If you are in Osaka you simply must go and experience the legendary Izakaya Toyo! A standing street food stall specializing in seafood and sushi with a local vibe located close to Kyobashi Station.
Osaka is one of Japan’s greatest street food cities and as soon as you arrive and start exploring the city, you’ll discover that there’s an abundance of delicious things to eat everywhere you look. There are so many to food in Osaka, but one can’t miss the legendary Izakaya Toya.
Izakaya Toyo (居酒屋とよ) is a popular Osaka street food vendor that specializes in seafood. It was started by owner and chef Toyoji Chikumoto in 1992. Toyo-san has been through so much and he has succeeded in his dream. His life story appeared in the Netflix episode on Osaka’s street foods and you will have a deep appreciation for Toyo-San.
After knowing the chef’s story, we planned and visited Izakaya Toya during our visit to Osaka. We had to come to try out his food and have a look at his kitchen. Let’s read more about our food journey to Osaka’s best street food – Izakaya Toya.
The legendary Izakaya Toyo is conveniently located near Kyobashi Station, within 3 minute walk on foot. It is on a spot that used to be a parking lot and convert into a very simple stand-up restaurant.
Be warned this is no seat and you’ll stand while enjoying your food together with others, just like what has been shown on the Netflix show.
Run by Toyo-san, Izakaya Toyo specializes in seafood, especially sushi. And Toyo-san is what makes the simple eatery so special. He’s an entertaining and jovial man.
He is known for using his flame thrower blowtorch to cook food. It went viral as the way he grilled seafood with the blowtorch and his bare hands, which almost looks like attacking the grill.
Izakaya Toyo (居酒屋とよ) Address: 3 Chome-2-26 Higashinodamachi, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka. Getting there: 3 minutes walk from Kyobashi Station. Operating hours: Closed on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday.
Pro Tips: Always check their website for the opening time before your visit!
Osaka Food Tips: When looking for best food in Osaka, we recommended staying nearby subway station to ease on transport arrangement. Check for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Osaka check prices for Osaka Best Hotel from Booking.com. We found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.
Our Visit To Izakaya Toyo
We visited Izakaya Toya in the early evening. It is not the lunch time, but all the tables are still filled with patrons on the weekday. There’s usually a line of people waiting to be fed, but the lines move quickly. Glad that we only waited about 10 minutes to get in. The people there customers and staff alike are all friendly and helpful.
We get a table at the end and shared it with lovely locals. It is away from Toyo’s cooking station so we can’t see him in action but Occasionally, we can hear Toyo’s energize voice. He is such a personality, is friendly, and talks with others. The vibe is casual and easy.
What To Eat in Izakaya Toya
Once you are taken to a table, we were given the menu to decide what to eat. The service was astonishingly quick. Also, the staff speaks decent English and is helpful.
The menu is short with pictures displayed, but you can’t go wrong with your order.
There are three types of amazing tuna (maguro) that differ in the amount of fat in it, cut into thick pieces: lean meat, fatty tuna, and more fatty tuna. Servings are large and are designed to be shared.
Between us, we shared a large portion of fatty tuna and sea urchin with fresh, lightly pickled, generously portioned tuna sushi, grilled eel, and other side dishes.
The serving is in good portions at a fair price.
Toro is the chef’s signature dish and they are a must-have because it was so delicious. The fatty toro just melts in your mouth and the sea urchins are fresh and sweet.
The broiled eel (unagi no kabayaki) is also delicious as you taste it melting in your mouth!
Next, there’s super fresh tuna sushi, which come in a large portion compared to other restaurants and, of course, taste amazing.
Besides the Izakaya Toya standard menu, every day some dishes are the chef’s recommendation, based on the items that are fresh from the day’s market.
We have the Ark shell and it was so fresh and sweet.
For drinks, you can get your own alcoholic drinks from the cooler next to the tables, or serve yourself some iced tea as well. All this is self-service and the staff will count the bottles left.
The atmosphere is fun and chatty, and everyone there seems to be in a good mood.
Overview: A Food Trip to Izakaya Toyo
If someone ever asked me where to eat in Osaka to feel the essence of the city, Izakaya Toyo is the right place!
We highly recommended Izakaya Toyo to experience the charm and passion of Toyo san. The casual vibe and the chef’s loud energy makes for a great experience. It was nice to see locals of all ages and walks of life coming here for a bite and a drink after a busy day. The quality of the food is excellent and fresh. You won’t be disappointed.
In short, Izakaya Toyo is well worth the visit. We truly enjoy the vibe and food. I can’t wait to visit Toyo again!
Here is the complete transportation guide on how to get to Amanohashidate from Kyoto or Osaka. We will also share the necessary transport arrangements and budget tips by using a different type of transport pass to save you some money.
Amanohashidate (天橋立, Heaven’s bridge in Japanese) is a popular places to visit in Northern Kyoto. Thanks to Japan’s excellent public transport network, it is easily accessible by train and bus. Many travelers and even locals love to enjoy their holiday by visiting the Amanohashidate as a day trip from Kyoto and Osaka.
During my visit to the Kansai Wide area, we visited the Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate, and Ine Funaya for a relaxing 2 days trip. At the first glance, the traveling journey is long and the transport arrangement is not easy. It can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.
Rest assured. We understand the transport information that you are looking for and had compiled a list of transportation options on how to get to Amanohashidate, and transfer between Ine Funaya, and Kinosaki Onsen. You can based on the information gathered and plan for your trip to the areas based on your schedule and budget. Let’s check it out!
The transportation costs to Amanohashidate are extremely expensive and easily cost you more than ¥5,000 for a round-trip journey. As a smart traveler, it is advised to fully utilize the Japan transport pass to save you a lot of money.
Here is the common transport pass that can be used on the train journey to Amanohashida:
JR Pass – Get this pass if you plan to travel to other parts of Japan. However, take note that Kyoto Tango Railway is not covered and you will top up if you are boarding the trains.
JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (Consecutive 5 days at ¥12,000) – Get this pass if you plan to visit the Kansai Wide area.
JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (Consecutive 5 days at ¥17,000) – Get this pass if you plan to visit Hiroshima and the Kansai Wide area.
Pro Tips: The above transport passes are only valid for foreign travelers and it is generally cheaper if you purchase the passes outside of Japan. You may get the Discounted Japan Transport Pass from Klook here.
Visiting Amanohashidate? Read on our Amanohashidate Checklist Guide for all the essentials:
The fastest way to get to Amanohashidate from Kyoto is by JR Train.
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate by Direct Train
It’s infrequent but you can take the JR Hashidate (はしだて) Limited Express Train from Kyoto straight to Amanohashidate. The journey takes around 2 hrs 10 mins and costs about ¥3,880. Take note that all seats are reserved for Hashidate. You will need to reserve your seat before boarding.
Train schedule:
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate: 8:38, 10:25, 12:25, 14:25, 20:37
From Amanohashidate to Kyoto: 9:54, 13:47, 15:51, 18:06, 19:18
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate by Train (with transfer)
JR Kinosaki Limited Express Train
If the direct train schedule does not suit you, Amanohashidate is also reachable with a one-way transfer at Fukuchiyama via JR train.
The JR Kinosaki (きのさき) Limited Express from Kyoto to Fukuchiyama (75 mins, about ¥2,460, hourly departures). From Fukuchiyama, change to the Kyoto Tango Railway to Amanohashidate (40 mins, ¥1,420). The traveling train is vary depending on the transit time but generally will take you about 2 hrs 30 minutes.
Kyoto Tango Railway – Local Trains
Kyoto Tango Railway or Tantetsu (京都丹後铁道) is a private local railway company famous for its unique scenic train in the Kyoto by the Sea area. There are many transfer options, be sure to check the available trains and schedules to find the most convenient route.
The entire train journey is covered by the JR regional pass, including Kansai Wide Area Pass and JR Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass. However, the nationwide Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Kyoto Tango Railway between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate. There is an additional fare of ¥1,200 for local trains and ¥2,150 for Limited Express train is required.
Kyoto Tango Railway Counter at Toyooka Station
When transferring from JR to the Tango Railway, there will be a counter available if you need to top up for your ride. Just show your JR Kansai Wide Area Pass or JR Hiroshima Kansai Area Pass and you can proceed to board your train.
Pro Tips: When using the JR Pass or regional Pass, the seat reservation is counted as 1 time based on departure and final destination. For example, from Kyoto to Amanohashidate with a transfer to Kyoto Tango Line, the seat reservation used is counted as one time although you are reserving the seat from Kyoto to Fukuchiyama, and Fukuchiyama to Amanohashidate due to the transfer.
From Kyoto to Amanohashidate by Bus
The cheapest option is to go to Amanohashidate by bus. Tankai Bus operates three highway buses per day between Kyoto and Amanohashidate. The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hrs and costs ¥2,900. Online reservations can be made through Willer.
Bus Schedule:
From Kyoto Station to Amanohashidate Station: 8:55, 12:40, and 18:00
From Amanohashidate Station to Kyoto Station: 7:18, 12:58, 17:05
How To Get to Amanohashidate from Osaka
No direct train connected between Amanohashidate and Osaka with at least a one-time transfer required.
From Osaka to Amanohashidate by Train (with transfer)
JR Konotori Limited Express
From Osaka, travelers can choose to get to Kyoto and take the direct train to Amanohashidate. Alternatively, board the JR train from Shin-Osaka / Osaka to Fukuchiyama, and then transfer to Amanohashidate.
Take the JR Konotori (こうのとり) Limited Express from Shin-Osaka / Osaka to Fukuchiyama (90 mins, at least ¥3,340, hourly departures). From Fukuchiyama, you can change to the Kyoto Tango Railway to Amanohashidate (40 mins, at least ¥1,420) or change to another Hashidate limited express train that runs between Kyoto and Amanohashidate.
Again, the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Kyoto Tango Railway which runs between Fukuchiyama and Amanohashidate. But you can always top up to take the train ride.
From Osaka to Amanohashidate by Bus
Similar to Kyoto, the cheaper option from Osaka / Umeda to Amanohashidate is by bus. Tankai and Hankyu Bus operate three highway buses per day and the trip takes about 2 hrs 40 mins and costs ¥2,650.
Bus Schedule:
From Osaka Station to Amanohashidate Station: 9:50, 13:20, 18:10
From Amanohashidate Station to Osaka Station: 6:45, 12:45, 16:45
Transfer at Fukuchiyama / Toyooka Station
Transfer to Kyoto Tango Railway at Toyooka Station
When traveling in the Kyoto by Sea area, the Fukuchiyama (福知山) and Toyooka 豊岡(兵庫県) are the important transfer points for using the railway. Both connected the cities of Osaka and Kyoto in the South, with the Amanohashidate and Kinosaki in the North.
It is pretty easy and simple with well-signed to help you make the transfer.
Transfer at Fukuchiyama Station
There are some other stops to make the transfer along the journey. But most of the time, we are using Fukuchiyama or Toyooka for train transfer as this is the most convenient according to the schedule and place of visit.
Kyoto Tango Rail Sightseeing Train
When planning your trip, don’t miss the chance to ride the Kyoto Tango Rail Sightseeing Train. Depending on your schedule, you may possibly have a chance to ride the scenic train when traveling between Kyoto Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture.
There are special routes and schedules for each, covering the scenic spot in the Kansai area such as Fukuchiyama, Maizuru, Miyazu, Amanohashidate, Kyotango, and Toyooka.
Seats are limited, make sure to reserve in advance. You can book online via their Japanese website, or book at the train stations in the Kansai area.
Discount Passes
Lastly, there exist a few discount passes for visiting the Kyoto by the Sea area. Below are some of the more interesting ones that are worth recommending.
This pass covers unlimited rides on local buses (including the bus to Ine), the cable car and chair lift to Kasamatsu Park, and the sightseeing boats in Ine Bay and between Miyazu and Amanohashidate.
Discount on the bus to Nariaji Temple.
The pass can be purchased at the tourist information desk.
Kyoto by the Sea – Amanohashidate & Ine Pass (1 day for ¥3,550, 2 days for ¥4,550)
This pass covers unlimited use of all trains of the Kyoto Tango Railway (non-reserved seats only), local buses (including the bus to Ine), the cable car and chair lift to Kasamatsu Park and the sightseeing boats in Ine Bay and between Miyazu and Amanohashidate.
Discount on the bus to Nariaji Temple.
It can be purchased at manned stations of the Kyoto Tango Railway, including Fukuchiyama Station and tourist information desk.
Overall: Transport To Amanohashidate
All in all, we hope this Amanohashidate transport guide is helpful. At the first glance, it is a bit overwhelming, but it is pretty easy when you are planning ahead. Note that all seats are reserved seat for Hashidate, Kinosaki, and Konotori limited express train. Also, the traveling journey is about two to three hours. We recommend you depart early in the morning or spend one night in the area.
Traveling to the Kansai Wide and looking for some inspiration? Free feel to continue to check out our travel stories to some other interesting places:
To make the most of your time exploring this Japan’s heritage fishing village, here’s the Ine Funaya Travel Guide Blog to help you plan your visit to see the picturesque boathouse. Our Ine itinerary is included!
Ine Fishing Village (伊根の舟屋) is a seaside village in the “Kyoto by the Sea” area. This charming village is known for its picturesque Funaya, or boat houses, which have been around since the Edo period. A visit to Ine Funaya Boathouse offers an amazing abundance of outdoor scenery with cool sea breezes. The best place to experience a different side of Kyoto.
Don’t miss visiting this Japan’s heritage fishing village! Ine is recognized as one of the most picturesque villages in Japan. Upon visiting for yourself and strolling through the peaceful Ine town, you’ll understand why.
Ine no Funaya is located 2.5 to 3 hours to the north-west of Kyoto. Most people did not visit Ine Funaya due to the long traveling journey. With the charming picturesque fishing village seaside, for this reason alone we were glad that we had decided to visit Ine to see what the fishing town had to offer. Also, we recommended coupling your visit to historical Ine Funaya with the stunning Amanohashidate nearby.
In this Ine Travel Guide Blog, we will cover our Ine itinerary, how to get to Ine, where to stay, what to eat, and also some of the important travel information and tips to help you plan on your trip. So, keep reading, and let me walk you through the best way to travel Ine!
A little brief introduction to Ine Funaya Boathouse.
Ine Fishing Village (伊根の舟屋) is one of the most picturesque fishing towns in Japan. The fishing town is surrounded by the ocean and has a beautiful coastline along the bay. It is also rated by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful bays.
But what’s standing for Ine is the traditional Funaya or boathouses. There are about 230 wooden boathouses that have been around since the Edo period. The first floor is used for boat storage to store their fishing boat and fishing gear and while the second floor comprises the living quarters. As the first floor is the sea level, locals can park their boats directly from the ocean. The unique design also makes the boat houses look like floating on the bay.
Due to the strategic location, this historical place has been saved from natural disasters and has been designated a historically preserved district.
Many TV shows, movies, and documentaries have been filmed here for their historical value and beautiful scenery. Although some have been renovated into cafes, restaurants, or lodgings, many wooden boat houses are still well-preserved and locals are practiced their lifestyle since the Edo period. Refer below for more details on Ine Funaya Travel Guide and its history.
Planning to visit Ine Funaya? Read on our Ine Funaya Checklist Guide for all the essentials:
1. How To Get to Ine Funaya – Self-driving or 30-60 mins bus from Amanohashidate. – Find the best prices on a RentalCars from Booking.com. – Save on public transportation: JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass [Get from Klook], [Get from KKday]
Generally, there is only one way to get to the Ine Funaya (besides self-driving). There are scheduled buses that departed from Amanohashidate toward Ine. You can board the bus from any bus stop at Amanohashidate to Ine Funaya. The journey takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, departing on the location.
How To Get To Ine Funaya from Amanohashidate:
Board the Tankai Bus from Amanohasidate (天橋立) station to Ine, approximately 60 minutes with a one-way fare is ¥400.
Alternatively, board the bus at Amanohasidate Kono Jinja Shrine bus stop located in front of Motoise Kono Shrine (元伊勢籠神社). The journey is shorter to about 30 minutes.
Note that public transportation is very limited and is scheduled only one-time an hour, so, please be prepared not to miss. Check the Tankai bus schedule: https://www.tankai.jp/en/bus/tankai-bus/
If you’re not sure how to get to Amanohashidate before continuing the Ine itinerary, check out this transport guide for access and travel tips: How To Get To Amanohashidate.
When boarding the bus, just take the number ticket when you board and pay when you leave. Only accept cash and no IC card is accepted. Make sure you get off at the correct bus station as there is no English display on the board. We will also share in more detail the station’s name on respective things to do at the below Ine itinerary session.
Getting Around in Ine
When you are in Ine, the charming fishing town is pretty compact. You can choose to walk around on foot or take a bicycle to wander around. There are bicycles for the visitors to do sightseeing around the village and it’s free!
Pro Tips: For day-trippers with luggage on hand, Amanohashidate Station has luggage storage where you can store your luggage.
Where To Stay in Ine
This is not easy to get to Ine Funaya and it is best to stay one night in Ine to enjoy the vibe. We highly recommend staying at a Funaya to experience authentic Japanese fishing village vibe! The only downside is that accommodation in Ine Funaya is limited to 1 group of guests a day and it tends to be expensive. You may check on the below accommodation if this best fits your budget and schedule. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Ine Funaya Chalet (舟宿 壱) provides an incredible stay with traditional Funaya style dating back to 1920. Recently renovated, the 2-Bedroom chalet is a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge. The chalet is 5 minute’s walk away from the bus stop.
CAFE & BB Guri is a charming B&B hosted by exceptionally friendly owners. It is a well-designed, modern, and calm accommodation renovated from a 66-year-old private house. Extremely popular, make sure to reserve in advance.
Yosaso is another boathouse where you can experience staying the night at a funaya. It features tatami rooms that face the picturesque bay of boathouses. Be sure to open the window to enjoy a view of the charming townscape floating on the water.
Things To do in Ine Funaya Itinerary
Below are some of the things to do that you can plan on your Ine itinerary. We only spend about half-day in this heritage fishing town and truly regret it. We would recommend spending more time or even overnight to truly enjoy the tranquil scene.
Things To Do in Ine itinerary:
Ine Bay Cruise Ferry
Take a tour in a sea taxi
View on Funaya Boat Houses
Feed Seagulls
Strolling in the Edo-Period Ine Town
Taste Local Fresh Seafood
Stay in a renovated boat house on the sea
Ine Travel Guide Tips: Our Ine itinerary is done on our own. But you can also go on organized tours that usually combine with Amanohashidate. Click on below tour option to know more detail.
Ine Bay Boat Tour
No Ine itinerary would be complete without a tour of the Ine Funaya Boathouse.
There is a range of tours and activities with which to enjoy Ine. For example, the Ine Bay Boat Tour is a popular way to see the boathouses from the water. It’s a large excursion boat with a short 20 mins boat ride around the bay to see the old houses that still line it, with a few fishing areas. Before you board, one could purchase a small pack of Calbee Prawn Crackers for seagull-feeding on board.
The boat cruising regularly departs every 30 minutes. You can purchase the ferry ticket at the boarding place or the tourist information center.
Note that if you choose to take the Ine Bay Cruising Ferry, you should get off at Inewanmeguri Hide (伊根湾めぐり・日出) bus stop. The departure location is right in front of the bus stop.
Once you finished the cruise tour, you can walk along the coast to Ine town on foot, or choose to board the next bus to Ine town. The walking distance is about 20 to 30 minutes.
Ine Bay Boat Tour (伊根湾めぐり遊覧船) Operating Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 16:00. Extend to 16:30 from 28 April to 28 October. Fare: ¥800 per Adult and ¥400 for children. Children under 12 years old are free. Departure Time: Regularly depart every hour at 00 and 30 minutes.
Take a Tour in Sea Taxi
While the sea taxi is a sightseeing boat where a local boatman will guide you around Ine Bay. It is a fun ride and plenty of photo opportunities along its 30-minute route. There are three local operators are operated sea taxis at Ine. You will be riding the speed boat to see the Ine Funaya boathouse and fishing grounds in the bay, and enjoy the view and surrounding.
Among the two options, we choose to take the sea taxi as the time is more flexible and easy to access. Also, in my opinion, the sea taxi is a better option as you can go to see the very boat dock closer.
Once we get off at the Ine bus stop, we confirmed the sea taxi schedule at the Tourist Information Center and then walk to the departure point which is only 3 minutes away. From there, you can freely jump into any sea taxi which is available based on your liking.
The 30-minute sea taxi ride cost about ¥1,000 for one adult, but it was very reasonable.
Sea Taxi Operating Hours: Daily from 9:00 to 17:00. Fare: ¥1,000 per person. Children under 12 years old are free. Departure Time: Anytime from 9:00 to 17:00. Minimum 2 people per boat ride. Departure Location: In front of Ineura Park. 2 minutes walk from Ine Tourist Information Center.
View on Funaya Boat Houses
While cruising around Ine Funaya, we were taken closer to the Funaya boat house and spot the fishing village. Around 230 funaya stand surrounding Ine Bay.
Even today, Ine still looks like a Japanese traditional fishing village that makes you feel like you’ve slipped back in time. The first floors of Funaya boat houses are “garages” for their boat while living on the second floor. The appearance of lining up with the Funaya facing the sea makes you feel nostalgic. It was a pleasure cruise to see the boathouse look like floating on the sea.
Feed Seagulls
The view of the scenery from the boat is amazing! You can also feed the seagulls on the ride. The boat driver prepares the prawn cracker for feeding the seagulls. It was fun when flocks of seagulls flew over and ate snacks directly out of our hands.
The boat driver will explain the history and some of the recommendations like the Sake brewery, coffee shop, and restaurant to be explored in town. One of the downsides is the communication is in the Japanese language. Still, the friendly boat driver tries his best to explain everything about the history in some English with help of printing material. Whether you understand Japanese or not, it’s still a valuable experience.
Overall, it was still a good experience.
Strolling in the Edo-Period Ine Town
As mentioned above, Ine is renowned for the historic funaya that has been used by local fishers for centuries. but strolling through the town will reveal the quiet, local life here. You can enjoy the nice views by walking around the town along the old and narrow streets.
Take the time to walk through the town and see how the residents live. You might spot fishers out on the water or reeling in the catch from their boathouse decks. There is also a famous sake brewery, Mukai Shuzo offers high-quality sake and its signature is the rose-like sake made with red rice. You can consider including the trip in your Ine itinerary if you are interested in sake brewery.
Please note that although some funaya have been renovated into cafes, restaurants, or lodgings, almost all boathouses are the people’s personal living quarters. Their privacy should be respected all the time.
Taste Local Fresh Seafood
When visiting Ine, you’ll have a chance to taste the freshly caught seafood from the fishing port. There are using locally harvested fish and vegetables where you can enjoy the flavors of traditional Japanese life.
Due to the tight schedule, we are having our late lunch at the Funayasyokudou (舟屋食堂), located at the second of the Tourist information center. We have the freshly caught seafood meal set filled with local and seasonal delicacies, sashimi, grilled fish, and the marvelous Funaya scenery! The food is nice and we enjoy sitting in a restaurant overseeing the bay.
In fact, we planned to have a coffee at the visit Ine Cafe. It is one of the most popular spots in the town where you can have dessert and coffee with a view of the bay. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit.
How To Plan Ine Itinerary
Frankly speaking, we didn’t have any plan on what to do and eat in Ine Funaya. In my defense though, I was more focused on the sights to see and the Ine Funaya itinerary in a more relaxed vibe. But fret not, I did enjoy the seaside and peaceful vibe in Ine.
Below is how we plan on the Ine itinerary with an estimated time allocation for you to have an overview. You may freely adjust based on your schedule and travel pace.
Suggested Ine itinerary:
Arrived at Amanohashidate in the morning and take in the views at Amanohashidate
Head to the seaside town of Ine from Amanohashidate Station (1 hour)
Arrived Ine and take the Ine Bay Cruise or Sea Taxi Tour (1 hour)
Lunch with local fresh seafood or enjoy a cup of coffee (1 hour)
Strolling and relaxing at Ine town (1 hour)
Back to Amanohasidate Kono Jinja Shrine and continue to visit the remaining attractions. (30-minute)
However, I only have about half a day here due to the limited rush schedule. My advice is if you can afford it, book an overnight stay in Ine! You will be able to enjoy the serene view and sleep at a historical boathouse. Wake up early in the morning just to experience true serenity where you can hear boats rubbing against the dock line. Learn from my mistakes and try to allocate more time for Ine if you enjoy the relaxing vibe during travel.
Ine Funaya Travel Guide Tips: For traveling to Ine by Tankai Bus, it is recommended to always make sure of the bus schedule when planning for the Ine Funaya itinerary.
We recommend stopping by the Ine Tourist Association for information on using bicycles in town, e-bike rentals, and tours. They are very helpful and can provide much useful information on how to explore the town. You can book tours to enter the boathouses, experience fishing, or learn about the history of Ine on a cycling tour.
Ine Funaya is a fairly small fishing village – walking the perimeter of this lake takes about an hour, and it’s mostly lined by local houses. There isn’t much to do here but relax. That’s the main reason why we came here!
Most of the Funaya in Ine is on private property and cannot be entered. If you want to see the inside of the Funaya house, we recommend taking a guided tour. You can see the inside of a Funaya house that you can’t usually see. You can check for more information at the Tourism Center.
Ine is famous for its traditional Funaya or boathouses. There are about 230 wooden boathouses that have been around since the Edo period.
Is it worth going to Ine?
If you love the tranquility and simple local life, a visit to Ine is highly recommended. It is one of the best places to experience the traditional Japanese village.
How long should I spend in Ine?
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the fishing village. If time is permitted, we recommended staying overnight in Ine to experience an authentic Japanese fishing village vibe.
Overall: A Trip To Ine Funaya
That’s it! Thank you for reading this Ine travel guide blog.
We hope that now you have a clearer idea of what to expect and how to make the most of your Ine trip! In short, we truly enjoy the picturesque views of Kyoto by the Sea. This heritage village site is one of the natural wonders and a must-see during your Kansai Wide visit. It is truly a gorgeous area and great for relaxing. Next time, I’d like to stay overnight!
Traveling to the Kansai Wide and looking for some inspiration? Free feel to continue to check out our travel stories to some other interesting places:
Where to stay in Hiroshima? The two ideal areas to stay for first-time visitors to Hiroshima are nearby Hiroshima Station and the downtown area. These areas are the most popular to stay and offer a wide range of accommodations to choose from.
Hiroshima is one of the popular destinations for travelers visiting the Chugoku region. The infamous city offers many attractions to keep visitors entertained for a day. It has Incredible landmarks, well-preserved history, and a delicious food scene – Hiroshima is a thrilling city!
When looking for where to stay in Hiroshima, the city offers visitors a good range of accommodation options depending on your budget. Plus, Hiroshima is a fairly compact city with well-connected public transport, so no matter where you decide to stay you should be able to get around the rest of the city fairly easily. Just make sure you choose the ideal hotel!
This accommodation guide will cover where to stay in Hiroshima with some of the best hotel picks. All these are our highest recommendations with different price ranges to suit your travel style and budget.
Visitors to Hiroshima have a good range of accommodations to choose from. Depending on what you plan on doing when visiting the city.
The Hiroshima downtown area is the best place to stay if you would like to stay close to major attractions, shopping malls, restaurants, and eateries in the city. It is the place where you will explore all the attractions in the city around every corner.
While the Hiroshima Station is the best place to situate yourself if you are with a tight schedule. Access to the rest of the city from here is very easy as its main train station Hiroshima Station connects you easily to other areas of city and even out of it.
Stay in Hiroshima Downtown Area
Most accommodation in Hiroshima downtown area is found around the Peace Memorial Park. The park is centrally positioned and within walking distance of nearby attractions including the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorail Museum.
The mentioned three attractions are the city’s most popular historical attraction and must-visit during your trip to Hiroshima. The best things is all the attractions are located adjacent, so it is pretty convenient if you choose staying within the area.
Below are our top recommendations of best hotel in Hiroshima downtown area. All are centrally located, highly rated and have excellent facilities.
High-Range: The Knot Hiroshima is a popular pick when looking for where to stay in the Hiroshima downtown area. The hotel is beautifully designed and stylish. It offers decent-sized rooms with a great view and comfy beds to make sure you have your stay is enjoyable. The rooftop terrace and lounge area are exceptional!
The Knot Hiroshima is located at an amazing location, just a few steps from Memorial Park. It is great to spend one night visiting the attractions and exploring the city. There are many great restaurants and eateries that can be found within walking distance. The staffs are extremely friendly and polite. Rooms run fast and it is advised to reserve in advance to secure your room. Check the room availability for The Knot Hotel.
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
High-Range:Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima is located within walking distance of the major attractions in the city. It offers a convenient base for exploring the city and is close to shopping, dining and sightseeing options.
Righa Royal Hotel Hiroshima provides air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities and free internet access. It has a variety of rooms selection to cater to different types and groups of travelers. Some rooms offer a great view overlooking the beautiful Hiroshima Castle is spectacular.
KIRO Hiroshima
Mid-Range: Kiro Hiroshima is one of our favorite picks for where to stay in the Hiroshima downtown area. The property is a very minimalistic aesthetic with modern finishes. Your stay is featured with a clean room with comfortable floor beds and great facilities. There is also a variety of room types like Double, Twin, Triple, and Quadruple with modern or Japanese-style with tatami areas available to fit different types of travelers.
All in all, a great hotel to stay in Hiroshima with excellent staff, a nice sized room for the price, and great facilities!
Nest Hotel Hatchobori
Mid-Range: Nest Hotel Hiroshima Hatchobori is another recommendation if you want to stay in Hiroshima downtown at a reasonable price tag. The room is stylish and has nice decor, with good accent lighting around the good-sized bed for a relaxing mood. The location of the hotel is very convenient and is within walking distance of the museums, restaurants, and shops. They also provide free wifi and luggage storage.
WeBase Hiroshima
Mid-Range: WeBase Hiroshima is a comfortable 3-star hotel set in central Hiroshima. The design is modern with clean. It features with a comfortable and well-designed room with a super comfortable bed. Travelers can choose to stay in a double room, twin room, single room, or bunk bed in the dormitory room. A complimentary simple breakfast is a great plus!
The location is excellent within walking distance to the Peace Memorial, Hiroshima castle, Hondori shopping lane, and neighborhood restaurants. Highly recommended if you are looking for a mid-budget range of accommodation in Hiroshima.
Santiago Guesthouse
Budget: Santiago Guesthouse Hiroshima – this affordable guest house is perfect for visitors on a budget. It is centrally located in the city center with all major attractions that can be easily reached on foot. This bedroom comes with all basic amenities and all other essentials. The bathroom and toilet are shared, and there’s a common area with every feature you would need.
Stay Nearby Hiroshima Station
In my opinion, the area nearby Hiroshima station is the best and most convenient place to stay in Hiroshima, especially if it’s your first time in the city.
Hiroshima station is home to the main transport hub and is the first place most tourists see in the city. The location is very convenient and you can use the train, catch the streetcar, and Meipuru-pu bus when traveling around the city. Although it doesn’t have many landmarks or attractions, staying nearby Hiroshima station does boast great shops, tasty restaurants, and a myriad of backpacker hostels and budget hotels.
Here is our recommendation for where to stay nearby Hiroshima Station:
High-Range: Located about a 1-minute walk from Hiroshima Station, Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a good place to stay for the night. You’ll receive world-class hospitality with its customer service. The hotel is right next to the Station which connects with the Shinkansen, local trains, and electric tram. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Peace Memorial Park.
If you’re willing to splurge, you may find that it’s well worth spending the night with the gorgeous decor and large size room. Check for the rate for a luxury stay in Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel.
APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae Ohashi
Mid-Range: APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae Ohashi is a popular chain Japanese hotel, offering clean and comfortable rooms. It is a super practical accommodation with everything your need for a comfortable stay. Conveniently located within a 4-minute walk from the JR Hiroshima station. Your stay is boasted spacious public baths at a reasonable price tag.
In short, I would recommend the hotel to anyone looking for where to stay in Hiroshima. Great value for money!
KOKO HOTEL Hiroshima Ekimae
Mid-Range: KOKO HOTEL Hiroshima Ekimae is another pick for where to stay near Hiroshima Station. This standard business hotel is located a short 6-minute walk from the station. It is close to a great selection of restaurants and shops and is well-connected throughout the city. This hotel offers guests a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. A good choice if you are looking for a budget hotel for one and a few nights in Hiroshima.
Guesthouse Akicafe Inn
Budget: Guesthouse Akicafe Inn offers simple dormitory accommodation with a lounge and free-use kitchen. Your stay featured excellent facilities that were way beyond expectations, especially when considering the highly affordable rates. The dorm is clean and the beds are comfortable with enough privacy. Plus, the guesthouse also has an economy double room if you need a more private space.
Guesthouse Akicafe Inn is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Hiroshima Station. Best place to stay for budget travelers.
Overview: Best Hiroshima Hotel
All in all, we hope this accommodation guide focus on where to stay in Hiroshima has helped you find the best hotel that fits your style. If you still can’t decide, we highly recommended The Knot Hiroshima and Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima if you want to stay close to the major attractions. Else, stay in APA Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae Ohashi that nearby the Hiroshima station for easy getting around.
But, no matter where you end up, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing trip to this amazing city!
