Hiroshima and Miyajima Island , Japan

guntû

Name: guntû
Address: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

A stylish cruise on the Seto Inland Sea

A wood-panelled ship cabin with a terrace overlooking the sea

Elegant style and refined cuisine aboard a floating ryokan

Glide across the Seto Inland Sea on an unforgettable journey with guntû: a beautifully designed ship inspired by the architecture and ambience of traditional Japanese ryokans. This exquisite vessel stands out for its sophisticated simplicity and world-class dining, including fresh sushi, sake and locally sourced seafood.

Each suite is spacious and calming, outfitted with warm wood and minimalist decor. There’s the panoramic guntû Suite with forward-facing windows, and two Grand Suites with expansive terraces and open-air baths. The remaining 14 suites offer special amenities such as private saunas and glass-walled bathrooms.

Routes range from three to five days in length and cover different sections of the Seto Inland Sea, always beginning and ending in Hiroshima. Each offers a relaxing and scenic addition to your tour of Japan, inviting you to slow down and enjoy every second of the journey.

Highlights

Admire the masterful work of architect Yasushi Horibe, who designed the ship

Enjoy bespoke wellness treatments and soak in a traditional hinoki bath at the spa

Settle into the six-seat sushi bar for dinner or sip a craft cocktail with a view of the sea

Sample Japanese sweets and matcha in the Lounge or snacks and sake on the peaceful Engawa terrace

Visit the Onomichi Strait, the Geiyo Islands, the Great Seto Bridge and various other marvels on each carefully crafted itinerary

A large bath with lemons floating in it and a sunset sea view behind it

Close-up of sashimi with someone squeezing a drop of lime juice onto it

Open-air covered terrace on a ship with floor cushions and low tables

Wide view of the guntû cruise ship at sunset with a bridge in the background

A ship cabin with a bed and bench overlooking a large window with a sea view

Open deck on a ship with a slanted wooden roof and various tables and chairs

A round wooden table and four chairs under a slanted wooden roof with a chef in the background

A chair and small wooden table in front of a large window with a view of the sea and mountains

Close-up of fresh vegetables and seafood with the sea and mountains in the background

A wood-panelled dining room with several tables set for two and panoramic sea views

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Places to combine guntû with

Kyoto

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is a modern reimagining of the traditional Japanese tearoom, with 161 rooms to choose from. The spaces, which beautifully reflect the tranquility and storied history of the area, feature carefully-chosen natural materials and the work of skilled artisans.

Hakone

Gora Kadan Ryokan

Immerse yourself into the ancient Japanese way of life at Gora Kadan, the former retreat of the Imperial Family. Situated in the heart of Hakone National Park, this traditional Japanese ryokan – meaning inn – echoes the country’s longstanding cultural emphasis on beauty and purity of form, and was designed to exist in harmony with the nearby mountain range.

With just 39 guest rooms and suites, this luxury ryokan provides a retreat from the often-hectic pace of city life through the use of Japanese Zen minimalism. You’ll find sliding walls made of rice paper, fragrant floral incense and modern luxury commodities. This calming retreat is located in an area known for its hot springs from which mineral rich water flows into the open-air baths.

During your stay enjoy the traditional Kaiseki cuisine, consisting of a variety of small dishes, which will be served in your room for complete tranquility.

Mount Fuji

Hoshinoya Fuji

Nestled within a pristine red pine forest overlooking Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji is Hoshinoya Fuji, a beautiful glamping hideaway that allows guests to enjoy the tranquility of their natural surroundings.

On arrival at reception guests are presented with a camping kit containing binoculars, headlamp, map and blanket before being driven up to the main site. Here you will find the cabins, restaurant and the Cloud Terrace – a network of walkways and wooden platforms seemingly suspended in the air.

You’ll find 40 cubic concrete blocks nestled with the forest, minimalist in design but featuring everything you could possibly need. Large windows look out over the beautiful landscape and every cabin features a balcony where you can light a fire. Lighting in the cabins is soft, and around the site only the pathways are illuminated so as not to detract from the natural environment.

The main restaurant features a grill station in the middle where chefs cook up succulent steaks which are served with a seasoning rack. Alternatively, head up to the top of the Cloud Terrace and have a go at cooking in the wood-fired oven. For complete privacy, you can choose to dine in the comfort of your cabin.

Volcanic activity 10,000 years ago created a landscape of craters and ice caves, and the surrounding area is ripe for exploring. Canoe on the lake, go horse riding through the forest or take a lesson in stargazing and marvel at the night sky.