The Best Accommodation In Kyoto's Hidden Fishing Village - The Town Of Ine
- Ollie Toth
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
An expert list showcasing the best accommodation in Ine, a hidden fishing village in the far north of Kyoto
Photo Source: Getty Images
Overview
The town of Ine (ii-nay) is a gorgeous fishing village about 2-3 hours north of Kyoto city. This humble town is famous for its uniquely designed boat houses, known as funaya. These are traditional houses built on the water, with a garage for boats on the first floor, and the living quarters on the upper floors. It has been declared a national preservation district by the Japanese government and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.
Despite its preservation status and incredible beauty, it remains relatively unknown to foreign tourism, which makes it the perfect escape for people seeking out a more peaceful experience in Japan. It's great for a day trip, and even better if you manage to spend a night or two at one of the funaya.
Spending a couple of nights here offers a truly unique escape from typical hotels. A handful of the Ine no funaya have been turned into guesthouses for visitors, but they are notoriously difficult to book for foreign tourists. So we've compiled a list of the best accommodation in Ine with an online booking option for foreign guests.
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including a:
Gallery
Description
Highlights
Price Range
Review Example
Booking Link
The Best Accommodation in Ine
1. The Funaya Kura
The Funaya Kura is a beautifully renovated funaya that brings the standards of modern luxury to an old traditional funaya house. The result is a gorgeous boat house with stunning views, really comfy beds, and an amazing onsen bath. You'll also find a sauna, rain showers, and even some bikes available to borrow, which is the perfect way for exploring the town. You also have your own little parking garage if you decide to rent a car for your trip to Ine.
• Highlights:
─  A modern, renovated funaya with amazing architectural design.
─  Luxurious features and amenities, including a lovely onsen bath, sauna, and rain shower.
─  Gorgeous views of the ocean and neighbouring funaya houses, with bikes available for exploring the town.
• Price Range: $380 - $600 per night
• Review Quote:
"Funaya Kura is beautifully and artistically designed with combinations of wood and tile and exquisite lighting. It looks like a place that would be featured in an architectural magazine. My favorite thing to do was sit on the chairs and watch the fishing boats pass. It was so peaceful and relaxing. We also walked to the main part of town and took a boat ride, explored the shops, and enjoyed dinner. I feel very lucky to have stumbled upon this gem. Ine is a special place and Funaya Kura was the perfect spot to appreciate its beauty."
Rooms often sell out fast, early bookings are recommended.
2. The Funaoto
The Funaoto is a real hidden gem, if you prefer a more personal touch this is the perfect choice. While it's not located on the water, this aspect is quickly overshadowed by the authenticity of the guesthouse and the charming, friendly, and knowledgeable host. The house is 75 years old and has been renovated with modern comforts while keeping the original architecture and atmosphere. Your host, Jun, speaks fluent English and makes you feel right at home in this warm and cosy house. She loves sharing the local life and culture with her guests and will give you amazing recommendations for things to do including restaurants, sightseeing, and the fish market. She even makes a lovely traditional Japanese breakfast which is perfect for starting the day.
• Highlights:
─  A large, traditional Japanese house perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples.
─  Offers a lovely handmade traditional Japanese breakfast.
─  An amazing and charming host who makes you feel at home and offers great information about sightseeing, restaurants, and the local fish market.
• Price Range: $200 - $300 per night
• Review Quote:
"We loved absolutely everything about Funaoto: the place is so cozy and clean, Jun-san is the kindest host, the breakfast was superb, and the location was just right in the middle of Ine. The room is neat and tidy which is very good for a family with 4-6 ppl to stay. And the inn is just a few min walk to the morning fish market - what a wonderful experience. Our stay at her house was the most enjoyable experience of our trip to Japan."
Rooms often sell out fast, early bookings are recommended.
3. The Ine Ebisuya Chitose
The Ine Ebisuya Chitose is a gorgeous, newly renovated property that adds many luxurious elements to the traditional Ine funaya house. The western mattresses are super comfortable, the bathrooms come with rain showers, and the views of the ocean and neighbouring funaya are wonderful. A lot of care and attention has been placed on the design of the renovations, giving you a strong sense of aesthetic value throughout the property. This is a newly listed option that has yet to establish customer reviews from foreign guests, but as you can tell by the photos, it's a beautiful place to spend a couple of nights. The owner takes a hands-off approach which means you get more privacy, just make sure you plan accordingly regarding food and sightseeing.
• Highlights:
─  A brand-new renovated funaya with luxurious amenities and aesthetics. ─  Gorgeous views of the ocean and neighbouring funaya landscape.
─  Comfy modern mattresses and a hands-off approach by the owner, ensuring you have a lot of privacy.
• Price Range: $450 - $650 per night
• Review Quote:
"My time staying in a funaya and this place was very nice, much larger than expected and recently renovated. The views were amazing. Great location, really felt like living in the local area."
Rooms often sell out fast, early bookings are recommended.
