Cruise holidays don’t always have the best reputation, but Guntû is here to change that. This 5-star floating ryokan is the ultimate seafaring luxury, gliding across the tranquil Seto Inland Sea with just 38 guests on board. The result is an intimate, deeply refined experience far removed from conventional cruises.
Named after a native blue crab of the Setouchi region, Guntû pays homage to Japan’s inland sea, where 3,000 islands, rugged coastlines, and mountain vistas set the scene for an extraordinary voyage. With private onsens, unlimited omakase, and seamless Japanese hospitality, this is a cruise designed for those who prefer their travels slow, scenic, and exquisitely curated.
Three-storey “floating ryokan” imbued with Japanese craftsmanship
Image: Guntû
Guntû is a three-storey vessel crafted with the precision of an upscale boutique hotel. Spanning 82 metres, its sleek silver hull mirrors the shifting hues of the sea, creating a seamless blend with the Seto Inland landscape.
Image: Guntû
The ship’s nine wood-panelled cabins and common spaces reflect a profound reverence for Japanese craftsmanship—unsurprising, given that they were designed by Yasushi Horibe, the acclaimed architect renowned for his use of natural materials and clean lines.
Image: Guntû
A recipient of the 2016 Architectural Institute of Japan Prize, Horibe brings his signature minimalism to Guntû, where warm hinoki wood, expansive glass panels, and intentional negative space evoke the quiet serenity of a traditional ryokan. The result? A floating sanctuary that feels more like a contemporary design hotel than a conventional cruise ship.
Tranquil cabins that blur the line between the indoors and outdoors
Image: Guntû
Guntû’s 19 ocean-view cabins are inspired by traditional ryokans—seamless wood panelling, soft lighting, and a pared-back aesthetic that prioritises serenity. Each suite opens onto a private terrace, positioned low to the water’s surface, immersing guests in the ebb and flow of the ocean.
The Guntû Suite.
Image: Guntû
For the most exclusive stay, The Guntû Suite offers an unrivalled perspective. Spanning 90 square metres above the bow, it’s the only cabin with forward-facing windows, giving guests scenic views in two directions. The design amplifies the vastness of the open sea, creating a sense of quiet seclusion that’s rare even among luxury cruises.
Image: Guntû
Meanwhile, the Terrace Suite with Open-Air Bath is all about intimacy. Of the four categories, this one has the bed placed closest to the window. Uninterrupted views of the ocean make the sea feel like an extension of the room. The highlight, though, is a private open-air bath that allows guests to soak under the sky while drifting through Japan’s scenic coastal waters.
High-end wellness and dining experiences at sea
Image: Guntû
While the suites offer a private retreat, Guntû’s onboard amenities make stepping out just as tempting. The philosophy here is simple: guests can have what they want, as much as they want. That extends to Washoku, a six-seat sushi bar where seasonal seafood is prepared before you, and the Japanese confectionery counter at the Lounge, where delicate sweets are best paired with a freshly whisked cup of matcha.
Image: Guntû
Bathed in soft natural light filtering through traditional paper screens, the Lounge is a space to pause—whether with a book, quiet conversation, or simply to watch the shifting scenery unfold. Meanwhile, the Café & Bar serves cocktails inspired by the surrounding islands, best enjoyed from the Open Deck, sheltered beneath Guntû’s distinctive gable roof.
Image: Guntû
For a more meditative experience, the Engawa terraces, modelled after traditional Japanese verandas, offer a retreat with seasonal treats, sake, and light snacks. Here, hinoki wood benches overlook the sea, creating a setting reminiscent of a Zen rock garden.
Where else can you break a sweat with panoramic ocean views as your backdrop?
Image: Guntû
For a deeper state of relaxation, the spa area is a sanctuary in itself. It features treatment rooms, a rest area, and a gym fitted with Technogym equipment–all wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass for expansive seascapes.
Image: Guntû
But the true highlight? The communal bathhouse. Unlike onsens overlooking the coastline, this one immerses you in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea. Hinoki cypress bathtubs and saunas offer a tranquil soak, while the water outside shifts with the sky–blurring the line between the vessel and the vast ocean.
Sail into stillness with Guntû
Aboard Guntû, the journey is just as captivating as the destination. Departing from Onomichi City, this floating ryokan charts a course through Setouchi waters, where thousands of islands rise from the water like scattered brushstrokes on a vast canvas.
With seven to eight routes to choose from, each two- to three-night voyage offers a different perspective of this storied seascape. Some itineraries drift past Naoshima, the famed “art island” home to Yayoi Kusama’s dotted pumpkins and world-class museums, while others take a quieter approach, meandering through lesser-known islets and tranquil fishing villages.
Beyond the ship’s serenity, guests can step ashore for off-boat excursions, including early morning walking tours that offer an intimate glimpse into the daily rhythms of the Setouchi region. Whether admiring historic shrines, strolling through sleepy port towns, or simply watching the tide roll in, each stop echoes the art of unhurried living.
For those seeking an experience that is as much about stillness as it is about discovery, Guntû is an invitation to immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of Japan’s inland sea.
Cover image: Guntû
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