Tsumago-juku | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

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Tsumago-juku

Step back in time in a post town that still retains the look of Edo.

3 Sep 2026 See More

Walking the old Nakasendo trail to Tsumago-juku was like a dreamlike journey through time. Visiting in late April, I still came across late-blooming pale pink cherry blossoms along the way, adding a touch of romance to the rustic greenery.

Deep along the quiet forest trail were roaring waterfalls and towering ancient trees radiating powerful natural energy. I couldn't help but stop, breathe deeply, and wash away my fatigue. It felt like a scene from a Hayao Miyazaki movie. Emerging from the forest and arriving at Tsumago-juku, the sight before me was even more breathtaking: black wooden row houses with hidden power lines stretched along the street, perfectly preserving the unspoiled look of a century ago. With none of the bustle of commercial tourism, walking along the stone-paved road felt like stepping back into the Edo period, and I was deeply moved.

Other Reviews by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Kyoto Tower (Nidec The Kyoto Tower)

It is located right in front of Kyoto Station. It was designed in the shape of a lighthouse to illuminate Kyoto, and is the tallest building in Kyoto at 131 meters. It has been visited by over 32 million people since it opened in 1964.
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As soon as you walk out of Kyoto Station, you can see Kyoto Tower rising straight into the sky. During the day, it stands quietly in pure white. When night falls, it lights up with a warm, gentle glow, becoming a reassuring and steadfast landmark that travelers can instantly recognize in the darkness to find their way back.

If you want to take in the scenery, you can go up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of Kyoto. At the base of the tower, you'll also find local specialty souvenirs and a food court. The surrounding area is connected to the modern Kyoto Station Building, the Isetan department store, and the Porta underground shopping mall, making it extremely convenient for shopping, dining, or taking a stroll. Whether at the beginning or end of a journey, Kyoto Tower always watches over every passing traveler with the gentlest presence.
Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat

This activity is located in the northern part of Kyoto on the Tango Peninsula, the boat takes about 25 minutes to cruise around Ine Bay. The bay is lined with funaya houses along the shore, offering a beautiful, quintessential Japanese landscape you can see from water.
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10 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Kyoto by the Sea, you can take a sightseeing boat and view this fishing village on the water from offshore, appreciating the full panorama of the funaya houses from a different perspective.

As the boat slowly leaves the pier, Ine Bay is as smooth as a mirror. Wooden funaya houses line the lush green mountains and deep blue coastline, with their dark gray tiled roofs reflected on the water. The expansive view is breathtaking.

Once aboard, don’t forget to buy a bag of the shrimp-flavored crackers sold on the boat. As soon as the boat starts moving, flocks of seagulls circle and follow in the sea breeze. Whenever you hold out a cracker, you can experience the thrill and fun of seagulls swooping down to eat from your hand. Be especially careful because sometimes agile eagles also fly low among them and quickly snatch the food, so protect your fingers while feeding the birds. The entire Ine Bay cruise is accompanied by the sound of waves and birds, making it both relaxing and full of laughter.
Ine no Funaya

Ine Bay is located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, where fishing has been thriving since ancient times. Along the coast, there is a row of buildings called "Funaya," whose first floor is connected to the sea as a storage area for boats used for fishing.
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10 Sep 2026 See More

I had always dreamed of visiting Kyoto by the Sea, and this time I finally had the chance to visit Ine, known as “Japan’s most beautiful fishing village.” As the bus wound its way along the road, I could see hundreds of traditional funaya boathouses stretching along the bay. It wasn’t until I entered the guesthouse that I discovered the ingenuity of the funaya, with boats docked on the first floor and living quarters on the second, fully preserving the wisdom of the fishermen who once lived in harmony with the sea.

To truly experience the soul of Ine, I highly recommend staying overnight. I especially recommend “Funaya Ichi,” which hosts only one group of guests per day. The privacy of having the entire detached house to yourself lets you enjoy the gentle beauty of the whole bay. After the day-trippers left in the afternoon, the entire fishing village became quiet again. The sea breeze was slightly chilly in early spring, so before setting out, we bought local Tango produce and ingredients at a supermarket near Kasamatsu Park and cooked a steaming hot pot at the guesthouse. Besides warming us up, it gave us a deeper sense of what daily life was like for the fishermen who once lived by the sea.

If you enjoy exploring at a leisurely pace, the next day you can borrow a bicycle from the tourist information center and take a relaxing ride. Along the way, stop by Mukai Shuzo, a brewery with more than 200 years of history, and pick up a bottle of its signature fruity, rosé-like sake, “Ine Mankai,” as a beautiful keepsake from your trip through Kyoto by the Sea. I’ll remember the beautiful view of that bay for the rest of my life.