The Picture Perfect Coastal Villages of the Tango PeninsulaIne’s Funaya
Funaya literally means boathouse (for storing fishing boats). Generally, the funaya of the village of Ine on the coast of the Tango Peninsula (in northwestern Kyoto Prefecture) were used for drying fishing nets and equipment. In the old days, the upper structure had only one story (to keep it cool) and a simple thatched roof. From the middle of the Edo period (1600-1867), the upper story, under the roof, was also used for living, etc. Tile instead of thatch appeared from the middle of the Meiji period (1868-1912) onwards. By the early Showa period (1926-1989), most funaya had become normal two-story (full story) homes. Some of them were called wakashuyado (where wakashu means young people, and yado means inn) because the second floor was used for fishermen to sleep and relax in when they were not working and as place for young people of the village to get to know each other.Today, Ine’s funaya are still used much in the same way as they always have been. The open area under the floor of ground floor is still used to store boats. The first floor is used for boat storage, as a workshop, a place to dry fish, and for farm product storage and so on. The first floor also usually has a bathroom, and a living room facing the sea. The second floor is used for the family to live or for guests or, occasionally, as an inn.
For a great seaside experience visit the village of Ine, and see the world of the funaya. Access: Take the JR line from Kyoto Stn. to Amanohashidate Stn., and then take a bus bound for Kyogamisaki, Kamanyu or Ine Yubin-kyoku (about 3 hours in total from Kyoto). Ine-cho Tourist Information Center: 0772-32-0277(Japanese only)
Funayanosato Park: This combination park and service station is an attractive place to stop in. The park has excellent views of Ine Bay and the surrounding coastline, as well as fine views of a number of funaya. Access: Take bus from KTR Amanohashidate Stn. to Ine Yakubamae, from there it is a 10-min walk to the park. Info: 0772-32-0680 (Japanese only)
Urashima Shrine Ennensai Festival (3/17)
This shrine is connected with one of Japan’s most famous Japanese legends, the Urashima Densetsu. This story has been passed from generation to generation since the seventh century.
The shrine holds a festival every year in connection with the Urashima Densetsu. As part of the festival, the shrine is decorated with flowers, special wooden balls and rice bags. Prayers are held for longevity, good matches in marriage and a rich harvest. Happiness sticks are prayed over and scattered to the people that come to the festival. The ritual begin at 9:00; the festival lasts from 10:00 to 12:30. Noh theatre will be performed from 11:40 to 12:30. The shrine is open from 9:00-16:00. Access: Take a Tankai bus from KTR Amanohashidate Stn. to Urashima Jinjamae. Info: 0772-33-0721 (Japanese only)
