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Artful Escapes

Artful Escapes: Espacio Nagoya Castle

In Nagoya, the 100-room hotel has partnered with Tokyo’s Art Front Gallery to curate a 400-piece collection abundant in imperial and folkloric Japanese motifs

By Adam Erace
Bonsai tree in modern room with large windows; castle view in background and reflection on glossy floor.
Scenery of Light, Pine Tree by Takeharu Nakabayashi is framed by a window in the guest lobby of Espacio Nagoya Castle. Photo: COURTESY OF ESPACIO ENTERPRISE

Four sacred beasts greet guests inside Espacio Nagoya Castle, a 100-room hotel positioned across the moat from the titular palace. Inhabiting a 62-foot-long Nishijin-textile mural by Kyoto artist and kimono designer Jotaro Saito, the kirin, phoenix, tortoise, and dragon are collectively known as rin-poh-ki-ryū and, despite their fearsome expressions, signal tranquility.

Luxurious hotel lobby with golden staircase, abstract ceiling art, and blue wall accents creating a modern and elegant atmosphere.
The Phoenix staircase. Photo: COURTESY OF ESPACIO ENTERPRISE

Espacio follows through on the mythological menagerie’s promise with private onsen-style tubs and seasonally calibrated spa treatments, such as a 135-minute rikka, a calming ritual that restores vitality. The hotel also partnered with Tokyo’s Art Front Gallery to curate a 400-piece collection abundant in imperial and folkloric Japanese motifs. Here, abstract cherry blossom reliefs by artist Takehiko Sugawara glimmer with platinum and gold leaf. A phoenix in flight soars over a vortex-like sculpture of a golden wing on the first floor, while the plaster ceilings outside the fourth-floor restaurants are carved with a dragon that exudes powerful beauty.

Modern restaurant interior with wooden ceiling, elegant seating, blue-green carpet, and large windows providing natural light.
The Garden Lounge. Photo: COURTESY OF ESPACIO ENTERPRISE
A tranquil indoor fountain with blue lighting, stone walls, and a calm water reflection in a serene spa setting.
Spa. Photo: COURTESY OF ESPACIO ENTERPRISE
Luxurious hotel living room with modern decor, large windows showcasing a scenic view of a historic castle and greenery.
Guest suite. Photo: COURTESY OF ESPACIO ENTERPRISE
Rooftop infinity pool overlooking a cityscape with a historical-style building in the distance on a foggy day.
Guest suite pool.
Elegant dining area with a central artistic golden tree sculpture, surrounded by modern decor and ambient lighting.
Espacio Nagoya Castle. Photo: COURTESY OF ESPACIO ENTERPRISE

Continuing the theme, the Art Collection guest rooms showcase one-of-a-kind works by artists practicing various heritage mediums, from foil craft to karakami paper.

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2026 Summer Issue in the section “Artful Escapes.” Subscribe to the magazine.