Japan’s Setouchi inland sea has become quite the tourist destination thanks to its beautiful scenery, fresh seafood and vibrant art scene. But if island hopping isn’t your thing and you prefer a more laid back style of sightseeing, consider Guntu, a new floating hotel that will begin operating within Japan’s inland sea in September, 2017.
The vessel will be equipped with 19 guest rooms, a gym, a beauty salon, lounge and bath, as well as a café/bar and dining room & sushi bar where chefs will serve up freshly caught fish and specialties with ingredients procured locally. You don’t have to worry about planning where to eat, where to stay and how to get there because Guntu does it all for you.
The peculiar name actually comes from a small blue crab found locally that would get caught in fisherman’s nets. They were a favorite among chefs not for their meat for their great flavor they would add to broth.
Designed by architect Yasushi Horibe, Guntu incorporates plenty of warm wood into its design. Particular consideration was given to the scenery and so each room has splendid large windows and a patio that guarantees views of the sea and many islands you will pass by.
1 night to 3 night cruises will be offered. The cruise will begin and end at the BellaVista Spa & Marina in Onomichi, Hiroshima but depending on the season the vessel will travel different routes. It won’t dock at any island in particular. Instead, a smaller tender boat will transport guests back and forth between their floating hotel and then many islands. Expect standard rooms to be priced at around 300,000 yen (about $2700) per night but will include meals and activities.
If you’re interested you can visit the Guntu Gallery on the 2nd floor of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
a large public bath will be available to all guests, but each room also comes with its own private bath
one of the larger rooms
