We all know that conquering the seas in a luxurious cruise liner is nothing short of sublime. Unless you’re prone to seasickness, nothing quite beats clinking glasses from the balcony of your stateroom, and leisurely laps around the upper decks’ swimming pools at sunset are to die for.
But, if you’re a seasoned cruise-goer who has been there and done that with conventional cruises, consider a stay aboard guntu ship the next time you’re touring Japan. Well, calling it a cruise is a bit of a misnomer; it’s basically a floating ryokan that sets off on luxurious 3- to 4-day voyages around the waters of Hiroshima. If you’ve got the moolah to splash, here’s everything you need to know about this posh, inn-like vessel.
The current exchange rate is ¥100 = ~S$0.87 as of 23rd January 2025.
Image credit: guntû
The guntû is a cruise ship in Japan that operates in the waters surrounding the Setouchi region. Its voyages start in Onomichi city in Hiroshima, but unlike regular cruise liners, the ship takes on a house-like form that draws inspiration from traditional Japanese inns, also known as ryokans. There are only 19 cabins onboard the guntû, and each one can accommodate up to 2 guests.
As such, each stay on the guntu is met with an air of exclusivity, down to the very construction of the ship. Additionally, guests can enjoy omakase-style cuisine during their time aboard the guntû, and embark on day excursions to explore the 700 islands of the Setouchi region.
Currently, the guntu is offering 3 and 4-day long voyages around the Setouchi region in West Japan. Prices start from ¥875,000, and you can make your reservations via the official guntu website.
The Grand Suite.
Image credit: guntû
Of course, a huge aspect of living the high life at sea is the cabins you’re lounging in, and it’s safe to say that even the most basic suite type on the guntu will bestow a lavish stay. For starters, various types of wood have been incorporated into the ship’s architecture to evoke a sense of serenity, and their cabins are no exception.
Image credit: guntû
The ship has 4 suite types to choose from, with the most common ones being the Terrace Suite. Like its name suggests, Terrace Suite cabins are built with an outdoor balcony at which you can catch the crisp ocean breeze. The 50sqm cabin also sports comfy Hollywood Twin beds, as well as a cosy sofa seating area with a window to the azure blue waves.
Image credit: guntû
On the other end of the spectrum, guests looking for the most exclusive type of accommodation can go for the palatial 90sqm The guntu Suite. There’s only one of its kind, and it’s the only suite fitted with forward-facing windows for the best views of the surrounding islands, as well as an open-air bath for decadent soaks any time of day.
Image credit: guntû
Should you be looking for an upgraded onsen experience outside your cabins, head to the ship’s spa area located on Deck 2. Here, you’ll find a couple of communal, open-air baths and saunas to soothe your weary bones.
There’s also a small gym on board on Deck 2.
Image credit: guntû
Guests looking to pamper themselves can also get a special Choukoku-Lymph treatment to correct distortions in the torso and pelvis. Another tension-relieving treatment you can go for is the ship’s specialty Nentai Massage, that’s effective in dispelling energy blockages and fatigue.
Food-wise, guests vacationing with the guntu will be spoilt for choice. When your stomach’s rumbling, make a beeline for the ship’s Deck 3, because that’s where the chefs will be working their magic. When it comes to nosh, the guntu motto of “enjoying what you want, as much as you want” takes precedence over everything else, which is music to any foodie’s ears.
You’ll be able to speak directly with the chefs to pick out your favourite ingredients, which include a generous spread of seafood, various meats, and succulent greens. There’s also an intimate 6-seat sushi bar, where only the freshest local catch will make it onto your plates after being masterfully prepped by chefs from acclaimed restaurants around Japan.
Image credit: guntû
To switch things up a little, Western-infused dishes are also part of the menu such as seafood croquettes and stew made from ingredients harvested from the Setouchi region. If you’re one for a tipple, then sip on some liquid courage under the guntu’s unique gable roof at the Café & Bar.
Image credit: guntû
One spot that you have to check out during your stay on the guntu is the Engawa terrace that you can also find on Deck 3. It’s a type of terrace typically found in gardens of traditional Japanese homes, and you’ll be able to mellow out on one on the ship.
Don the yukata provided in your cabins and do some soul-searching here, as you enjoy tasteful Japanese sake alongside handmade seasonal sweets and snacks.
If you’re not one to stay cooped up in your cabin all day, trips aboard the guntu also come with various day excursions once the ship has docked. Their 3D2N voyages are bundled with 1 to 2 off-ship activities, while guests who’ve opted for a 4D3N holiday get 2 to 4. The type of activities depend on which routes you’ve chosen, so even repeat trips on the guntu will be fruitful all the same.
Image credit: Visit Kagawa
For instance, guests on the 4D3N Eastward route get to traverse the stunning Kankakei Gorge, where maple tree canopies blanket rock formations created over 13 million years ago by volcanic activity. They may also get to pay a visit to a soy sauce brewery with 150 years of history, or try their hand at crafting Bizen ceramics, a style of pottery that dates back to the 14th century.
Image credit: Japan National Tourism Organisation
On the other hand, the 3D2N Westward route voyage will make stops at sites such as the Itsukushima Shrine, which is well-known for its huge torii gate that appears to float above the water. Other interesting spots the ship might anchor at are the Kutsuna Islands, a cluster of islands that were once ruled by pirates of yesteryear.
Despite its steep price tag of roughly S$7,500 per pax, a holiday on the guntu is truly one of a kind. Perhaps you can bookmark this for a special occasion, say a honeymoon vacation; after all, it’s not everyday you get to say that you’re staying at a luxurious, seafaring ryokan.
For more things to do in Japan:
Cover image adapted from: 杰哥的旅行日记 & 冉冉玩不嗨 via RED
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