guntu
Ultra-minimal floating ryokan. Wood-paneled interiors, total silence (no background music, ever), all-inclusive meals, zero agenda. The philosophy is 'Setouchi roaming' — drifting without destination, anchoring at night beside islands. It's slow travel taken to an extreme.
Book the guntû Suite (the single bow-facing cabin) for panoramic forward views — only one exists, it books out far in advance
Why It Matters
Japan's first design-forward floating hotel, conceived by three childhood friends from Onomichi — a shipbuilder, a creative director and a mayor. Every element onboard was made by Setouchi craftspeople. All tours are 2–4 nights and entirely all-inclusive, with meals, beverages (including alcohol), and off-ship activities covered. There is no other experience quite like it.
guntû is a 17-cabin floating ryokan that drifts across Japan's Seto Inland Sea, departing from Bella Vista Marina in Onomichi. It's a ship, but don't call it a cruise — no shuffleboard, no announcements, no entertainment schedule. Designed by architect Yasushi Horibe in warm local wood with a silver hull engineered to disappear into the sea's reflection, the ship moves quietly through 700-island waters while guests eat what they want, when they want, and simply watch the light shift on the water.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Grand Suite
Two suites at 80m² each, with the largest outdoor terrace of any cabin type. The wide terrace daybed setup makes outdoor soaking in the open-air cypress bath feel genuinely private, with panoramic views sweeping in every direction. Popular with couples who want maximum outdoor space.
Hollywood Twin (120cm x 2, Simmons) · 80 sqm
Terrace Suite
The ship's 10 standard suites, each at 50m² with a private terrace and a glassed-in bathroom positioned along the terrace — giving an all-weather bathing experience with the sensation of being on the water. No open-air bath, but the glass surround creates a compelling connection to the sea. These are the most numerous cabins and the entry point for booking.
Hollywood Twin (120cm x 2, Simmons) · 50 sqm
Terrace Suite Prestige
New from July 2025, this 90m² suite is the only cabin that accommodates three guests. The layout is designed for both togetherness and privacy — think families or three close friends. Uniquely, it includes a private dry sauna in addition to an open-air cypress bath on the terrace. The only suite category without a wine cellar or sound system, but the sauna more than compensates.
2 Hollywood Twin + 1 Semi Double (120cm x 3, Simmons) · 90 sqmTerrace Suite with Open-Air Bath
Two 50m² suites where the bed is positioned closest to the window — the view is intimate and immediate the moment you wake up. The open-air cypress bath sits on the private terrace, so you can soak outdoors while watching the islands drift by. Bluetooth speaker and wine cellar included.
Hollywood Twin (120cm x 2) · 50 sqmThe guntû Suite
The only cabin at the bow with forward-facing windows — as the ship moves, the view unfurls like a screen in front of you. One suite, 90m², positioned exclusively at the ship's prow. Comes with an open-air cypress (hinoki) bath on the private terrace, a wine cellar, sound system, and daybed. The most coveted cabin on the ship and the hardest to book.
Hollywood Twin (120cm x 2, Simmons) · 90 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Sitting on the hinoki bench of the port-side engawa with Japanese sake, seasonal sweets, and the passing scenery of the Inland Sea. Considered the quintessential guntû moment — a traditional Japanese garden viewing experience, except the 'garden' is the sea.
The Open Deck on Deck 3 is the best spot to witness transits like the 90-meter-wide Ondo Strait, passage under the Great Seto Bridge, or sunrise and moonlit anchorages. No organized program — just a deck chair and the view.
Guests board speed boats stored at the ship's stern and are taken ashore on Setouchi's islands. Activities vary by route and season: morning shrine visits, soy sauce brewery tours, traditional washi papermaking, calligraphy brush crafting, watching tidal currents, and art island visits to Naoshima (Chichu Art Museum) and Teshima. Details are confirmed after boarding; off-ship activities are included in the tour price.
A traditional tea ceremony is offered as an onboard activity on select routes. Features authentic matcha preparation and seasonal wagashi sweets supervised by Joichiro Kita of Nara's Kashiya.
On select routes, master confectioner Joichiro Kita (Kashiya, Nara) boards the ship and makes traditional wagashi sweets by hand in front of guests at the Lounge.
Early morning yoga and tai-chi sessions are held on deck during voyages. A gentle way to start the day with the Seto Inland Sea as a backdrop.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
All onboard meals and beverages, including alcohol (with some rare wine exceptions), are included in the tour price. This covers the Dining Room, Sushi Bar, Yoshoku menu, Café & Bar, Engawa, and Lounge across all meal periods.
A curated selection of books available in the Lounge for guests to read during the voyage.
Smoking (including heated tobacco and e-cigarettes) is prohibited throughout the ship except at a designated outdoor smoking area on Deck 3. Candles and incense are also prohibited.
A small retail shop onboard carrying guntû merchandise and Setouchi regional products.
All 17 suites have their own private terrace positioned close to sea level, with several featuring open-air hinoki cypress baths.
Complimentary car service is available from JR Fukuyama Station (approx. 40 min) or Hiroshima Airport (approx. 60 min) to Bella Vista Marina on departure and return days. Advance reservation required by contacting the guntû Desk.
Speed boats stored at the ship's stern are used to ferry guests to shore for off-ship activities. guntû itself never docks at port.
BUILD YOUR GUNTU PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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