Scenic Japan from the Water

Chion-ji Temple pagoda. Chion-ji Temple is a highly regarded temple whose high-profile visitors include Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu during the Muromachi period.

A very venerable shrine close to Ichinomiya Boat Dock, where Amaterasu-ōmikami and Toyouke-ōmikami were enshrined before they were enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine.

The only shrine in Amanohashidate. Isoshimizu in the shrine is a mysterious well where fresh water springs up despite being surrounded by the ocean. 

The air in this area is crisp and clean, and beautiful morning and evening skies can be seen.

Stunning Niō statues are enshrined on the left and right. Nariai-ji Temple is home to many valuable cultural treasures and is also famous as a temple that makes wishes come true.

The first sunrise of the year seen from Kasamatsu Park near Ichinomiya Boat Dock. On this day, Kasamatsu Cable also operates from early morning.

Amanohashidate Rotating Bridge rotates 90 degrees when a boat passes. The scarlet bridge turning dynamically is a captivating sight

A beach in Amanohashidate. Many people from all over the country visit in summer to swim in one of Japan's most scenic spots.

Cruises through atmospheric Amanohashidate Waterway, including Rotating Bridge that turns 90 degrees when a ship passes through. It is a rare sight!

Fresh blue and green Amanohashidate in spring is lovely, but the row of pine trees covered in white snow is also marvelous.

A picture of Ine taken from the sky. The way the 230 Funaya houses stretch across the harbor can be well observed.

A 25-minute experience of the beautiful Funaya housings stretched across the whole harbor.

A fireworks festival is held every year at the end of August. The fireworks lighting up the Funaya houses create outerworldly scenes.

An shrine in Ine, known for its legends of Urashima Taro, one of the most famous folktales of Japan.

A view of Ine Bay from the roadside station “Funaya no Sato." A gorgeous scenery of the 230 Funaya houses and the beautiful ocean.

Another photo from the fireworks festival. The traditional lanterns hung from the Funaya houses makes everyone’s heart brighter.

Ine in snow almost looks as if it had popped out from a fairy tale.

The blue sky, the blue water, and the Funaya houses melting into the scene…. Picturesque is the word.

Funaya houses are buildings unique to this region. The ground level of the building is a garage for fishboats, and the second floor is used as housing and living space.

The pink cherry blossoms are a perfect match for the emerald green waters of the ocean. Ine is a place where even time flows slower.

Dolphins occasionally visit Ine Bay. A lucky visitor might have a chance to see them.

Est.1754. Its buildings are located by the ocean, right next to the Funaya houses.

Funaya houses and their lighting. Sunset and night views of the area are also spectacular.

Funaya houses colored by the evening glow. Orange and pink veils of light give a different look to Ine’s spectacular scenery.

A 100-meter waterfall in Ine town. A precious fall which only appears after rain or snowmelt seasons.

Another shot from the fireworks festival. Fireworks reflecting on the waters create a dreamlike scene.

One of the most vividly-colorful views in the west coast of Omi Island. When the waters are rough, you can see a beautiful scene of whitecaps splashing over the red rocks.

The view from here is the model of the big mural of NAMI-NO-MA (room of waves) at the Chowaden Reception Hall of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

It is known to bring harmony and happiness to married couples.

The dolphin ship can just pass through between the cliffs rising 50m from the sea level only when the sea is calm. The rocks have been nicknamed the Alps of the Sea.