Your First Time at
a Japanese Salon

Before you come

Book online first. There is one therapist and one guest at a time, so I cannot take you without a reservation — even if you come to the door. The booking page is in English and takes about a minute.

Bring nothing. Loose clothes are provided, and there is a place to wash your hands. Come straight from sightseeing or from work if you like.

When you arrive

You will take your shoes off at the entrance — this is normal everywhere in Japan and slippers are waiting for you. Then you change into the clothes provided, in a private changing room.

The foot bath

Before the treatment you sit with your feet in warm water. This is not just a nice touch: it is when we talk about where you are tired, how strong you like the pressure, and what to focus on. If your Japanese and my English are both limited, pointing works perfectly well.

During the treatment

You lie on the bed, fully clothed, and I work through the tired areas slowly. The pressure is meant to be "pleasantly firm" — strong enough to reach the muscle, never so strong that you tense up against it.

Please say something if it is too strong or too light. It is not rude; it is the most useful thing you can tell me. These few words are enough:

Many guests fall asleep. That is welcome, not rude.

Afterwards

You change back and sit for a while with a cup of herbal tea — you choose which. Drinking water afterwards is a good idea.

Credit cards and cash are both welcome. Tipping is not customary in Japan; the price on the menu is what you pay.

One thing to check first

Some conditions mean treatment is not possible, or needs a doctor's approval first — including pregnancy, osteoporosis, a pacemaker or other internal electrical device, recent surgery or fractures, and skin problems at the area to be treated. The full list is on the main page. If you are unsure, please message before booking rather than after.