Guntu Setouchi: Hotel in Japan
A discreet hotel gliding over the water, where every moment seems suspended between sky and sea, Guntû offers a timeless escape, a slow, refined journey through the Seto Inland Sea.
Guntû, the floating ryokan redefining luxury in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea
Off the coast of Onomichi, in Hiroshima Prefecture, Guntû is unlike any other hotel: it is a floating Japanese inn that drifts gently across the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. This region, known as Setouchi, unfolds more than 700 islands bathed in a soft light and wrapped in an atmosphere beyond time. Far from the bustle of major cities, the experience is one of slow travel, almost meditative, following the rhythm of the sea’s gentle waves. As night falls, the hotel anchors quietly near an island, offering guests the spectacle of an endless horizon.
Conceived as a contemporary ryokan on the water, Guntû takes its name from a small blue crab native to Setouchi, a symbol of simplicity and connection to the land. More than a cruise ship, it is an intimate place to live in the present moment, designed to immerse travelers in the region’s culture and nature, with confidential stopovers and refined hospitality.
The interior and exterior design was envisioned by Yasushi Horibe, a Japanese architect renowned for his minimalist and poetic houses. True to his aesthetic, he emphasized wood, clean lines, and natural light. The suites, clad in pale wood, open onto private terraces so close to the water they seem to brush against the sea. The overall effect does not seek to dominate the scenery but rather to blend into it, like an organic extension of the surrounding islands.
Guntû offers only 19 suites, genuine cocoons conceived as extensions of the sea itself. Each one, clad in light wood and opening onto a private terrace, invites guests to contemplate the horizon in rare intimacy. The Terrace Suites (some with open-air cypress baths) provide warm, understated Japanese comfort. The larger Grand Suites feature expansive terraces with daybeds and sweeping views. At the bow, the exceptional Guntû Suite stands out with its forward-facing windows, offering majestic panoramas of the inland sea. Here, luxury lives in the shifting light, the natural materials, and the soothing closeness of the water.
Gastronomy lies at the heart of the experience, with three distinct universes each overseen by a master chef. Japanese cuisine, led by Kenzo Sato (of Shigeyoshi in Tokyo), highlights the finest products of Setouchi, prepared to order: sashimi, grilled fish, or simmered dishes. The intimate six-seat sushi bar, guided by chef Nobuo Sakamoto, elevates the freshness of local fish with remarkable precision. Finally, there is a nostalgic touch with yoshoku cuisine — Western-inspired dishes reinterpreted in the Japanese style, from seafood croquettes to delicate stews crafted with Setouchi ingredients. The journey continues in the lounges: cocktails inspired by the islands, quiet reading moments in the library lounge, or a traditional tea ceremony paired with exquisite wagashi sweets crafted by Joichiro Kita.
Onboard, the spa reflects the art of Japanese care: Nentai massages to realign the body, Choukoku-Lymph® therapy on heated stone beds, and personalized treatments tailored to each traveler’s state of mind. Guests also enjoy communal baths, a sauna, a fitness room, and the possibility of in-suite treatments. Each ritual encourages deep relaxation, extending the gentle rhythm of the boat itself.
The adventure reaches beyond the suites with private excursions aboard speedboats to explore islands rarely accessible: morning strolls through sleepy villages, visits to ancient shrines or artisanal workshops, and encounters with local fishermen. Routes vary, from cultural getaways to Naoshima and Miyajima, to discovering illuminated industrial landscapes or the former waterways of the Murakami pirates.
Above all, Guntû is a philosophy of travel — an ode to calm, beauty, and the art of savoring the moment. Here, luxury is not measured in excess but in space, silence, and subtlety. At the bow, with a steaming cup of tea in hand and the Seto Inland Sea shimmering ahead, the outside world fades away. All that remains is you, the sea, and the ever-changing light of Setouchi.
We love Guntu Setouchi – Floating Hotel for:
A unique floating ryokan
Design by Japanese architect Yasushi Horibe
19 refined, exclusive suites
Three culinary experiences led by master chefs
A sanctuary of wellness and discovery
The ship sails through the enchanting Setouchi region
Budget
On request, 2 nights minimum.
