Discover Japan’s Living Heritage at the Water’s Edge
Nestled along the scenic shores of Wakasa Bay, Funaya no Sato Ine offers a rare glimpse into a centuries-old maritime tradition. Perched on a hill overlooking the historic Ine Bay, this roadside station stands at the heart of a nationally unique village where over 230 traditional boat houses—homes built directly on stilts over the sea—still stand in harmonious rows. Visitors are greeted with panoramic views of the bay, the rhythm of fishing boats, and the timeless charm of a coastal community preserved through generations.
More than just a rest stop, Funaya no Sato Ine is a cultural and culinary gateway to Kyoto’s rugged coastline. Enjoy fresh seafood from local waters at the on-site restaurants, savor regional specialties like dried fish and miso-marinated buri, or explore the whimsical Oto-bike Shrine—a unique roadside landmark for motorcyclists. With ample parking, accessible facilities, and easy access to nearby attractions like the legendary Urami Falls and the serene Oi-Gen Hot Springs, this roadside station blends natural beauty, heritage, and authentic local flavor in one unforgettable experience.
Why Visit
Visit Funaya no Sato Ine to experience one of Japan’s most unique landscapes: a living village of 230 traditional boat houses, or "funaya," clustered along the shores of Ine Bay. From the roadside station’s hilltop vantage point, you can view this rare maritime heritage as it has stood for centuries. The station’s standout feature is its exclusive access to freshly caught, locally sourced fish—especially the region’s famed brine-cured mackerel, or he shiko, sold only here in authentic, hand-packed form. For a true taste of Ine, dine at the "Restaurant Funaya" and savor a seasonal fish set made with ingredients harvested that very morning, all while gazing across the bay at the iconic boat houses.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood and local flavors at Funaya no Sato Ine’s restaurants, where scenic views of the historic boat houses enhance every meal.
Restaurant Funaya
レストラン舟屋
Specialty
Fresh seafood from Ine Bay and locally sourced agricultural products from Kyoto Prefecture
A dining space offering seasonal meals with panoramic views of the unique boat houses. The atmosphere is serene and scenic, perfect for enjoying a meal while overlooking the historic waterfront.
Oyaya Dining Counter
お食事処 油屋
Specialty
Fresh fish from Ine Bay and locally sourced agricultural products from Kyoto Prefecture
A counter-style dining experience where guests can enjoy fresh seafood while viewing the boat houses through the kitchen window. The atmosphere is intimate and authentic, emphasizing local flavors and craftsmanship.
Lounge FUNAYA
ラウンジFUNAYA
Specialty
Local coffee and light refreshments with views of the boat houses
A relaxed lounge space offering coffee, tea, and light snacks. Ideal for a quiet break with scenic views of the historic boat houses and Ine Bay.
Umyado
うみゃー堂
Specialty
Seafood-focused cuisine with a modern twist
A specialty eatery offering innovative dishes made with fresh seafood from Ine Bay, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures and traditional crafts at Funaya no Sato Ine’s shop, a gateway to authentic regional products.
Ine Port Fisheries Co., Ltd.
伊根浦漁業株式会社
A retail shop offering dried fish, wakame seaweed, mackerel miso marinade, and heshiko (fermented fish) as traditional local souvenirs.
Products
Must-Try Item
Heshiko (fermented fish)
Ine Boat House Motorcycle Shrine
伊根の舟屋オートバイ神社
A unique roadside shrine dedicated to motorcycle travelers, promoting safe touring and regional revitalization. Offers stamps and merchandise.
Products
Must-Try Item
Shrine stamp
Featured Products
Sample signature specialties like dried fish, wakame, miso-buri, and heshiko—delicacies shaped by the sea and local heritage.
Heshiko
へしこ
Fermented fish made from mackerel, a traditional delicacy from Ine Bay with a strong aroma and rich umami flavor.
Wakame Seaweed
わかめ
Dried wakame seaweed harvested from the waters of Ine Bay, known for its crisp texture and natural oceanic taste.
Mackerel Miso Marinade
ぶりのみそ漬
Fresh mackerel marinated in traditional miso paste, preserving the fish with a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
Ine Bay Dried Fish
伊根湾の干物
Dried fish from Ine Bay, carefully prepared using traditional methods to retain natural flavor and texture.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Funaya no Sato Ine, offering spacious parking, accessible restrooms, and 24-hour convenience.
Parking Lot
137 parking spaces (3 large vehicles, 134 regular vehicles). Note: Overnight stays are discouraged per the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport guidelines, as roadside stations are intended for rest stops only.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Restroom
Male: 11 small toilets, 6 large toilets. Female: 11 toilets. Available 24 hours.
Inside the roadside station
Information Center
Provides regional information about Ine Town. Operates from 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Tuesdays and during the year-end holiday period (December 28 to January 3).
Inside the roadside station
Restaurant Funaya
Serves seasonal seafood from Ine Bay and locally sourced agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products from Kyoto Prefecture. Offers a scenic view of the boat houses. Open 10:00–17:00, closed on Tuesdays. Last order at 16:00. Payment only in cash via self-checkout.
Inside the roadside station
Oyaya Dining
Features fresh fish from Ine Bay and locally sourced ingredients. Offers a view of the boat houses from a counter-style kitchen. Open 11:00–17:00, closed on Wednesdays. Payment only in cash via self-checkout.
Inside the roadside station
Lounge FUNAYA
A lounge offering a relaxed atmosphere with views of the boat houses. Open 9:00–17:00, closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Inside the roadside station
Ine Port Fisheries Co., Ltd.
A souvenir shop selling dried fish, wakame, mackerel miso, and heshiko (fermented fish). Open 9:00–17:00, closed on Wednesdays and during the year-end holiday period.
Inside the roadside station
Ine Town Information Room
Provides information about Ine Town and local events. Operates during roadside station hours (9:00–17:00), closed on Tuesdays and during the year-end holiday period.
Inside the roadside station
Boat House Viewing Area
A scenic area offering panoramic views of the rare cluster of about 230 boat houses in Ine Bay, visible from the roadside station's hillside location.
Overlooking Ine Bay
EV Charging Station
Not explicitly mentioned. No information provided about electric vehicle charging facilities.
Not specified
ATM
Not explicitly mentioned. No information provided about ATMs.
Not specified
Nursing Room
Not explicitly mentioned. No information provided about nursing rooms.
Not specified
Pet Area
Not explicitly mentioned. No information provided about pet-friendly areas.
Not specified
Wi-Fi
Not explicitly mentioned. No information provided about Wi-Fi availability.
Not specified
Ou Ine Onsen
A hot spring located about 5 minutes by car from the roadside station. Offers views of the majestic Sea of Japan and natural hot spring baths.
Approximately 5 minutes by car
Bike Rental
Not explicitly mentioned. No information provided about bike rental services.
Not specified
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences and seasonal events, from boat tours to cultural walks around the legendary fishing village.
Iga Bay Cruise Tour
伊根湾めぐり遊覧船
Take a 25-minute boat tour around Iga Bay, enjoying scenic views of the unique boat houses and the surrounding coastline.
Duration
25 min
Insider Tips
Visit early to avoid crowds, and check seasonal hours—some shops close on Wednesdays or during the year-end break.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 and 9:30 AM on weekdays to access the full range of fresh fish products at the伊根浦漁業株式会社 (Ine Port Fisheries Co., Ltd.) shop before the morning rush, as the わかめ (wakame) and ぶりのみそ漬 (miso-marinated black cod) are often sold out by midday.
- Hidden Gems: Head to the "ラウンジFUNAYA" (FUNAYA Lounge) between 9:00 and 11:00 AM on non-weekend days to enjoy free access to the rooftop viewing platform with panoramic views of the 230 traditional boats (fune-ya) and the Ine Bay, as the lounge is less crowded and open earlier than other facilities.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the "レストラン舟屋" (Restaurant Funaya) between 10:00 and 10:30 AM to secure a window seat with the best view of the boat town, as these seats are first-come, first-served and often fully occupied by 11:00 AM.
- Foodie Tip: Order the めんたいこ (men-tai-kō, salted pollock roe) and へしこ (heshiko, fermented gizzard shad) from the伊根浦漁業株式会社 (Ine Port Fisheries Co., Ltd.) shop before 12:00 PM, as these items are only available in limited quantities and frequently sell out by early afternoon.
- Parking Strategy: Use the large parking area on the west side of the roadside station (near the entrance from National Route 178) to avoid the smaller, frequently full lot near the main building, which fills quickly during peak hours.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Access: Take the path from the roadside station’s eastern side toward the "伊根の舟屋オートバイ神社" (Ine Boat House Motorcycle Shrine) and walk the short 5-minute trail to the nearby viewing point overlooking the Ine Bay—this overlook is rarely crowded and offers a quieter perspective of the boat town.
- Best Time for Local Events: Visit the roadside station on Thursdays between 10:00 and 12:00 PM to see the staff preparing and displaying fresh local seafood for the upcoming weekend, as this is when the staff often offer brief demonstrations of how traditional dishes like へしこ (heshiko) are made and stored.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Fresh sea bream and sardines arrive at the market in April, with the fishing season peaking by May.
Summer (June-August): The seaweed harvest begins in June, and the coastal waters offer excellent sea bathing at nearby beaches.
Autumn (September-November): The peak season for mackerel and sea urchin runs from September to November.
Winter (December-February): The dried fish and pickled mackerel are at their best, with special seasonal menus available at restaurants.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers ample parking, accessible facilities including ramps, and multiple dining options. While no dedicated play areas exist, the scenic views and nearby family-friendly attractions enhance the experience for children.
Food Lover Review
Features three distinct eateries with fresh local seafood and regional specialties like dried fish, wakame, and buri miso. The focus on locally sourced ingredients and unique regional dishes elevates the culinary experience.
Car Camping Review
Provides 24-hour restroom and parking access, with sufficient space and basic facilities. However, it explicitly prohibits overnight stays, limiting its suitability for car camping despite quiet surroundings.
Scenic Beauty Review
Offers panoramic views of the rare row of traditional fishing boats in Iga Bay and the expansive Wakasa Bay. The natural setting, seasonal landscapes, and picturesque viewpoints create a strong visual appeal.