Cruising at Ine Bay

Have you seen this dream scenery before? Was it in your dreams? Or was it in a television drama or movie? Yes, sometimes dreams and reality can meet, and with the waves lapping on the side of your boat, maybe you can meet the prince or princess of your dreams amongst the boathouses of Ine Bay, on the Tango Peninsula.

These boathouses have been here for many generations, and they are still used today by fishermen and other people of the sea. The ground floor opens to the water, and is used to park the boats and boating equipment. The top floor is the living quarters, hence the boathouse. Sometimes you can see the local folk hanging their laundry to dry, and at other times, drying octopus and other seafood delicacies. Imagine leaving the boathouse each morning on the water highway, and coming back even evening, with the clear country skies filled with thousands of stars. This is one of the most unique and charming sights in rural Japan, and it has been featured in many documentaries, drama series and movies.

From 0900 each morning the local cruise company runs cruises around this bay and the nearby islands, some untouched by man and showing nature in all its glory. When you are visiting this home of spectacular inlets and mountain ranges that have been there for millions of years; you slow down to the heartbeat of this majestic kingdom. There is something very deep that draws me to this place. Maybe it is the rugged mountains that stood the test of time and human existence, or the silence in the late afternoon, where the only sound you hear is the soft wind blowing across the waterway.

If you stay at the nearby Maruichi Funeya, you can relax and enjoy the local seafood for breakfast, and sleep peacefully at night to sound of lapping water, or watch the moon rise over Wakasa Bay. And the next morning, head over to nearby Honjohama Beach. It is quite peaceful even in summer, and you may be able to swim with the fish. The region is famous for oysters in summer, and crab in winter, so this is a place to visit in any season.

While you are in the area, head over to Amanohashidate, one of the three famous scenic views in Japan. It is just fifty minutes away from Inemachi-Yakuba mae to Amanohashidate Station by Tamba Bus. And if you are coming from the Boat Cruise, get on the bus at Hinode bus stop.