What is a Guntû?

Guntû – A hotel floating on the Seto Inland Sea.

The name Guntû is derived from the local name of a blue coloured crab that is indigenous to the Setouchi region.

The Guntû resembles that of a floating Ryokan hotel where it can sail along the inland coasts of Japan. Coated in a silver hull reflecting the sunlight, the vessel houses 19 exclusive wooden-panel inspired suites with a total of 3 guest decks. This natural and earthy design of the vessel by Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe beautifully blends the floating hotel into the Japanese rural landscape of mountains and rivers.

Routes:

The Guntû sails three routes around the Setouchi region which is made up of seven prefectures bordering the coast. The Central, Eastward, and Westward route. The Eastward takes guests on a journey island hopping from one to another. The Westward Route takes guests on a journey to historical landscapes and island vistas. The Central Route takes guests on a journey around the Geiyo Islands and roams around Setouchi. More information about their routes and ports/stays can be found on Guntû’s official website.

Westward Routes:

• 4-Day voyage stretching from Onomichi in Hiroshima to Kaminoseki in Yamaguchi. See the best of the western Seto Inland Sea. Weave through the Onomichi Strait and Ondo Strait, guntû explores famous fishing and merchant routes in ancient times.
• 3-Day voyage sails west from Onomichi, through the Onomichi Strait and Ondo Strait to the waters off Miyajima. This itinerary also passes through a string of islands known as Tobishima Kaido and then makes a final stop towards Takehara in Hiroshima.
• 3-Day voyage departing Onomichi exploring the western Inland Sea navigating through numerous “seto” and the narrow straits between Honshu and Shikoku.

Central Routes:

• 4-Day voyage that is a one-of-a kind journey. Enjoy the best of summer and autumn across the Seto Inland Sea. This itinerary focuses on the essence of ‘Setouchi roaming’ which is Guntû’s signature style of travel.
• 3-Day voyage departing Onomichi visiting Omishima in Ehime Prefecture, Shiwaku Islands in Kagawa Prefecture, Geiyo Islands and sail the Seto Inland Sea.
• 4-Day voyage sailing through the Shimanami Kaido bridge network in the Geiyo Islands and the Seto Inland Sea visiting old pirate sites and their ancient routes.

East Routes:

• 4-Day voyage to enjoy Setouchi art island-hopping in Naoshima. Visit famous art facilities in the area such as the Art House Project, the Chichu Art Museum and the Benesse House Museum across 2 days.
• 3-Day voyage to see the glowing lights of the Mizushima industrial complex, Tamano in Okayama Prefecture, Takamatsu, seeing the Great Seto Bridge and Takuma Bay.
• 3-Day voyage departing Bella Vista Marina passing through the Onomichi Strait, anchoring off the coast of Tamano in Okayama Prefecture, seeing the rich industries of Shodoshima, and enjoy the scenery of the Bisan Islands and the Great Seto Bridge.

Accommodation

The Guntû has only 19 suites onboard across three different categories. These categories are the Exclusive Guntû Suite, the Grand Suites, the Terrace Suites with Open-Air Bath and the Terrace Suites.

The Guntû Suite:

Located on Deck 2, there is only 1 Guntû suite onboard the vessel. At 90 meters squared, this suite is exclusively located at the bow of the vessel, the only cabin to offer a front facing large window with great views from the bed. This suite comes with an outdoor open-air cypress bath, terrace and daybed, minibar, wine cellar and sound system.

The Grand Suite:

The Grand Suite is known for its extremely spacious terrace, having the largest terrace across all suites, guests can find both the daybed and the open-air cypress bath at each end. This suite however is smaller in area compared to the Guntû Suite at 80 meters squared. There are 2 Grand Suites onboard the vessel which can be found on deck 1 & 2.

Terrace Suites (With Open-Air Bath):

The Terrace Suite is the smallest of all three suite categories coming in at 50 meters squared. There are 16 of these suites aboard the vessel on decks 1 & 2. 2 of these 16 suites are specially designated to house open-air cypress baths, which is a sub category of suite on it’s own.

Dining

Washoku (Deck 3)

This relaxing and breathtaking experience would not be complete without looking forward to some of the freshest and delicious choices of meats and fish available for you to choose from in any style of cooking. Follow the culture and tradition of Kenzo Sato of Shigeyoshi where you can request for any type and cut of fish or meat, from sashimi to broiled fish at deck 3 Japanese restaurant Washoku. This is also where daily breakfast will be served.

Breakfast : 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Lunch : 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner : 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The Sushi Bar (Deck 3)

In addition to Washoku, there is also a 6-seater sushi bar supervised by Nobuo Sakamoto. Each plate is crafted with delicate care and the freshest seasonal catches made to perfection. With floor to ceiling glass windows, it offers you spectacular views of the passing scenery outside while you enjoy your decadent array of seafood sashimi.

Lunch : 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner : 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Yoshoku (Deck 3)

Yoshoku is Guntû’s Japanese nostalgic version of western food. Yoshoku has exclusive fusion style recipes such as their seafood croquettes and stew that are made from local ingredients found in the Setouchi region. This western venue is also an alternative place for daily breakfast in the mornings.

Breakfast : 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Lunch : 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner : 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Cafe & Bar (deck 3)

Enjoy original cocktails inspired by the islands that you will be visiting at this intimate 10 seater Cafe & Bar.

Open : 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Engawa

Traditional in Japanese houses are Engawa Terraces which is what has been recreated on the Guntû. The Engawa Terrace is a perfect place for you to don on your Yukata, relax upon the hinoki bench and enjoy some Japanese sweets and sake.

Sweets : 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sake and Japanese dried fishes : 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Lounge

Located at the aft of the vessel, Guntû’s tea master will make you enjoy the best of Japanese hospitality. serving you authentic green tea and some sweets while you relax and take in the views. The Lounge is a spacious yet warming venue that can seat 18 guests at any one time.

Open : 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Relaxation

Spa (Deck 2)

The highlights of the Spa are the treatment rooms, communal baths with saunas, the salon, and a gym with modern Technogym equipment. The Spa offers two signature treatments. The Choukoku-Lymph Treatment is done with a bedrock mat to warm the body up, correcting distortions within the body in all areas. The second treatment is the more local Japanese style Nentai Massage focusing on identifying distortions and stress in the body.

Open Deck (Deck 3)

The Open Deck is the best place to watch as you pass underneath The Great Seto Bridge, or as you’re sailing around the Setouchi region from island to island. It also makes the perfect place for stargazing and moongazing on clear night.