The 19-room, 266-foot-long “floating” ryokan, guntû, is best described as a cross between a traditional Japanese ryokan and a luxury yacht. Designed by architect Yasushi Horibe, this vessel sails along the Seto Inland Sea between the Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Origin
Owned by the over 100-year-old Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the three-decker boat is named after small blue crabs that occasionally end up in fishing nets. Affectionally called guntû, the crabs are a flavorful ingredient when added to soups and stews.
Design
The interior of guntû is tranquil and soothing. As you cross the translucent shoji doors, the inviting interiors
All 17 wood-paneled cabins are spacious and minimalist, offering a tranquil and soothing atmosphere. As you cross the translucent shoji doors, the inviting interiors provide ample living space with Western beds, a couch, a private terrace overlooking the waters below, and an indoor onsen. The bow of the boat is uniquely reserved for the largest of the five suite types, the Guntû suite. In addition to the comforts of the rest of the suites onboard, the Guntû suite exclusively features a daybed on the terrace and a wine cellar.
Guntû common areas include a wide range of onboard facilities, including an observation deck, a lounge located in the boat’s stern with a collection of books, a gym, a spa offering tailored body treatments, a shared hinoki cypress wood bath, and a sauna.
Sushi Bar aboard guntû ©guntû
Onboard Dining
A highlight of guntû is the dining. Chef Kenzo Sato from Tokyo’s Shigeyoshi restaurant considers the weather, guest preferences, and mood when creating the menu. Local and seasonal ingredients are used with a focus on their flavor, simplicity, and beauty. Dining areas are comprised of a tearoom, a cocktail bar/café, a sushi bar, and a char-grill counter.
We love guntû’s dining motto of “what you want, as much as you want.” This rings true on board as guests can pick from a selection of fresh fish and meat, then have it cooked to their wishes. There is also a Western dish menu known as yoshoku, with foods like seafood croquettes and stew available, in addition to Japanese cuisine. Perhaps our favorite aspect of the dining experience here is the sushi bar serving fresh local fish on the third deck of the boat, which faces the moving scenery outside.
Excursions
Aside from the onboard experience, there are various three-to-four-day excursion options, including morning walks along beautiful shorelines, through port towns, and learning from local fishermen. Guntû offers three categories of voyage: east, west, and central. With eight total routes, each has different stopovers and activities. From learning about the history of the Murakami kaizoku pirates, the culinary culture of the Shimanami Islands, exploring the Seto Inland Sea’s tidal currents and scenery, to exploring eastern Setouchi and Setouchi art island hopping, guntû provides a unique experience to explore what Japan’s coasts have to offer.
