ESPACIO’s Newest Gem: Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu Sets New Standards In Hakone Luxury

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu debuts in Japan’s Hakone, setting new standards with luxury, design, and wellness in a serene natural setting.

ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu has officially opened its doors, elevating the standards of luxury, privacy, design, and hospitality in Japan’s renowned hot-spring destination, Hakone. Nestled in the serene, forested Miyanoshita area, this exclusive nine-suite retreat seamlessly integrates elegant organic design with premier wellness programs and exceptional culinary experiences, offering a truly unique escape in a stunning natural setting.

ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu introduces a groundbreaking concept in Asia, crafted by the visionaries behind ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki, Hawaii’s Forbes five-star, AAA diamond-winning property celebrated as Honolulu’s top choice by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

Drawing from the Spanish term for “space” or “universe,” and named in honor of Japan’s revered Kirin, Phoenix, Tortoise, and Dragon deities, ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu offers an exclusive sanctuary for a select few each night. Guests embark on a serene journey starting with a private cable car descent of 100 meters into an untouched valley carved by the tranquil Haya River.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into one of nine bespoke villas meticulously designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings. Each villa showcases original artworks created through collaborations with diverse artists, including Karakami artist Toto Akihiko, sculptor Tomoya Tachibana, dyeing artist Shikeki Fukumoto, Kumiko craftsman Masanobu Shiozawa, and gold and silver leaf artist Hiroto Rakusho, among others.

Ranging from 92 square meters (980 square feet) to 385 square meters (4,144 square feet), these private sanctuaries feature spacious interiors, outdoor pavilions, and both indoor and outdoor baths. Some villas boast private saunas, swimming pools, and spaces for traditional tea ceremonies and entertaining. All villas are supplied with water from the pristine Dogashima hot spring, the most esteemed among Hakone’s Seven Hot Springs, cherished for over 700 years since its founding by Muso Soseki, a revered Rinzai Zen Buddhist priest during the Nanbokucho period (1336 – 1392).

ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu debuts ESPACIO SPA, offering exclusive amenities such as an open-air Hakone lava cave bath, a luxury bedrock bath crafted from ancient Austrian marble, and seasonal spa treatments inspired by Hakone’s natural rhythms. Spa experiences are tailored to each guest and complemented by serene views.

Led by Michelin-starred chef Takahiro Yamagishi of Kyoto’s renowned “Tominokoji Yamagishi,” the culinary experience at ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu celebrates Kyoto cuisine and Cha-kaiseki traditions. Menus showcase Hakone’s bounty through formal kaiseki presentations and innovative interpretations of cozy nabe hotpot dinners. International sake sommelier Keita Akaboshi curates the hotel’s extensive sake collection and pairings to enhance each dining experience.