guntû

Special Exhibition | August 4, 2026

The "Guntû" cruises the Seto Inland Sea. The ship's uppermost section features a gable roof design to blend in with the surrounding townscape. The hull is silver to reflect the color of the sea. ©guntû
The hotel has 17 guest rooms, all of which are ocean-view suites with terraces, designed with the highest priority on offering beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. ©guntû
Beneath the gable roof is a spacious open deck where you can directly experience the pleasant sea breeze and the sound of waves from the Seto Inland Sea. ©guntû

The cruise ship that tours the islands is depicted as a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) floating on the sea.

This passenger ship operates under the concept of "a small inn floating on the Setouchi Sea." Its name is derived from the local nickname used in the Bingo region for the stone crab caught in the Seto Inland Sea. Based at Bella Vista Marina in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, it operates according to the season and departure date.
The ship operates several different routes. Designed by architect Yasushi Horibe, the interior makes extensive use of wood, and combined with the gable roof, it resembles a wooden inn floating on a ship. The ship has cabins, a dining area, a lounge, and more. All cabins have terraces with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The ship cruises around the Seto Inland Sea on different routes, dropping anchor offshore or in bays of islands at night. Passengers can enjoy the traditions, culture, climate, and above all, the beauty of the sea as they visit the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, which boasts many islands.

guntû
・Architect : Yasushi Horibe (Yasushi Horibe Architect & Associates）
・Location : 1364-6 Urasaki-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture (Pier inside Bella Vista Marina)
・Use : Accommodation (Passenger Ship)
・Completed : 2017

Text: Yoshinao Yamada