On the first day, pass under the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido and the Great Seto Bridge, which consists of 10 spans that connect Honshu and Shikoku, before anchoring off the coast of Okayama. The second day includes a tour of contemporary art sites on an art island such as Naoshima or Inujima, and a visit to a historic island such as Honjima, home to old buildings constructed by Shiwaku carpenters, or Kitagishima, renowned for its stone quarries. At night, anchor off the coast of the historic port town of Tomonoura.

Setouchi’s eastern waters are relatively open compared to the west, and islands have evolved unique industries and culture. On the first day, cruise under the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido, an expressway that links six islands between the mainland and Shikoku, then head eastward. The following day features visits to Kitagijima, home to a centuries-old stone industry, and Shodoshima, famed for its pilgrimage route and production of soy sauce, olives and other goods. The third day includes stops at destinations such as the contemporary art islands Naoshima and Inujima, or a visit to Honjima, where historic buildings constructed by Shiwaku carpenters remain.

This four-day voyage introduces the culture of eastern Setouchi, where you will experience traditional arts and craftsmanship. After departure from Bella Vista Marina, pass by the port town of Tomonoura and the glowing lights of the Mizushima industrial complex before spending the night floating off the shore of Tamano, Okayama. The next morning, cruise to the south and experience traditional craftsmanship in Takamatsu such as lacquerware and bonsai. Heading north again, anchor offshore at Hinase, Okayama. On the third day, go ashore in Ushimado in Okayama, sometimes called the Aegean Sea of Japan, and discover an Osafune swordsmith and Sabukaze-yaki pottery. Soak in the view of the sunset and the Great Seto Bridge before heading to Tomonoura to spend a final night aboard guntû.

This new route gives passengers two days to fully explore world-famous art islands. After leaving Bella Vista Marina, pass beneath the Great Seto Bridge at night before anchoring off the coast of Tamano, Okayama. On the second and third days, hop between art islands such as Naoshima and Teshima using guntû’s speedboats. Efforts to reimagine Naoshima as a cultural village where nature, history, and contemporary art intersect began in 1985, leading to the opening of art museums including the Benesse House in 1992, the Art House Project in 1998, and the Chichu Art Museum in 2004, transforming the island into an international art destination. The Setouchi Triennale, staged across numerous islands throughout the region, has been held four times since 2010.

On the first day, travel under the Shimanami Kaido, and pass through the narrow straits between islands known as “Seto” that gave the sea its name. Anchor near Miyajima and head ashore early the next morning to visit Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People have worshipped the entire island of Miyajima since ancient times, and the shrine was first established in 593. In the afternoon, cruise to the southeast and visit Kashima, the southernmost island of Hiroshima, where a beautiful landscape of terraced fields climbs almost to the top of the hills. Anchor alongside Omishima as dusk descends.

On the first day, sail through straits between small islands and Japan’s mainland before anchoring off the coast of Miyajima. Early the next morning, step ashore to visit the tranquil Itsukushima Shrine, a nearly 1,500-year-old World Heritage site. Afternoon excursions include islands that preserve unique fishing, agriculture and architectural heritage. On the second night, guntû anchors off the coast of Kaminoseki, once a stop for Korean emissaries visiting feudal Japan. On the third day, savor the scenery of Setouchi en route to Omishima.

On the first day, pass through the Onomichi Strait between Onomichi and Mukaishima and head towards an anchorage off the shore of Omishima, an island of deities. The following morning, activities include a visit to Oyamazumi Shrine, which protects mountains, seas and military families, or the fish purchase from a local fishermen’s boat. After coming into contact with the faith and lifestyle of the islands, stroll around Kurushima, where the Murakami kaizoku pirates had built their fortress across the whole island, and experience the tidal current of the Kurushima Strait. In the middle ages, the Murakami kaizoku pirates arose on surrounding islands such as Noshima, Kurushima and Innoshima. At night, savor the specialties of the fish purchased in the morning market, and anchor off the coast of the historic port town of Tomonoura.

Experience Setouchi cruising aboard guntû on this one-night voyage. After departing Bella Vista Marina, pass alongside the picturesque scenery of the Onomichi Strait, followed by sunset cruising among the islands of the Shimanami Kaido and Tobishima Kaido. Anchor off the shore of Omishima, Ehime, famed as an island of deities. On the second day, pass beneath the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido, and weave through the narrow straits between small islands, such as the Hanaguri-seto and Funaori-seto, before returning to Bella Vista Marina. This one-night route is ideal for those who cannot take an extended break, and who want to experience our little floating hotel while taking an excursion through Setouchi. Enjoy roaming Setouchi as you spend your time on board however you please.

On the first day, pass through the Kasaoka Islands and Shiwaku Islands before anchoring off the coast of Takuma Bay in Kagawa. The second day features a visit to Honjima, where old residences built by the carpenters of the Shiwaku suigun pirates remain, or a visit to Awashima, home to the old school building of Japan’s first National Marine Training School. The Shiwaku suigun pirates’ mastery of the local sea currents enabled them to rule the area for centuries. At night, anchor off the shore of Tomonoura, an old port town that once sheltered ships as they waited for the tides to shift, and that still retains the appearance of the Edo period.

This new central route offers an experience of the history and nature of both western and eastern Setouchi, stretching between Omishima in Ehime in the west to the Shiwaku Islands in the east. After departing from Bella Vista Marina, sail between the islands of the Shimanami Kaido and drop anchor alongside Omishima. The next morning, go ashore to wander around Kurushima, an island surrounded by the rapid currents of the Kurushima Strait. In the afternoon go east to Mitoyo, Kagawa to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Setouchi, such as the 352-meter meter Mt. Shiude, which rises from a peninsula surrounded by the sea, or Chichibugahama, where the water reflects the sky like a mirror. On the third day, pass through the Shiwaku Islands to the northwest on the way back to Bella Vista Marina.