Operating by Setouchi Cruise, Guntû is a luxury floating hotel in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea since 2017. The ship’s name was taken from the local name of a blue crab indigenous to the Setouchi region, in the hope that like this creature, guntû would become one of the subtle delights of the Inland Sea.
The silver hull that reflects the sunlight and color of the sea contains 19 wood-paneled cabins and cozy common spaces designed by the Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe. Relax aboard this ship resembling a Japanese ryokan that blends into the gentle scenery of Setouchi, filled with special pleasures ranging from a dining experience of “what you want, as much as you want,” the cozy six-seat sushi bar with a view of the sea, and a Japanese confectionary at the Lounge, to the communal baths with hinoki cypress bathtubs and saunas.
Style: Luxury Floating Hotel
Departure/ Return Spot: Bella Vista Marina in Onomichi, Hiroshima
Operating Company: Setouchi Cruise, Inc.
Telephone: +81-3-6823-6055
Contact Email: [email protected]
Guntû’s voyages have three route categories: westward, central and eastward. Each route has different anchorage spots and off-ship activities. Please select your favorite route according to your schedule and preferences. Guntû departs from and returns to Bella Vista Marina in Onomichi, Hiroshima.
1. A four-day voyage to savor the essence of Setouchi drifting 3 nights / anchor offshore at Hakatajima, Takuma Bay and Omishima
2. A three-day voyage to delight in Setouchi drifting 2 nights / anchor offshore at Miyajima and Omishima
1. A four-day voyage to relax amid World Heritage and timeless island scenery 3 nights / anchor offshore at Miyajima, Kaminoseki and Omishima
2. A three-day voyage to follow the sea routes of Setouchi and enjoy old heritage 2 nights / anchor offshore at Miyajima and Omishima
3. A three-day voyage to discover Setouchi through its timeless history and culture 2 nights / anchor offshore at Miyajima and Hakatajima
1. A three-day voyage to visit old pirates sites and navigate their routes 2 nights / anchor offshore at Omishima and Tomonoura
2. A three-day voyage to enjoy scenery while swaying on the sea 2 nights / anchor offshore at Omishima and Takuma Bay
1. A four-day voyage to encounter the old and new charms of islands 3 nights / anchor offshore at Kitagishima, Shodoshima and Tomonouraa
2. A three-day voyage to discover natural beauty and the bounty of islands 2 nights / anchor offshore at Tamano and Takuma Bay
1. A four-day voyage to experience traditional Setouchi culture and craftsmanship 3 nights / anchor offshore at Tamano, Hinase and Tomonoura
2. A four-day voyage to enjoy Setouchi art island-hopping 3 nights / anchor offshore at Tamano, Tamano and Takuma Bay
Kenzo Sato from Shigeyoshi, a venerable restaurant in Tokyo, supervises Japanese cuisine. Select your favorite ingredients from a selection of fresh fish and meat from the Setouchi region, and it will be cooked as you wish – anything from sashimi to broiled fish. The head chef will present his special of the day for your selection.
Breakfast : 7:00 – 10:00
Lunch : 12:00 – 14:00
Dinner : 17:30 – 20:30
Guntû’s Western cuisine is based on the nostalgic Japanese style of Western dishes known as yoshoku, prepared simply but with great care. Enjoy guntû’s original yoshoku dishes such as seafood croquettes and stew made from Setouchi ingredients. You may order small portions from this menu along with Japanese cuisine.
Breakfast : 7:00 – 10:00
Lunch : 12:00 – 14:00
Dinner : 17:30 – 20:30
Supervised by Nobuo Sakamoto of the sushi restaurant Nobu at Awajishima, the cozy six-seat sushi bar features a view of the ever-changing scenery outside. Delight in the delicate yet profound flavor of the local fish served with citrus, and savor subtle differences resulting from the location and season of the catch.
Availability : 6 Seats
Lunch : 12:00 – 14:00
Dinner : 17:30 – 20:30
At the Café & Bar, you can enjoy original cocktails inspired by impressions of various islands while soaking in the scenery ahead on the Open Deck under guntû’s unique gable roof. Availability : 10 Seats
Open : 7:00 – 23:00
At the Lounge located in the stern, the tea master serves you matcha green tea and Japanese sweets at a table with chairs. The sweets are supervised by Joichiro Kita from Nara’s Kashiya, and use ingredients carefully grown from scratch. You can also spend quiet time reading books from the library while enjoying a drink of your choice.
Availability : 18 Seats
Open : 7:00 – 22:00
Guntû accommodates guests in 19 cabins with four suite styles. All 19 wood-paneled cabins are designed by architect Yasushi Horibe, known for his Japanese-style homes, and feature terraces placed close to the surface of the sea. As the floating hotel blends into the Setouchi seascape, the experience of being aboard is like staying at a friend’s elegant guest house.
The bow of the ship is exclusively reserved for the guntû Suite. This is the only cabin with forward-facing windows. Enjoy guntû at its best in this special space as you take in the view ahead and gliding past both sides.
Number of suite: 1
The Grand Suite has the largest terrace of the four cabin types. While soaking in the open-air bath on the spacious terrace, you can have the beautiful panorama view of Setouchi all to yourself.
Number of suite: 2
The bed is the closest to the window in this cabin, giving you an unobstructed, intimate view toward the horizon. An open-air bath allows you to relax outdoors while still in the comfort of your own suite.
Number of suite: 2
This cabin’s seaside sitting area lets you perch at the edge of the water. The glassed-in bathroom located along the terrace makes for an enjoyable bathing experience regardless of the weather, while giving you a sense of being one with the sea.
Number of suite: 14
Guntû is designed by Yasushi Horibe, who graduated from the Department of Environmental Design at the Tsukuba University School of Art and Design and established Yasushi Horibe Architect & Associates in 1994. His well-known works include House in Satsuma, Dr. Norichika Maehara Memorial Museum, House in Izukogen, Keyaki Garden, Hiver Bosque, Library in Asagaya, Charnel House in Chikurin-ji, and Assembly Hall in Kamakurayama.
