From Kyoto/Osaka: Amanohashidate, Ine Funaya and Miyama Day Tour

Ine is a charming fishing village located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto Prefecture. It is renowned for its unique wooden boathouses, known as "Funaya," which translates literally to “boat house” in Japanese. Around 230 Funaya line the coast of Ine Bay, stretching for five kilometers. Each boathouse has two levels: the first floor is used for storing fishing boats and gear, providing direct access to the sea. This design makes the boathouses appear as though they are floating, as the first floor is almost flush with the waterline. The second floor contains a living area and is connected to the main house, providing access to the road. These distinctive houses have been around for over 300 years and offer picturesque views throughout the seasons. From cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered roofs in winter, the Funaya of Ine Bay is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture by the sea.

Enjoy the view of the Funaya from the sea, as it offers a unique experience! Take a sightseeing cruise to admire the beautiful seascape of Ine Bay and its iconic boathouses. As soon as the ferry departs, flocks of seagulls will follow in anticipation of food, making this a fun and engaging experience. You will have the chance to interact closely with the seagulls. Feeding them is a delightful activity, you can buy food for them, and they will even take it from your hand. Larger sightseeing boats offer a comfortable 25-minute loop around the bay. These boats provide a stable ride with minimal rocking, enhancing your experience. Ticket prices for the sightseeing boats are 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children.

The name “Amanohashidate” means “bridge to the heavens,” and was named for its shape. It appears to be a pathway connecting heaven and earth when viewed from the mountains that rise above it on either side. This stunning scene of Amanohashidatehas has been admired for centuries and is recognized as one of the "Three Most Famous Views in Japan." Take a Chairlift or Monorail and ascend to the Hiryukan-kairo Observatory for a panoramic view of Amanohashidate. From this vantage point, the sandbar appears like a dragon flying up to heaven. The traditional way to view the sandbar is to turn your back towards the bay, bend over and look at it from between your legs, it looks like a bridge to heaven. This position is known in Japanese as “Matanozoki.” The ticket price for Amanohashidate View Land is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. This fee includes round-trip access to the lift and the monorail, which take visitors to the observation deck.

Chionji Temple is located at the southern entrance of the Amanohashidate Sandbar. The temple houses one of Japan's "Three Important Statues of Monju Bosatsu," who is the Buddhist god of wisdom and intellect. As a result, students and visitors often come to the temple to pray for wisdom and for success in their academic and personal lives. They purchase special fortunes (omikuji) shaped like folding fans, which many people hang from the pine trees around the temple grounds. Other important structures around the temple are a large entrance gate and a two-story tahoto style pagoda, which was built in the 1500s and is the oldest structure on the temple grounds. The temple gate facing Chaya Street is registered as Cultural Property of City and is the biggest temple gate in the Tango area.

Rotating bridge, this unusual bridge turns 90 degrees when ships pass through the waterway and connects the Amanohashidate landbridge and the Monju area. The original bridge was built in 1923 and operated manually; however, it was converted to electric operation in May 1960 due to an increase in the number of ships using the waterway.

Miyama's Kayabuki-no-Sato is located on a hilly slope and is renowned for its traditional thatched-roof houses, built in the 19th century. The roofs of these houses are covered with layers of thick thatch, arranged in a steep herringbone pattern that resembles hands clasped in prayer. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflects the wisdom of ancient builders: it can withstand heavy snow during harsh winters and has effective drainage characteristics. As a result, these houses remain warm in winter and cool in summer. In 1993, Kayabuki-no-Sato was designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, recognizing the exceptional preservation of its historical landscape.