Wednesday, January 7, 2026

ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu Opens in Japan

In the forested Miyanoshita region, ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu awaits travelers seeking luxury, privacy and hospitality. It is the first Asian concept from the creators of ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki. Its name combines the Spanish for “space or “universe” with a nod to Japan’s Kirin, Phoenix, Tortoise and Dragon deities. 

Photo Courtesy of ESPACIO

The Property

ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu is located in the hot-spring destination of Hakone. It combines organic design with elevated wellness programming and culinary excellence to offer its guests a tranquil paradise. The journey to the retreat begins with a private cable car ride that descends 100 meters into a secluded and unexplored valley created by the Haya River. From there, guests are welcomed into one of nine private villas that are designed to honor the natural environment enveloping the property. All guest suites feature original artwork made from a variety of media, including: 

  • Karakami artist Toto Akihiko
  • Sculptor Tomoya Tachibana
  • Dyeing artist Shikeki Fukumoto
  • Kumiko craftsman Masanobu Shiozawa 
  • Gold and silver leaf Artist Hiroto Rakusho

Guest villas range from 980 square feet to 4,144 square feet. Each features spacious interiors, outdoor pavilions and indoor and outdoor baths. Multiple villas feature private saunas, swimming pools and rooms for tea ceremonies or entertaining. All private villas are fed by the Dogashima hot spring, the most prized of the Seven Hot Springs of Hakone. The spring was founded by Muso Soseki, a high priest of the Rinzai Zen Buddhist sect, and is considered sacred. For over 700 years, it has flowed freely to the area, and continues to do so now to each villa’s baths.

Photo Courtesy of ESPACIO

On-Site Spa:

The property also features the debut of ESPACIO SPA. Spa treatments are available in the private treatment room, as well as indoor and outdoor locations. It features:

  • An open-air Hakone lava cave bath
  • A luxury bedrock bath made from ancient Austrian marble
  • Spa treatments inspired by the seasons of Hakone

Culinary Experience Steeped in Tradition:

Michelin-starred Kyoto chef Takahiro Yamagishi, from Tominokoji Yamagishi, has created a curated culinary experience of in-suite dining for guests. The colorful menus include formal kaiseki presentations as well as creative presentations of traditional nabe hotpot dinners. International sake sommelier Keita Akaboshi maintains the hotel’s collection of sake and sake pairings. 

For more information about ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu or book arrangements, please visit, https://houoh.jp/en/.

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