The short answer
Japanese dry massage — momihogushi — is massage done through clothing, with no oil and no cream. You change into loose clothes, lie on a bed, and the therapist works on tired muscles with hands, thumbs and forearms.
"Dry" simply means no oil. It does not mean rough. The pressure is adjusted to each guest, and you can ask for lighter or firmer at any moment.
How it differs from what you may know
- Oil massage — skin contact, long gliding strokes, you undress. Dry massage keeps you clothed and works into muscle instead of gliding over it.
- Thai massage — a lot of stretching, and the therapist moves your body into positions. Dry massage is quieter; you stay still and relax.
- Shiatsu — pressure held on single points. Dry massage uses points too, but spends more time kneading whole muscles.
If you have been walking Tokyo all day, this is the one that reaches the tired parts — shoulders, lower back, calves, feet.
What a session is like
- Change — loose clothes are provided. Come as you are; nothing to bring.
- Foot bath — included with every body course. You warm up in hot water while we talk about where you are tired.
- Treatment — on the bed, with lavender and chamomile in the air. The pressure is tailored to you.
- Herbal tea — afterwards, choose a tea and sit for a while before heading back out.
Choosing how long
Courses are chosen by length, not by menu. Within your time you can freely combine dry massage, foot reflexology, scalp massage and hand reflexology — and we decide the balance together on the day.
| Course | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | 60 min | ¥8,000 |
| Relax | 90 min | ¥11,000 |
| Unwind | 120 min | ¥14,000 |
| Full Course | 150 min | ¥17,000 |
All prices include tax. A foot bath is included in every course. Extensions are ¥1,000 per 10 minutes.
Facial treatments using ENVIRON, a doctor-developed skincare brand from South Africa, are also available — see the facial menu for details.
Where to try it
Kokoromomi is a small private salon in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, a few minutes on foot from Kodenmacho, Shin-Nihonbashi and Kanda stations. There is one therapist and one guest at a time, so the room is quiet.
Kokoromomi — Access
Composite Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi-mae #202,
4-14-4 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line — Kodenmacho Station (Exit 4) 3 min walk
JR Sobu Line (Rapid) — Shin-Nihonbashi Station (Exit 8) 4 min walk
JR Yamanote Line — Kanda Station 7 min walk
Open 10:00 – 22:00, with irregular holidays.
By appointment only. One therapist, one guest at a time.