Setouchi Awaits: Experience Japan’s New Luxury Yacht Cruise Ship Sefu In 2027

Published on December 14, 2025

R Yacht Co., a cruise company from Japan with a focus on remarkable architecture, has unveiled the primary details of their newbuild, the Sefu, set to launch a new type of cruise experience in Japan and around the world. Sefu will operate in exclusive locations such as the Setouchi region and the Nansei Islands, and will be the first of her kind in Japan and the world. Sefu will be the first yacht-styled cruise ship to be built in the West Sea shipyard, located in Viana do Castelo in Portugal, estimated to be completed and setting sail in the Summer of 2027.

The Japanese word Sefu has its etymology in the words for Setouchi and wind. Sefu’s philosophy is built around the wind and sailing, and the use of modern cruise ship architecture to create a nostalgia for sailing vessels of the past. Sefu will feature a cruise designed for only 120 passengers, providing the perfect opportunity for the staff to provide pampered and bespoke service to each guest in a ship with customized luxury suites and unique cruise itineraries with a focus on culture, community, and a variety of small boat experiences.

The Sefu is Designed to be a Game Changer in Luxury Cruising

Other ships might be in the league of Sefu. But the reputation is that Sefu is the best. The Sefu is a ship in a class of its own. Carrying 10,000 gross tonnage, the ship is 120 meters long, with a width of 19 meters. Their objective is to give the customers an upgraded experience in luxury, with more personalization, with an intimate and exclusive onboard experience. On the vessels, 60 luxury staterooms, designed with the finest touches, to give the most comfortable staterooms, will be constructed.

The design of Curiosity Co. in Tokyo will be led by famous designer Gwenael Nicolas. He is known for his dedication and attention to detail. He will incorporate the coastal regions of Japan into the design and will bring the inspiration of Japan’s coastal regions to life. The building will consist of all types of Japanese. Old Japan and New Japan, all built together.

One of the Sefu’s unique aspects is the stern marina. This feature is a first for a Japanese cruise vessel since it will allow guests to engage in water activities, boat tours, and reach off-the-map islands. This marina will use smaller cruise ships to unveil the under-discovered coastal areas of Japan.

Setochi and Nansei Islands: A New Era of Cruising to Hidden Destinations

Sefu cruises will mainly cater to the scenic and secluded cruise spots in Japan, and the Setouchi and Nansei Islands, in particular. These islands are often off-limits to large cruise ships, and the landscapes and cultural treasures of the islands are not heavily visited by mass tourism and large ships. R Yacht’s vision is to open the exotic and remote parts of Japan, while also focusing on providing exclusive and meaningful interactions with the local island communities at each port.

With the increase in small ship accessibility, the cruise line has the ability to provide more scheduled immersion with nature and culture. Excursions will offer a more in-depth look at the region’s and Japan’s beauty and traditions through guided land tours, cultural activities, and marine activities. With only 120 guests on the ship, this cruise offers a relaxed, personalized, and tailored experience with a higher-than-normal crew-to-passenger ratio.

Inclusions will feature Japan’s overlooked coastal towns. Passengers will be able to meet local craftsmen, experience and learn about the region’s history, and sample the house-made local cuisine. This engagement with local communities will provide the passengers with a true essence and understanding of the culture and spirit of each destination.

A Planned Design with Future Aspirations

Therefore, instead of only being a luxurious cruise, the Sefu is expected to become a floating monument of Japan and help represent the importance of the sea in the life of the Japanese populace. The ocean and wind design and branding of the vessel are supposed to represent their flow. A five-line motif logo, inspired by the shape of a yacht’s hull, exemplifies relationships with water and embodies the ship’s ethos of movement and harmony with nature.

The natural beauty and coastlines of Japan will undoubtedly influence the experiences on the cruise. While they embark on the cruise, they will also appreciate the fine amenities and interiors of the vessel, so they will be taken on an escapade of appreciation and discovery. Each meal will represent the culture of Japan, and the use of local food and beverage ingredients will ensure that. The experience will be unique and adventurous, thanks to marine activities like snorkeling and kayaking that will be done.

R Yacht also pointed out that the collaboration with local businesses and artisans will make the Sefu an even more one-of-a-kind experience for passengers. This cruise works towards incorporating regional features for all passengers while they enjoy local cuisine on board the vessel, local drinks, and activities available on shore and throughout the cruise.

Looking Ahead: Sefu and the Future of Japanese Cruises

The Sefu represents an immense leap of progress in the realm of luxury cruises and operates on the premise of providing an experience that is dual, built on the appeal of a luxurious yacht combined with the thrill of small-ship adventures. It is the first-ever Sefu yacht that focuses on providing an all-inclusive itinerary while fostering intimate connections with a variety of destinations. This will eventually provide travelers with a vastly different experience of traveling throughout Japan from the sea.

Offering personalized services, intimacy, and special access to certain schedules meant to serve the growing market, The Sefu offers more than the average cruise experience. Tailored to some of the most undisturbed and untouched parts of Japan, R Yacht’s Sefu is set to become one of the most remarkable cruisers. Set to start sailing in 2027, The Sefu will offer the most luxurious experience of its kind.