It’s no secret that tourism in Japan continues to boom, but as visitor numbers soar, must-see sights such as the neon lights and skyscrapers of Tokyo, the ancient temples of Kyoto and Nara, and Mount Fuji have become victims of their own popularity. As a travel consultant with over 13 years of Japan experience, I have seen firsthand the effects of over-tourism. Fortunately, there are still regions that feel like the authentic Japan that I fell in love with almost 20 years ago.
One of those is “Kyoto by the Sea,” which loosely refers to the coastal stretch of the Kyoto Prefecture (yes, it’s not just a city) that borders the Sea of Japan. Lesser known to international travelers, this corner of the prefecture has been on my radar since before the pandemic. Only two hours from Kyoto, It’s an authentic alternative for those seeking to pause, if only briefly, from the hurly-burly of modern sightseeing, and reconnect with a more rooted way of traveling. Here’s what to see while you’re there.
Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate, which translates to “bridge to heaven,” is a pine-covered sandbar that juts into the Miyazu Bay. From above, it’s a beautiful line of forest reaching across the blue water. While there are a handful of shrines and temples to visit, the real appeal here is the pace. Amanohashidate is a place to slow down and take it all in, rather than feel like you’re somehow missing out by not cramming more in your day. Walk along the sandbar, hang out in a cafe, or simply enjoy the view.
Ine Fishing Village
An afternoon in Ine Bay, Kyoto, Japan.
Credit: e55evu/Getty Images
As an island nation, Japan’s coast is dotted with fishing towns, but Ine stands out. The village is known for its funayas, traditional wooden boathouses built directly on the harbor’s edge, which shelter fishing boats below and families above. I always tell travelers that Ine is fantastic for the right person, but not for everyone.
As an active fishing town, locals start their day before sunrise, so you’ll wake to the sounds and smells of life on the water as boats head out and return with their catch. Seafood also dominates local menus. Visitors are welcome, but Ine embraces tourism on its own terms, preserving the rhythms and traditions that make the village special.
The Funaya Experience
Funaya date back 200 years, and locals still use them much as they always have, taking their boats out each morning to work the sea. A small number of the houses have been adapted for overnight stays, allowing adventurous travelers to experience the rhythms of village life firsthand. To ensure that tourism benefits the community, a minimum two-night stay is required, and visitors must book a local activity—such as a walking tour of the town, an e-bike excursion, or a visit to local artisan workshops and farms—directing more tourism dollars into the community. While some might see these requirements as a deterrent, I see an opportunity for my clients to venture beyond Japan’s well-trodden tourist circuit and experience the daily rhythms of a working fishing village.
Kyoto by the Sea is a place to practice slow travel rather than box-ticking, to briefly feel part of a community while respecting that you are a guest in their town. It’s a reminder that while visitors come and go, life here remains as it has done for generations. It is the Japan that I love.
Amy Tadehara is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to Japan and South Korea. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Tadehara by contacting amy.tadehara@insidejapantours.com.
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