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Ine Funaya: Private Boat Among Japan's Floating Fishermen's Houses

Glide by boat through Ine's extraordinary 'funaya' — 230 traditional boathouses built directly over the sea, where fishing families have lived for centuries with the ocean as their front door. This hidden bay is one of Japan's most important preservation districts.

What to expect

The 30-minute drive north from Maizuru along the Tango Peninsula coast is itself spectacular — rugged sea cliffs, deep inlets, and pine-fringed headlands. At Ine, board the 25-minute bay cruise as the captain explains funaya architecture and the daily rhythms of this fishing community (guides often feed the bay's famously tame seagulls). After the boat, walk the narrow harborfront lane, peer into working boathouses, and stop at a local minshuku for fresh-grilled seafood and local Tango sake.

Book it with
Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat (Nihonjin no Wasure Mono Zaidan – official)
Ine Bay sightseeing boat: JPY 1,000 (approx. USD 7) per person; private car from Maizuru approx. JPY 25,000–35,000 per vehicle for the half-day
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Good to know

Ine is 30–40 minutes north of Maizuru by car. Combine with Amanohashidate (en route) for a full-day Tango Peninsula circuit. Boat tours run several times daily — no advance booking needed for the boat, but arrange your private car in advance. Allow 4–5 hours total from port.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Maizuru — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Pursuit
14 nights · calls at Maizuru
from $5,429
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Seabourn · Seabourn Encore
14 nights · calls at Maizuru
from $13,998
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Princess · Diamond Princess
12 nights · calls at Maizuru
from $1,564
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Holland America · Noordam
14 nights · calls at Maizuru
from $2,514
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See all cruises to Maizuru →
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