Top Beauty Services in Tokyo
Here are my reviews on my favorite spots to get some self-care treatments.
Massage (4)
Hair removal (1)
Nails (1)
Massage
GINZAYOGA/SPAYOGA®︎
Tomomi is my personal masseuse. Her salon-studio is located in the hidden alleys near Kabukiza in Ginza.
She is a certified yoga instructor and massage therapist and implements techniques from yoga and massage, hence her brand, “Ginza Yoga Massage.”
Please DM Tomomi at @ginzayogamassage to book an appointment
Price: 1 hour massage= 25,000 yen ($161 usd)
Included:
Aroma oil
Footbath
Tea
Location sent after booking. 2 minutes from Kabukiza Theatre in Higashi Ginza
Male customers are ok! (Some salons don’t serve men btw)
After the massage, I do a light workout with personal trainer, Kenta, using the yellow band. A collaboration work between yoga massage and muscle training.
La Belle
I’m used to Tomomi’s Japanese style service. She gets all my knots out every time, so La Belle can’t compare… sorry.
I took Bunny Fiance here for his birthday and he loved their services. The service is similar to what you can expect in places like Vietnam.
Super cheap. Many young local people come here.
Small area, divided by curtains
Asian massage therapists (Kaneko can speak Japanese), but communication is very limited with others
The ladies are very strong! However, the technique was okay
Cash only
Not recommended if you’re bougie like me. The vibe was dark and scary.
Price:
120 min Couple’s Massage + 50 min Pore Cleansing for him + Aroma Oil Upgrade for him (1000 yen)
Total: 16,380 yen = $105 usd
Before… gunk stuck
After… squeaky clean!
Hogushiya | ほぐし屋
The keyword you’re looking for is ほぐしや (Hogushiya), which means “loosen up.” Male therapists are common here. This is where the tired salarymen go to after work.
Tip: Weekends are slightly more expensive so try to go on a weekday!
This is cheap and affordable massage by Japanese certified therapists. There are so many chains all over town. I go to a similar one in my neighborhood in West Tokyo, but I found this one in Ebisu near the city centre, that you can start from.
Courses from 30 min (2480 yen) to 120 min (7580 yen).
No tipping is necessary, which is the best part!
Google Map: Hogushi-no-Tatsujin Ebisu | ほぐしの達人
Department Store Massages
Some massage chains like the previous one, require you to make an account. If you don’t want to do that, then you can opt for a walk-in at one of the department stores. However a reservation is recommended, so even if it means writing your name down and coming back after a shopping spree…
This one is a popular chain that I always see at the department stores. It’s slightly more expensive. Female therapists are common here.
Tip: Check the tall department stores or near the train stations that’s closest to you
Hair Removal
Sugaring at Maris Gina
I vow never to shave again. It causes irritation, scarring, bleeding and ingrown hair.
TMI: I recently had to get a surgery in between my inner thigh due to an ingrown hair that became a boil. It’s been bugging me for 6 years or so!
Benefits of sugaring:
Sugaring lasts longer than waxing or shaving
Most natural way to remove unwanted hair
Sugar makes the skin so soft. You won’t stop touching yourself after this LOL.
*Sorry if these photos are TMI! But I’m a happy customer!
Before
After (skin is sensitive and red right after treatment)
Before
After… Did my skin get lighter?
Maris Gina Official Website for price list
Foreign-friendly and offer services to men as well. (Some salons don’t serve men btw)
English speaking staff available
Gratuity welcome
Many locations: Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ebisu, Ginza, Utsunomiya, Sapporo
Note: If you’re due for a laser hair removal treatment and can’t miss a week, this is the best salon because they have strong machines that leaves Braun at-home hair removal device crying.
I love the staff there who can talk girl-talk. They can carry a conversation in English while distracting you from the pain (at least the VIO part!)
Nails
FastNail
This is where I go to get my nails done. They offer so many styles. Nail artists are certified and all serve the same standard.
Fast service (under 1 hour for a simple design)
Very cute designs
Strong gel (for 500 yen upgrade, you can use a stronger gel which I recommend)
Locations all over
FastNail Official website (Book here)
I found a hack you guys…
I have a UV light at home, but it’s not as strong as the ones they have at the salons. However, they charge 100 yen for each stinking’ flower decoration. I thought to myself… “I could do this myself for under 500 yen.”
Step 1: Get the most basic design with gradation and pay up to 4000 yen = $25 usd.
Step 2: Go to Daiso and buy nail decorations and then add it yourself
Step 3: Voila! This saves me about 2500 yen.
You’re welcome!
Take advantage of the yen rate and treat yourself while you’re on vacation!
Japan is definitely one of those places where you can feel pampered like royalty.
