Japan Unveils A Unique And Immersive Travel Experience At Hakone Retreat Före & Villa 1/f With Seven Sensory Experiences For A Deeply Refreshing Summer Escape

Published on June 13, 2025

Hakone Retreat före & Villa 1/f: A Cool Highland Escape This Summer

Nestled in the natural beauty of Sengokuhara in Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture), Hakone Retreat före & villa 1/f, a partner hotel of Hotel Management Japan, invites travelers to a refreshing summer retreat starting on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Offering an escape from the intense summer heat, this seasonal program immerses guests in a “highland retreat” that cools all five senses, providing a unique opportunity to embrace nature’s tranquility and serene coolness in a stunning highland setting.

As Japan’s summer temperatures continue to rise, with many days exceeding 35°C, urbanites often retreat indoors, while international travelers express concerns about enduring the summer heat in Japan’s bustling cities. While the hot springs of Hakone have long been a popular attraction, the rising temperatures in low-altitude areas like Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto have made them less appealing as summer destinations. Yet, the charm of Sengokuhara, situated at an elevation of about 660 meters, offers a refreshing escape. Meteorological studies show that temperatures drop by approximately 0.6°C for every 100-meter increase in elevation, making Sengokuhara cooler by up to 4°C during the day compared to the city.

Despite the obvious advantages of the area, Hakone’s appeal as a summer retreat is not widely known. Many travelers continue to associate the destination primarily with its hot springs. However, by highlighting the natural advantages of Sengokuhara’s elevation, Hakone Retreat före & villa 1/f seeks to showcase Hakone as a tranquil summer escape that offers more than just hot springs—it provides a cool, sensory-rich retreat that refreshes both mind and body.

To help guests make the most of their stay, the hotel offers a variety of immersive seasonal programs designed to cool and calm the senses. These programs are not only about escaping the heat but also about reconnecting with nature and rejuvenating in a tranquil, sensory-rich environment. Below are seven standout experiences that highlight the cooling, refreshing nature of this highland retreat.

Seven Immersive Sensory Journeys to Savor the Refreshing Coolness of the Summer Highlands

1. Hyoseki Yoga (Daytime) Embrace the quiet tranquility of Sengokuhara with Hyoseki Yoga, a peaceful, self-paced yoga experience held inside Tawarai-kaku, a traditional sukiya-style Japanese house. Guests are free to place their mats in their preferred spot, allowing them to immerse themselves in the soothing scent of wood and the refreshing morning or evening air. This yoga session encourages guests to breathe deeply, reconnect with nature, and gently reflect inward.
2. Picnic Lunch Box Enjoy a specially crafted summer-exclusive lunch box, prepared by the chefs at Hakone Retreat före & villa 1/f, ideal for enjoying in the cool, serene natural settings of Mt. Kintoki and Chisuji Falls. Here, the highland breeze and the protective shade of trees create the perfect environment for a peaceful picnic. Surrounded by filtered sunlight and the cool air, guests can indulge in a luxurious outdoor dining experience, embracing the beauty of nature.
3. Hyoseki Co-Working Space (Private Room Rental) For those looking to combine work with relaxation, the retreat offers a private room rental in the historic Hyoseki-kaku. This co-working space, nestled in the peaceful highlands, provides an inspiring and calm atmosphere that encourages productivity and focus. With the crisp highland air and views of lush greenery, this space allows guests to expand their mental space while working in tranquility.
4. Higurashi 1/f (Hammocks on the Rooftop of könoha spa) At dusk, guests can unwind atop könoha spa in the villa 1/f area, relaxing in a hammock while listening to the gentle sounds of cicadas and the cool evening breeze. This is a moment of pure relaxation, as the highland breeze and nature’s soothing symphony help guests surrender to a peaceful state of mind and body, offering a true sensory escape.
5. Post-Bath Cool Down at Free Bird & Terrace After a refreshing soak in one of the retreat’s hot spring baths, guests are invited to head to the Free Bird & Terrace, where they can cool down with the help of the gentle highland breeze. Here, they can enjoy a chilled drink and a sweet treat, allowing all five senses to relax and enjoy the harmony of nature. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind in a serene environment that enhances the cooling effects of the retreat.
6. A Refreshing Drink at Hyoseki For those looking for a more refined and tranquil experience, Hyoseki, the retreat’s serene Japanese restaurant, offers guests the chance to savor sparkling sake or chilled Japanese tea. The slow, quiet rhythm of the highlands makes this a perfect moment for guests to unwind and enjoy the coolness of a refreshing beverage, while surrounded by nature’s beauty.
7. Sengokuhara Highland Walks A true highlight of the retreat, guests can take leisurely walks through Sengokuhara, a picturesque highland area surrounded by vast forests, clear streams, and expansive fields. With its cool climate, these walks offer a refreshing and grounding experience, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the natural beauty of Hakone. As they stroll through the tranquil environment, guests can absorb the sounds and smells of the forest, feeling completely refreshed by nature’s embrace.

Experience a Truly Cool Summer in Hakone

Hakone Retreat före & villa 1/f offers an ideal setting to escape the intense summer heat of Japan’s low-altitude cities. Through a series of thoughtful and immersive experiences, this highland retreat invites guests to cool down, relax, and rejuvenate. From yoga in historic buildings to refreshing picnics in nature, the retreat allows visitors to embrace the coolness of the highlands while reconnecting with themselves and nature. Whether you’re looking to unwind in a hammock at dusk or enjoy a refreshing drink at Hyoseki, this retreat offers a serene and unique summer escape.