Kyoto is famous for its history and landmarks, but beyond its popular attractions such as there’s a world of hidden gems waiting to be found in this part of Japan. Imagine heading to Amanohashidate, where the mountains meet the sea in one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes or enjoy wandering through a traditional Japanese house with a terrace in peaceful settings. Picture yourself gliding on boats on calm waters or finding peace in traditional Japanese temples off the beaten path. These lesser-known spots in Amanohashidate and the Ine Bay can give you a glimpse into the quieter side of Kyoto where every corner has a story. Whether you like the mountains, checking out the floor of historic Japanese buildings or sailing on boats, these four hidden gems in Kyoto are not to be missed.
Exploring Kyoto’s Coastal Wonders
Beyond the well-known temples and gardens found in places such as Nanzen-ji Temple, Kyoto’s coastal paradise where Japanese tradition meets nature is waiting to be discovered.
Ine Bay: A Scenic Cruise Experience
Ine Bay is on the northern coast of Kyoto Prefecture and is a must visit as it brings you on a journey into the maritime history of Japan. Take a 25 minute loop on a large sightseeing cruise that runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with departures every 15-30 minutes and gets up close to the funaya houses along the waterfront.
There are over 200 funaya houses on the water’s edge, making Ine Village one of the most beautiful places in Kyoto. The houses also called “boat houses” have a boat storage on the first floor and living quarters above, showing the community’s deep connection to boats, the sea and its fishing heritage.
As you cruise through Ine Bay on one of those boats, you will see the village’s culture, beautiful views and fishing traditions that have been preserved for centuries. The bay’s calm waters and scenery is a peaceful escape from modern life, so book your Kyoto Hidden Gems Tour to Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Village to enjoy a break now! But if you can’t secure your tickets online, fret not, because you can also make a reservation at the tourism office at Funaya no Sato Park.
Uncovering Kyoto’s Natural Beauty
The coastal areas in Kyoto are a nice change of pace from the city and the view from the boats along the coast will floor you. Let’s go on an adventure to find out what makes this region in Japan so special.
Amanohashidate: A Gateway to Adventure
Amanohashidate, a pine-covered sandbar, stretches across the mouth of Miyazu Bay in northern Kyoto Prefecture. Personally, we recommend walking on foot or renting a bike for the best experience to tour Amanohashidate, rated by locals in Kyoto as one of the top 3 scenic spots in Japan. Amanohashidate Station can be the base for your Japanese adventure, with amusement parks, observation decks and sightseeing cruises located around the area. You can also visit several temples and shrines at Amanohashidate, including Nariaiji Temple and Chionji Temple for cultural and spiritual experiences. Start your adventure at Amanohashidate Station to enjoy the wonders of Amanohashidate and Ine Village now!
Hidden Temples and Shrines
Kyoto, with its eternal beauty and history, is a treasure chest of spiritual experiences. As Japan’s old capital, it has many Japanese temples and shrines that tell stories of the past while offering a peaceful place to sit and think.
Kono Shrine: Discovering Kyoto’s Spiritual Side
Kono Shrine is a hidden gem that is historically important in the Kyoto area. It used to house two of Shinto’s most revered deities: the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and Toyoukehime, the goddess of clothing, food and shelter. They were later moved to the Inner and Outer Ise Shrines so Kono Shrine is also known as Motoise, meaning “Origin of Ise”. The main hall pays homage to the Inner Shrine of Ise. It has the ten katsuogi roof logs and jewel-shaped decorations (suedama) on the railings, which are only found at Motoise Kono Shrine and Ise Jingu. Around the main hall are smaller shrines, each with different architectural styles dedicated to deities such as Amaterasu, Sarutahiko, Ebisu, Inari and the Kasuga gods. These sacred sites are a deep dive into Shintoism, so Motoise Kono Shrine is a great place to explore the spiritual side in Kyoto.
Opening Hours | Open Daily, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm |
Admission Fee | Free |
Address | 430 Ogaki, Miyazu, Kyoto 629-2242, Japan (maps) |
Local Experiences
The food in Kyoto is as varied as its culture. From traditional to modern, it’s a culinary journey that will tickle all your senses and floor you.
Wadatsumi: Savouring Kyoto’s Flavours
In Ine Village, the funaya houses are not only a pretty backdrop but also a window into the local’s lives. Some of these cute waterfront houses have been converted into accommodations so you can live like a local in Kyoto. Staying in a funaya house is an experience, where you can wake up to the view of the bay and the sound of the water. One of the best things about Ine Village is the seafood, given its maritime history. Many coastal restaurants and cafes serve fresh, expertly cooked seafood, offering a true taste of the flavours in Kyoto. Wadatsumi, located in the center of Ine Village, is another must-visit if you are visiting the region. Enjoy fresh local seafood, a peaceful atmosphere, a great view of Ine Bay alongside seasonal dishes like sashimi, tempura and grilled fish, for an exquisite dining experience in Kyoto.
Take the Path Less Travelled in Japan Now
Kyoto is a city where every nook has a story, where tradition meets nature in ways few places can. While the big attractions such as Mount Kuruma or the Kyoto Railway Museum are impressive, it’s the hidden spots in Kyoto that get to your heart. Experience gliding along in boats, enjoy discovering the quiet charm of an old house, or learn the tiny details of a Japanese floor. These off the beaten path attractions give you a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and the serene landscapes will floor you. Ready to explore the lesser-known spots in Kyoto such as Amanohashidate? Let these hidden treasures be your guide to a deeper love for Kyoto. Start planning your trip of a lifetime to Kyoto with Pelago by Singapore Airlines today!