Guntu

A cross between a ryokan and a yacht, this floating hotel has 19 luxurious cabins and sets sail from Onomichi in Hiroshima prefecture before cruising around Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. The boat’s warm, wood-paneled ­interiors—­designed by architect Yasushi ­Horibe—give the small hotel an inviting vibe, but the best benefit of setting sail on the Guntu is easy access to the sea’s over 700 islands. Onshore activities range from a visit to Naoshima, an art­-filled island that’s home to Yayoi Kusama’s famous dotted pumpkins, to sampling soy sauce at a local brewery to excursions with local fishermen. There are more than 10 sailing routes, from one to three nights, and cabins start at approximately $3,300 per night, all-inclusive. —Amy Gunia