Concept
Concept
Sanctuary Villas in a tranquil forest.
Enveloped in the constantly changing lush nature of Japan’s four bountiful seasons, Hakone’s Miyanoshita area is a one-of-a-kind paradise. Here, 100 meters down in a secluded and unexplored valley, lies ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu, a beautiful retreat surrounded by nothing but calm, peaceful silence and the gentle murmuring of the nearby river. This place was simply made for Hakone.
Hot spring
Ethereal hot springs have been bubbling up from the depths of Hakone since ancient times.
Hakone’s hot springs were first discovered in the middle of the 8th century and became widely known during Japan’s Edo period (1603-1867).
The soothing hot springs of Yumoto, Tonosawa, Miyanoshita, Sokokura, Kiga, Ashinoyu, and Dogashima came to be revered as therapeutic baths, collectively known as the “Seven Hot Springs of Hakone.”
It was out of this blossoming hot spring culture that the famous ryokan inns of Hakone were established, catering to feudal lords and wealthy merchants seeking healing and relaxation, as well as their families.
Now, centuries later, Hakone remains a popular hot spring resort overflowing with peace and tranquility.
ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu boasts exclusive access to the source of the Dogashima hot spring, which is so rare that it borders on folklore. Its location in a secluded, unexplored valley makes it the most prized of the “Seven Hot Springs of Hakone.”
Muso Soseki, a high priest of the Rinzai Zen Buddhist sect, founded the Dogashima Onsen(hot spring) in the Nanbokucho period (1336 - 1392). A trusted advisor to both Emperor Godaigo and Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, Soseki was responsible for the design of many World Heritage scenic gardens, such as the Saiho-ji Temple Moss Garden in Kyoto and the Zuisen-ji Temple Garden in Kamakura.
The name “Dogashima”, or “magnificent island”, was chosen due to the unique topography of the area at the time, which resembled an island rising out of a steep valley. Soseki was said to be enamoured with Dogashima’s idyllic atmosphere and abundant hot springs.
No two hot spring sources are the same, but Dogashima is particularly special. This region boasts a long history that began with Muso Soseki, but has grown and flourished with the sheer energy of the powerful earth and Miyanoshita's ever-evolving geological strata.
This is why the hot spring water at ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu is never diluted using a heat exchanger – it flows freely to the baths in each guest room in its purest state.
Envelop yourself in mystical hot spring water and discover the true meaning of tranquility at ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu.
* ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu boasts exclusive access to the source of the Dogashima hot spring, which is so rare that it borders on folklore. Its location in a secluded, unexplored valley makes it the most prized of the “Seven Hot Springs of Hakone.” Our water is never diluted or injected with anything, and is always supplied to each guest room straight from the earth in its most purest form.
Spring quality
Spring quality: Chloride and sodium chloride spring (warming, moisturizing)
Indications: Cuts, peripheral vascular (arterial) disorders, sensitivity to cold, depression, dry skin
Hospitality
Relax into an idyllic break, where time slows down and magical memories are made. At ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu, the key is in the details. From room keys adorned with seasonal photographs of Hakone to elegant wooden chopsticks and yukata of various colors and patterns, we offer guests a choice at every step of their stay.
Our materials, patterns, and other touches all express the "blessings of nature" and "changing seasons" of Hakone, as well as the uniquely Japanese flavor of the area.
In addition to ultimate relaxation, we want our guests to find deep connections in the things they use and wear at our peaceful holiday retreat. This is just a small part of the hospitality offered at ESPACIO The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu.