourists purchase small bags of shrimp crackers or other snacks at the dock to offer the birds. Watching these magnificent creatures swoop down to catch the food from your hand or the boat is an exhilarating experience, especially for families.
While the cruise provides a fantastic overview of the funaya and the bay, be prepared for the birds' enthusiasm. Some reviewers mention that the upper deck can get quite crowded with seagulls, and there might be droppings, so it's wise to be cautious. Despite this, the interactive nature of the feeding makes it a highly recommended and fun part of the Ine Bay visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit