伊根の舟屋 (Ine) is a wonderful discovery of living in Kansai and you're looking for an off the beaten path destination for a weekend or even a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. Japan can be full of surprises, you'll find some lovely spots within a drive away. This is one example, you can have local food, stay the night in one of the Funaya (floating wooden houses), bath in the clear water or just cruising about.