Things To Do
in Funato
Funato is a scenic town in the Kansai region, tucked along a winding river and framed by gentle hills. It blends traditional machiya houses and modern cafés, creating a calm atmosphere perfect for wandering. The town is renowned for its craft studios, seafood markets, and seasonal festivals that bring locals and travelers together.
Visitors can experience a welcoming, understated charm that invites slow, curious exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Narita International Airport and take a scenic train ride to Funato. Check into your traditional ryokan, and enjoy a warm cup of matcha as you soak in the serene atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastline to unwind after your journey.
Visit the local market to sample fresh seafood and regional delicacies. Engage with friendly locals who are eager to share their culinary traditions. Don't forget to grab some souvenirs to remember your trip by.
Experience a relaxing onsen bath at your ryokan after a day of travel. Enjoy a beautifully prepared kaiseki dinner, featuring seasonal ingredients. As night falls, hear the soothing sounds of the waves lapping against the shore.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the ryokan before heading to Funato Beach. Spend the morning relaxing on the sandy shores, taking in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Engage in fun beach activities such as paddleboarding or beach volleyball.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach with local bento boxes prepared by the ryokan. Afterward, participate in a guided snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant underwater life. Witness colorful fish and unique sea anemones in their natural habitat.
Return to the ryokan for dinner, where you can choose from a variety of traditional Japanese dishes. After your meal, take a quiet evening walk along the shore, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Reflect on the day's adventures while savoring the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨One-night in mid-range hotel | $90-140 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $6-12 |
| 🛒Grocery staple (1 kg rice) | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming traditional towns with easy access to Osaka and Kyoto.
- Excellent food scene with fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities.
- Language barrier can be challenging for non-Japanese speakers.
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you very much
- "すみません" - Excuse me
- "お願いします" - Please
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "おすすめは何ですか？" - What do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Funato
Visit one of these nice places.
A graceful arch bridge over the river, glowing with lanterns as the sun sets.
Narrow lanes lined with preserved machiya and soft paper lanterns bring a nostalgic mood.
A flat path along the river providing reflections and calm morning light.
A torii gate framed by cedar trees—ideal for a wide shot with natural textures.
Food in Funato
Funato Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Buckwheat noodles served with delicate tofu skin and a light dashi broth, best enjoyed in a hillside soba shop.
Must-Try!
A warming crab hotpot featuring local crab, kelp broth, and crisp vegetables.
A seasonal rice bowl topped with fresh fish and pickled sakura petals for a hint of sweetness.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub of seafood stalls, pickles, and seasonal snacks, ideal for a quick lunch.
Casual stalls offering takoyaki, taiyaki, grilled corn, and other ocean-friendly bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Shoes are removed when entering homes, traditional inns, and some temples; bring clean socks.
Speak softly around sacred sites; photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Line up in order and avoid blocking doors or narrow paths; be mindful of cyclists on sidewalks.
Safety
Tipping in Funato
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; service is included in most cases, and expressing gratitude is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; major credit cards are common in urban areas; many places accept IC cards and mobile payments (e.g., Suica, Apple Pay).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms line the riverfront; temperatures are mild, with occasional showers.
Warm to hot and humid; bring water, sun protection, and light clothing; late-afternoon rain showers are common.
Gold and crimson foliage create cinematic landscapes; ideal for outdoor dining and photography.
Cool to cold with crisp skies; higher elevations may see light snow; hot meals and onsen are very comforting.
Funato at Night
Hiking in Funato
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Shaded cedar forest with occasional views of the valley; moderate difficulty.
A scenic loop along the river cliffs with photo-worthy overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Funato by plane.
A major domestic and international airport accessible by train and car; about 40-60 minutes from Funato.
Another major hub located on an artificial island; well-connected by train and highway to Funato, roughly 60-90 minutes away.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Growing number of families attracted by good schools and safe neighborhoods.
Aging population in the town with strong local community networks.
Nearby universities and startups draw younger residents and day visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across schools and local clubs; you may catch a weekend game if you time it with a community park.
Local teams compete in regional leagues; community fields are common and family-friendly.
Traditional martial arts practices are common in local dojos and community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Funato.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most eateries; look for tofu dishes, yasai tempura, and nabe, and ask to avoid dashi when necessary.