Sefu Offers Exclusive Japanese Island Journeys with Personalized Service, Local Cuisine and Unmatched Small-Ship Comfort

Published on December 13, 2025

Sefu is set to redefine luxury cruising in Japan as the country’s first yacht-style cruise ship equipped with a fully integrated stern marina. Developed by Ryobi’s R Yacht Co., the ship is under construction at the West Sea shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, and is scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2027. Designed to offer intimate, personalized journeys, Sefu will provide access to Japan’s most secluded islands and coastal destinations, combining elegance with adventure.

The name Sefu derives from two Japanese words: Setouchi and wind. This name captures both the guiding force of the wind and its ability to propel travelers forward, symbolizing movement, exploration, and the promise of prosperity across the regions the ship visits. It reflects a vision of travel that blends cultural connection with a sense of freedom and discovery.

At 120 meters long with a beam of 19 meters, Sefu is built to accommodate 120 passengers across 60 staterooms, each designed to provide comfort, privacy, and expansive ocean views. A crew of roughly 100 will deliver highly personalized service, ensuring every guest experiences the level of attention and refinement typically associated with luxury yacht travel. Operating at a cruising speed of around 15 knots, Sefu is agile enough to navigate smaller ports and remote islands that are inaccessible to larger ships.

The interior design embodies contemporary Japanese aesthetics, emphasizing natural materials, clean lines, and open spaces that foster a sense of calm and elegance. Public lounges, dining areas, and cabins are arranged to maximize light and ocean views, creating an immersive connection between passengers and the surrounding seascape. Every element, from furniture to lighting, has been thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort while complementing the natural beauty outside.

One of Sefu’s most innovative features is its onboard marina, a first for a Japanese cruise vessel. Guests will be able to enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and excursions aboard small boats to explore remote islands and hidden coves. This feature enables travelers to experience Japan’s coastal landscapes in a highly personalized and interactive way, bridging the gap between adventure and luxury.

Sefu’s itineraries focus on Japan’s underexplored regions, including the Setouchi region and the Nansei Islands, providing access to pristine beaches, traditional villages, and untouched marine environments. Local collaborations are a core element of the onboard experience, with opportunities for guests to participate in cultural workshops, artisan demonstrations, and guided excursions, ensuring that each journey provides an authentic connection to the communities and landscapes visited.

Culinary experiences aboard Sefu highlight Japan’s diverse local ingredients and regional flavors. Menus will combine traditional techniques with modern presentation, reflecting the heritage of the areas visited. Shore excursions are designed to complement these offerings, with marine activities and cultural experiences that immerse passengers in both the natural and human landscapes of Japan’s coastlines.

The ship’s funnel logo further reinforces Sefu’s identity, featuring a “five-line motif inspired by a yacht-style hull” to symbolize the movement of the ocean and wind, as well as the connection between people and the maritime environment. This design element embodies the vessel’s philosophy of harmonizing luxury, design, and a deep relationship with nature.

A teaser website has been launched, offering glimpses of Sefu’s design, itineraries, and onboard experiences. The platform emphasizes small-ship luxury, immersive cultural programs, and access to destinations that are rarely reached by conventional cruise ships, giving potential guests a preview of the unique experiences awaiting them.

By blending elegant accommodations, innovative design, personalized service, and curated itineraries, Sefu is poised to set a new benchmark for luxury small-ship cruising in Japan. Travelers can expect to explore remote islands, engage in water-based adventures, connect with local communities, and savor authentic regional cuisine—all within the comfort of a sophisticated maritime environment.

Sefu represents a transformative step in Japanese cruise travel, combining luxury, cultural immersion, and adventure to create journeys that are both intimate and unforgettable.