The region between Saijo and Shikokuchuo in Shikoku’s Ehime Prefecture has a reputation as a source of clean water that flows from the slopes of Mt. Ishizuchi, western Japan’s highest peak, which has sustained washi paper production for centuries. This journey will explore the history of paper in northern Shikoku, including an experience of Iyo mizuhiki decorative cord making , and a visit to a hand-made washi paper workshop. On the third day, guntû will visit Yashirojima (Suooshima) in Yamaguchi Prefecture to enjoy the Kawazu cherry blossoms, which herald the coming of spring, in front of the soft colors of the Setouchi seascape.

Stretching from Onomichi in Hiroshima to Kaminoseki in Yamaguchi, this 4-day cruise is a chance to enjoy the best of the western Seto Inland Sea. Weaving through a number of Setouchi’s distinctive narrow straits, including the Onomichi Strait and Ondo Strait, guntû explores waters that have been criss-crossed since ancient times by fishermen and merchants who prayed to deities on many islands for protection at sea. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, worshipped by the powerful lord Taira-no-kiyomori in the 12th century, is one such place. Iwaishima, known for its lanes lined by stone walls, is also recorded in ancient poems as the home to a deity of safe passage. The ship traces routes that have been at the heart of commerce for centuries, passing places such as Yanai, a port town that flourished as a trading hub, allowing you to enjoy Setouchi’s timeless scenery and the beauty of its countless islands.

This 3-day voyage sails west from Onomichi. Departing Bella Vista Marina, guntû navigates through the Onomichi Strait and Ondo Strait on its way to the waters off Miyajima. On the second day, it passes through the string of islands known as the Tobishima Kaido as it returns towards Takehara in Hiroshima. This is a journey to savor the beauty of island-studded seascapes while experiencing the timeless wonders that tie together more than a millennium of Setouchi history.

Departing from Onomichi, this final route to savor the western Inland Sea navigates through numerous “seto,” the narrow straits between Honshu and Shikoku that gave the sea its name. Delight in encounters with spiritual traditions and history that reveal islands’ religious roots and local lifestyles amid vistas of Setouchi's island-rich waters.

We have prepared one additional route to enjoy western Setouchi. After departing home port at Bella Vista Marina, guntû sails westward to its first anchorage at Miyajima. The second day's route explores the Aki Sea and the islands of the Tobishima Kaido before heading to the city of Takehara, known for its atmospheric historical cityscape. This is a journey to savor the beauty of island-studded seascapes while experiencing the timeless wonders that tie together more than a millennium of Setouchi history.

This one-of-a-kind journey distills the essence of “Setouchi roaming,” guntû’s signature style of travel. You can enjoy the best of summer and autumn in Setouchi on board as guntû slips between closely spaced islands and sails across the open seas, carrying you through a vibrant tapestry of scenic beauty. Relax and spend time however you wish as you sway across the Seto Inland Sea on a quintessential four-day guntû journey.

A one-of-a-kind journey that embodies guntû’s style of “Setouchi roaming.” This route weaves among closely spaced islands and ventures into the wide open sea for a leisurely journey that links together beautiful scenery. Different from other routes, the destinations of off-ship excursions are chosen during the voyage in order to take guests to the best spring locations for any given day. Amid the warm colors of springtime, enjoy a four-day journey that distills the essence of guntû travel.

The Shimanami Kaido bridge network crosses through the Geiyo Islands, where islands frame narrow channels and complex topography has given the area a reputation as one of the most challenging parts of the Seto Inland Sea. This three-day voyage explores the waters of the legendary Murakami pirates, who safeguarded traffic of people and goods through the region.

The Shimanami Kaido crosses over the Geiyo Islands, whose complex topography and proximity make it a challenging area for navigators. This three-day voyage explores history as guntû visits areas connected to the Murakami Suigun pirates, who ensured safe passage, maintained order, and facilitated trade through these waters.

From home port in Onomichi, this four-day voyage travels as far as Shodoshima on a route featuring the best of eastern Setouchi. Discover islands’ history and traditional industries, including a quarry on Kitagishima, famed for the quality of its granite; Shodoshima, the second-largest island in the Inland Sea; up-and-coming art islands Ogijima and Megijima; and Honjima, home to a traditional townscape constructed by Shiwaku carpenters.

After departing Bella Vista Marina and passing through the Onomichi Strait, this route turns east to anchor off the coast of Tamano, Okayama Prefecture. On the second day, visit the rich industries of Shodoshima and enjoy the nature and bold scenery of the Bisan Islands and the Great Seto Bridge.

Two days during this journey are spent experiencing Setouchi’s traditional culture and craftsmanship. After departure from Bella Vista Marina, guntû passes by the glowing lights of the Mizushima industrial complex before anchoring off the shore of Tamano, Okayama Prefecture. The next day includes an experience of traditional arts such as bonsai or lacquerware in Takamatsu, and third day explores an Osafune swordsmith and Bizen ware in Okayama Prefecture. Soak in the view of the sunset and the Great Seto Bridge before heading to Takuma Bay to spend a final night aboard guntû. Takamatsu became a center of Bonsai culture in the late Edo Period, thanks to its suitable climate, and remains the largest producer of black pine bonsai in the country. The Inbe area in the Bizen region is known as the home of Bizen ware, and still has numerous kilns today.

This special 5-day plan allows you to enjoy both popular westbound and eastbound guntû routes in a single journey. On the Shinshoji Temple course, after temporarily disembarking on the third day, we will take you to the Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens, where you can stroll through the elaborate Zen gardens and experience Zen to your heart's content until it is time to re-board the ship in the afternoon.

This special 5-day plan allows you to enjoy both popular westbound and eastbound guntû routes in a single journey. This course provides a chartered car on the third day between the time of disembarkation from the first cruise (around 11:00 a.m.) until the time of re-boarding (around 3:00 p.m.). You can visit Onomichi, Tomonoura, or other spots around Bella Vista Marina.

This special 5-day plan allows you to enjoy both popular westbound and eastbound guntû routes in a single journey. On this course, you can spend midday on the third day at Bella Vista Spa & Marina Onomichi, where you can enjoy a body or facial treatment and lunch. An exquisite time can be had at this resort, with a distinct atmosphere from guntû and a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea.