Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat Tour Review – A Must-Visit from Kyoto
If you're looking for a hidden gem in Kyoto Prefecture, the Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat Tour offers a breathtaking maritime adventure showcasing the famous Funaya boathouses. We booked a one-day tour via Klook, which included a stopover at Amanohashidate before heading to Ine. The scenic journey from Kyoto Station took us through stunning coastal landscapes, making this day trip an unforgettable experience.
Smooth Booking & Comfortable Journey
We departed from Kyoto Station, and the Klook package was a great value, covering transport and key sightseeing spots. After visiting Amanohashidate, known as the 'Bridge to Heaven,' we continued our journey with a 35-minute drive to Ine Village, where the sightseeing boat tour awaited.
A Unique Boat Ride in Ine Bay
The 25-minute boat ride around Ine Bay was a calm and picturesque journey. The traditional Funaya houses, with their distinctive boat garages on the first floor and living spaces above, lined the shore, giving a glimpse into Japan’s centuries-old fishing culture. From the water, the view was nothing short of magical, making it one of the most photogenic coastal villages in Japan.
Bird Feeding Experience & Nature’s Beauty
One of the tour highlights was feeding the seagulls and black kites. We purchased shrimp crackers before boarding, and as we held them up, the birds swooped down gracefully to grab them. This interactive moment added an exciting and unique touch to the serene boat ride.
Tips for Travelers
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
Booking Advice: Purchase tickets via Klook to enjoy an all-in-one package with transport and sightseeing.
What to Bring: A camera for stunning shots, small change for feeding the birds, and light clothing for comfort.
Final Verdict – Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! The Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat Tour is a hidden gem in Japan, offering a peaceful escape from Kyoto’s bustling city life. With stunning coastal views, rich history, and a touch of adventure, this trip is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. If you're planning a Kyoto day trip, make sure to add this to your Japan travel bucket list!
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Read moreA truly nightmare inducing experience. After spending hours travelling from Kyoto to Ine we hopped on this boat tour. What should have been a scenic boat ride was ruined by other tourists throwing human snacks sold by the boat company to the seagulls - which is encouraged by the boat company completely inappropriately. Bird poo rained over the boat the entire trip and the screeching of dozens of birds spoiled any chance of serenity. It was like something from a horror movie or black comedy. We retreated downstairs and then indoors to avoid the birds. It was a sunny day and the water looked beautiful but this is literally the worst boat trip I’ve ever been on in my life. I am writing this on the boat instead of looking out the window and can’t...
Read moreThis boat tour was ruined for me by the swooping seagulls. The visitors are encouraged to feed them with totally inappropriate human snacks (disturbing enough in itself), but this encourages swarms of large, noisy birds to flock around the boat for the entire trip. Even on the bottom deck, we still got pooped on. Every photo I took was obscured by flying seagulls. You get a view of the houses from the water, but it wasn't worth it. It's very popular with bus tours as well, so it could be extremely crowded. We went early, so it was OK. I recommend just walking around the streets of the town. You can get a real feel for this beautiful community and some great photos, too. The photos I've posted I've tried to edit of birds. Most photos I...
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