Aso Bay Sightseeing Boat - Image 1
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Ine Bay Cruise Ine Japan

4.5
·5k reviews·Ine, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Aso Bay Sightseeing Boat - Image 1

Ine Bay Cruise Ine Japan

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

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!

4.5
(5k reviews)

"The Ine Bay cruise is a peaceful and beautiful way to experience one of Japan’s most charming hidden gems."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ine Bay Boat Cruise

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

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

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!

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Ine Bay Cruise

Ine Bay is a unique destination, and planning your visit is key. While beautiful year-round, consider weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Some boat services may have reduced schedules on Wednesdays, so check ahead. The cruise itself is relatively short, making it a perfect addition to a day trip from Kyoto or Amanohashidate.

What to Bring for the Cruise

Pack light for your Ine Bay cruise! Snacks for feeding the seagulls and eagles are a must for an interactive experience.InstagramReddit Comfortable shoes are recommended if you plan to explore the Funaya on foot. Don't forget your camera to capture the unique floating houses and the stunning bay views.Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, beautiful scenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Japan Autumn Vacation 2024 Our one-night stay at Fairfield by Marriott Amanohashidate, Kyoto. This was transit stop before our full Day 8 program on 1 November - boat cruise in Ine Bay, the Miyama Thatched Village and road-trip back to Kyoto city centre. #Amanohashidate #marriottbonvoy #fairfieldbymarriottamanohashidate #kyototrip #norashidtravel #japantourism
kitch3nstory
4 likes • 141 views

🎯 Feed the Birds!

Bring snacks like shrimp crackers to feed the seagulls and eagles on the cruise. It's a highlight! InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Advice

If driving, park near the shore. Inner parking lots belong to different companies. Reddit

Send this to your Japan-love friends. 😍Kyoto is full of insanely scenic places…be sure not to miss these on you Japan trip. 📍Ine no Funaya, Kyoto, Japan 📍Ine Bay Boat Cruise, Kyoto 📍Ine Cafe, Kyoto, Japan What other scenic places would you add to this scenic?! 📩 快把這篇分享給你那些熱愛日本的朋友! 😍 京都真的有超多夢幻的風景, 下次去日本,千萬不要錯過這幾個地方! 📍伊根舟屋|京都 📍伊根灣遊船|京都 📍伊根海景咖啡廳|京都 你還會把哪些日本秘境景點加入這份清單?留言跟我分享吧! #réel #lifestyl...
ppma_family
24 likes • 2.5K views
Cruise along Ine Bay, one of UNESCO’s world’s most beautiful bays. We had so much fun feeding the sea gulls and eagles. This is by far the most beautiful place that we’ve visited in Japan 🥹. #japan #travel #kyoto
mighty_mami
0 likes • 246 views

🚫 Wednesday Caution

Avoid visiting on Wednesdays as some services may have reduced schedules. Instagram

📸 Capture the Funaya

The unique 'funaya' boathouses are a photographer's dream. Get close on the boat cruise! Instagram

Things to do at Ine-chō *Strolling along Funaya *Ine bay cruise sight seeing, feed seagulls *Cycling, free bicycle *Try fresh seafood dishes *Avoid to visit on Wednesday.. #伊根町 #sonya6000 #funaya #cruise #sea #beautifuldestinations #bluesky #kyoto #japan #travel
offcp
30 likes • 333 views

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! InstagramReddit

🚗 Parking Advice

If driving, park near the shore. Inner parking lots belong to different companies. Reddit

🚫 Wednesday Caution

Avoid visiting on Wednesdays as some services may have reduced schedules. Instagram

📸 Capture the Funaya

The unique 'funaya' boathouses are a photographer's dream. Get close on the boat cruise! Instagram

🍦 Try Olive Ice Cream

Don't miss the amazing olive ice cream at the boat stop! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(5k reviews)

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

Unique funaya architecture
Interactive bird feeding
Beautiful bay scenery

What People Dislike

Distant funaya views
Bird droppings on deck

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+2

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of private residences and businesses. Drone photography might have specific regulations, so check local guidelines. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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! InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, many funaya have been transformed into charming restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy local cuisine with a view of the bay. Instagram

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ine Bay cruise is a fantastic activity for families. Kids will be thrilled by the chance to feed the seagulls and eagles, which is often the highlight of their trip. InstagramReddit The boat ride itself is gentle and offers plenty of visual interest with the unique funaya houses. Consider bringing extra snacks for the birds and be prepared for their enthusiastic approach. Reddit

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. Reddit 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

Ine Bay is a dream destination for photographers and content creators. The funaya boathouses lining the bay offer a unique and visually striking subject. The boat cruise provides unparalleled angles for capturing these structures from the water, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset. Instagram

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. Instagram Remember to be respectful of the local community and any private property when capturing your shots.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples seeking a peaceful escape, Ine Bay offers a serene and picturesque setting. The sightseeing cruise is a relaxing way to soak in the unique atmosphere and admire the charming funaya. Reddit It's an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of rural Japan. Reddit

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

Ine Bay is renowned for its distinctive funaya (舟屋), which are traditional wooden boathouses built directly over the water. These structures serve a dual purpose: the lower level is used for mooring boats, while the upper level functions as living quarters or storage. This architectural style is unique to Ine and creates a picturesque landscape that has earned the bay recognition as one of Japan's most beautiful. Many of these funaya have been modernized and now house restaurants, cafes, and even accommodations, offering visitors a chance to experience this unique way of life firsthand. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

Experiencing the Ine Bay Cruise

The Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise is a must-do activity for any visitor. For a modest fee, typically around ¥1200 per adult, you can embark on a short but memorable journey around the bay. The boats offer both covered and open-air seating, allowing you to enjoy the views regardless of the weather. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit