The Hakone Geihinkan Rin-Poh-Ki-Ryu
Ultra-private Japanese art sanctuary meets ancient onsen retreat. Each villa is a commissioned artwork — kumiko woodwork, karakami paper, lacquer, plaster — all themed around the four guardian deities (Kirin, Phoenix, Tortoise, Dragon). No shared spaces, no communal dining, no other guests in sight. Serious quiet.
The spa has only one treatment room — book it the moment you confirm your reservation, it books up fast
Why It Matters
Exclusive access to the Dogashima onsen (the rarest of Hakone's Seven Hot Springs, undiluted, piped directly into each villa); nine individually commissioned art villas accessible only by private cable car; in-room kaiseki served with sake pairings curated by New York-based sake sommelier Keita Akaboshi. Member of The Leading Hotels of the World and American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
Nine private villas sit 100 meters down at the bottom of a forested valley in Hakone's Miyanoshita area, reachable only by a private cable car that takes five minutes to descend through a canopy of trees. The property occupies 44,000+ square meters and holds exclusive access to the Dogashima hot spring — one of Hakone's famed Seven Hot Springs, undiluted, piped raw from the earth directly into each villa's own baths. This is as close to off-grid Japanese luxury as it gets.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
AO (碧)
Decorated with karakami paper by artist Senda Choemon — deep blue hues throughout, dragon motif. Two bedrooms can be configured as one or two separate spaces. Valley location with its own plunge pool, sauna, and outdoor onsen. The indigo-washed walls feel like stepping inside a woodblock print.
4 beds (140cm wide each, 2 Hollywood Twin configuration) · 167.2 sqm
DAICHI (大地)
The plasterwork is the story here — craftsman Hasado Shuhei's textured walls feel pulled from the earth itself. Largest of the two-bedroom options outside TAKUMI. Two bedrooms divisible into separate spaces. The 94.2m2 terrace is one of the most generous in the property.
4 beds (140cm wide each, 2 Hollywood Twin configuration) · 195.1 sqm
HINATA (陽)
Blue Dragon theme by dye artist Fukumoto Shigeki, inspired by the Hayakawa River's nickname 'Dragon's Path' — thick morning mist rising off the valley resembles a dragon ascending. One bedroom, no sauna.
Twin beds
KIRAMEKI (煌)
Sculptor Tachibana Tomoya's metalwork adorns this 'shimmering' space — hard materials given breath of life. The open-air onsen has its own pavilion wrapping around it, which is a particularly nice touch. Bedroom space can split into two rooms.
Multiple bedsKIZUNA (絆)
Kumiko woodworking by craftsman Shiozawa Masanobu covers the walls in an intricate geometric pattern representing all four guardian deities. The classic Japanese exterior fits the valley setting perfectly. One bedroom, ideal for couples or solo travelers. Note: no sauna in this villa.
Twin bedsMUSUBI (結)
Kumiko woodwork by Shiozawa Masanobu (same artist as KIZUNA), textured wall surfaces with all four guardian deities. The only barrier-free villa on the property — a meaningful distinction given the terrain. No sauna.
Twin bedsSORA (宙)
Tortoise motif (symbol of longevity) rendered in karakami paper by the same artist who created AO, Senda Choemon. The smallest footprint at 94.9m2 total, but still has its own plunge pool and sauna. Good entry point into the property if the two-bedroom villas feel like overkill for a couple.
2 beds (140cm wide each, Hollywood Twin) · 94.9 sqmTAKUMI (匠)
The flagship — and it earns the title. Three levels built into the sloping valley terrain, decorated by seven artists including Hiroto Rakusho. At 385m2, it's nearly double most villas. Two full bedroom suites, a karaoke room, a party room, two plunge pools, a hot stone bath, a jet bath, and a sauna on top of the usual indoor and outdoor onsen. Good for a group of four or a very serious special occasion.
4 beds (140cm wide each, 2 Hollywood Twin configuration) · 385 sqmURUWASHI (麗)
Lacquer, clay, and Japanese paper art by Muramoto Shingo — works inspired by the Ryujin (dragon god), creating a dialogue between inside and outside. The villa splits into two distinct rooms: one with a sunken kotatsu table, the other with a bed and dedicated tea ceremony room. No sauna, but the kotatsu room is one of the more atmospheric spaces on the property.
Bed in one room; kotatsu in other roomThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Paths wind through the forested valley surrounding the villas. The Hayakawa River runs alongside the property, known locally as 'Dragon's Path' for its winding shape. Morning mist over the water is a highlight.
Seasonal wildflower and alpine plant wetland garden nearby — concierge can arrange visits.
The property's signature moment. A private cable car descends 100 meters from the Upper Reception on the Tokaido road into the valley. Five minutes through a tunnel of trees. No other guests share the car with you.
Every villa has its own supply of Dogashima onsen water — raw, undiluted, piped directly from the source. The Dogashima hot spring is the rarest of Hakone's Seven Hot Springs and has been flowing since Zen priest Muso Soseki founded it in the 14th century. Each villa has at least one indoor and one outdoor bath; most have a plunge pool and sauna as well.
The Hakone Open Air Museum is 1.2 miles from the property — easily arranged by the concierge. The Okada Museum of Art is about 2.5 km away.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Free in-room WiFi throughout all villas.
The entrance reception on the Tokaido road displays full reproductions of armor worn by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Date Masamune.
All dining served in-villa. Complimentary Japanese breakfast daily. Kaiseki dinner and sake pairing available. Drinks service includes sake, whiskey, and wines.
Outdoor pool with mountain and valley views.
Staff assist in multiple languages.
Highly skilled personal butlers assigned to guests throughout their stay.
Round-the-clock front desk and concierge service.
On-site gift shop.
Free parking available at the property.
A specially designed private cable car connecting the Upper Reception on the main road to the valley-floor villas. 5-minute ride. Guests-only.
Available in AO, DAICHI, KIRAMEKI, SORA, and TAKUMI. Not available in KIZUNA, HINATA, MUSUBI, or URUWASHI.
Every villa has its own private onsen fed by the undiluted Dogashima hot spring source. Most villas have both indoor and outdoor baths plus a plunge pool.
BUILD YOUR ESPACIO THE HAKONE GEIHINKAN RIN-POH-KI-RYU PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning