ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu has officially opened its doors, setting a new benchmark for luxury and exclusivity in Hakone’s renowned mountain hot-spring destination. Nestled within the tranquil Miyanoshita forested valley, this nine-suite retreat promises an extraordinary journey of organic design, top-tier wellness programs, and culinary excellence, all enveloped by the breathtaking beauty of a natural paradise.
This marks ESPACIO’s foray into Asia, following the remarkable success of ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki in Hawaii, a Forbes five-star, AAA diamond-winning property recognized as the #1 hotel in Honolulu by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Drawing inspiration from the Spanish term for “space” or “universe,” ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu, named after the deities Kirin, Phoenix, Tortoise, and Dragon, provides a haven of tranquility for a select few guests each evening.
The journey to this sanctuary begins with a private cable car ride, descending 100 meters into an untouched valley sculpted by the serene Haya River. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into one of nine private villas, each meticulously designed to complement the surrounding natural environment. These suites are adorned with original artworks, created through collaborations with renowned artists such as Karakami artist Toto Akihiko, sculptor Tomoya Tachibana, dyeing artist Shikeki Fukumoto, Kumiko craftsman Masanobu Shiozawa, and gold and silver leaf artist Hiroto Rakusho.
Spanning from 92 to 385 square meters, the villas feature spacious interiors, outdoor pavilions, and both indoor and outdoor baths. Some villas are further enhanced with private saunas, swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for tea ceremonies and entertainment. All villas are blessed with the pristine waters of the Dogashima hot spring, celebrated among Hakone’s Seven Hot Springs. This sacred spring, established by high priest Muso Soseki during the Nanbokucho period (1336-1392), continues to flow pure and soothing waters into each villa’s baths, maintaining a history of over 700 years.
ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu introduces ESPACIO SPA, offering a captivating open-air Hakone lava cave bath, a luxurious bedrock bath crafted from ancient Austrian marble, and a selection of seasonal spa treatments. Guests can enjoy these rejuvenating spa experiences in a private treatment room, accompanied by indoor, outdoor, and bedrock baths.
Under the expert guidance of Michelin-starred Kyoto restaurant “Tominokoji Yamagishi” chef and founder Takahiro Yamagishi, the retreat delivers a curated culinary experience with in-suite dining. Menus, inspired by the bounty of Hakone, range from formal kaiseki presentations to creative interpretations of traditional nabe hotpot dinners. International sake sommelier Keita Akaboshi oversees the hotel’s sake collection and pairings, elevating the overall dining experience and harmonizing the flavors with the exquisite ambiance.
