Guntu Travel

guntû – a little hotel floating on the Seto Inland Sea…

Thanks to our close relationship with guntû we are able to offer unique, personalized experiences for our clients that are out of reach for any regular customer.

The ship 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, Japanese confectionary at the Lounge, to the communal baths with hinoki cypress bathtubs and saunas.

If you’re ready for an adventure, an excursion to some nearby islands might be just what you need.

After spending two nights aboard the vessel, you’re sure to feel refreshed and ready to experience the last half of your journey.

Recommended for people who…

● are interested in an authentic Japanese ryokan experience
● are seeking peaceful and picturesque natural environments
● enjoy cruises/experiences on the water
● seek diverse and delectable culinary options
● look for a luxurious experience that is worth its own journey.

Note that car services are offered from Hiroshima Airport or JR Fukuyama Station.

Please inquire.

ROUTES

Special Routes

A four-day voyage to uncover Setouchi's cinematic culture and culinary hospitality

Many filmmakers have affectionately portrayed Setouchi over the decades as a place symbolizing an idealized native home. Its small port towns have served as settings for stories of life and work in the peaceful world of the Inland Sea. On this route, guntû will visit locations from films depicting 20th-century Setouchi, catching glimpses of the pride islanders felt at being born and living on the islands through happiness and hardship.

WEstWard Routes

1. A four-day voyage to relax amid historical landscapes and island vistas

Stretching from Onomichi in Hiroshima to Kaminoseki in Yamaguchi, this 4-day cruise is a chance to enjoy the best of the western Seto Inland Sea. Weaving through a number of Setouchi’s distinctive narrow straits, including the Onomichi Strait and Ondo Strait, guntû explores waters that have been criss-crossed since ancient times by fishermen and merchants who prayed to deities on many islands for protection at sea. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, worshipped by the powerful lord Taira-no-kiyomori in the 12th century, is one such place. Iwaishima, known for its lanes lined by stone walls, is also recorded in ancient poems as the home to a deity of safe passage. The ship traces routes that have been at the heart of commerce for centuries, passing places such as Yanai, a port town that flourished as a trading hub, allowing you to enjoy Setouchi’s timeless scenery and the beauty of its countless islands.

2. A three-day voyage to discover timeless Setouchi

This 3-day voyage sails west from Onomichi. Departing Bella Vista Marina, guntû navigates through the Onomichi Strait and Ondo Strait on its way to the waters off Miyajima. On the second day, it passes through the string of islands known as the Tobishima Kaido as it returns towards Takehara in Hiroshima. This is a journey to savor the beauty of island-studded seascapes while experiencing the timeless wonders that tie together more than a millennium of Setouchi history.

3. A three-day voyage to explore stunning straits and admire antique Setouchi

Departing from Onomichi, this final route to savor the western Inland Sea navigates through numerous “seto,” the narrow straits between Honshu and Shikoku that gave the sea its name. Delight in encounters with spiritual traditions and history that reveal islands’ religious roots and local lifestyles amid vistas of Setouchi's island-rich waters.

Central Routes

1. A four-day voyage to rejoice in Setouchi roaming(Summer – Autumn 2023)

This one-of-a-kind journey distills the essence of “Setouchi roaming,” guntû’s signature style of travel. You can enjoy the best of summer and autumn in Setouchi on board as guntû slips between closely spaced islands and sails across the open seas, carrying you through a vibrant tapestry of scenic beauty. Relax and spend time however you wish as you sway across the Seto Inland Sea on a quintessential four-day guntû journey.

2. A three-day voyage to enjoy scenery while swaying on the sea

From Onomichi, this route traces a wide path westward to Omishima in Ehime Prefecture, and eastward to the Shiwaku Islands in Kagawa Prefecture. On the first day, enjoy vistas of the intricate landscape of the Geiyo Islands, before emerging into wide-open waters off the coast of Kagawa on day two. Off-ship activities will carry you to stunning Setouchi scenery formed by the distinctive natural setting of the Seto Inland Sea.

3. A three-day voyage to enjoy scenery while swaying on the sea

From Onomichi, this route traces a wide path westward to Omishima in Ehime Prefecture, and eastward to the Shiwaku Islands in Kagawa Prefecture. On the first day, enjoy vistas of the intricate landscape of the Geiyo Islands, before emerging into wide-open waters off the coast of Kagawa on day two. Off-ship activities will carry you to stunning Setouchi scenery formed by the distinctive natural setting of the Seto Inland Sea.

4. A three-day voyage to explore old pirate sites and navigate their routes

The Shimanami Kaido bridge network crosses through the Geiyo Islands, where islands frame narrow channels and complex topography has given the area a reputation as one of the most challenging parts of the Seto Inland Sea. This three-day voyage explores the waters of the legendary Murakami pirates, who safeguarded traffic of people and goods through the region.

Eastward Routes

1. A four-day voyage to enjoy Setouchi art island-hopping

Naoshima was once known as a desolate island whose trees were killed by the gases emitted from its copper refinery. Since 1985, the island has been reimagined as a cultural village with a concept of rethinking human life amid the melding of nature, history, and contemporary art. Beginning in 1992 with the Benesse House Museum, and followed by the Art House Project, the Chichu Art Museum, and other facilities, Naoshima has been transformed into an international art destination now at the center of more than ten art islands. This route offers the chance to appreciate Setouchi art with two days of hopping between art islands on guntû’s speed boats.

2. A four-day voyage to enjoy Setouchi art island-hopping

Naoshima was once known as a desolate island whose trees were killed by the gases emitted from its copper refinery. Since 1985, the island has been reimagined as a cultural village with a concept of rethinking human life amid the melding of nature, history, and contemporary art. Beginning in 1992 with the Benesse House Museum, and followed by the Art House Project, the Chichu Art Museum, and other facilities, Naoshima has been transformed into an international art destination now at the center of more than ten art islands. This route offers the chance to appreciate Setouchi art with two days of hopping between art islands on guntû’s speed boats.

3. A three-day voyage to follow threads of tradition through Setouchi

On this route to experience Setouchi’s traditional culture and craftsmanship, guntû departs Bella Vista Marina and passes by the glowing lights of the Mizushima industrial complex before anchoring off the shore of Tamano in Okayama Prefecture. The next day includes an experience of traditional arts such as bonsai or lacquerware in Takamatsu, or depending on the season, the harvest of seaweed. Soak in the view of the sunset and the Great Seto Bridge before spending a final night aboard guntû in Takuma Bay.

4. A three-day voyage to explore abundant nature and island culture

After departing Bella Vista Marina and passing through the Onomichi Strait, this route turns east to anchor off the coast of Tamano, Okayama Prefecture. On the second day, visit the rich industries of Shodoshima and enjoy the nature and bold scenery of the Bisan Islands and the Great Seto Bridge.