My solo Tokyo visits tend to coincide with wintery February days. Perfect for mornings wandering the streets devoid of high tourist season crowds – afternoons seeking warming pursuits. Cultural experiences certainly – a myriad of excellent art galleries, cooking classes, tea ceremonies, vintage kimono boutiques, local markets – and of course spa treatments. The Japanese beauty industry famed for quality and range, so too Japanese the Kobido facial (a technique dating back over 500 years, involving massage of the deep facial muscles). I try three spas ranging from traditional, to luxury, to a local spot tucked away in a quiet residential suburb.
Aman Tokyo Spa
Perched atop the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo Spa a sanctuary high above the city’s perpetual motion. The Spa’s Signature Journey, inspired by Japanese forest bathing practices, is a holistic treatment utilizing natural ingredients and traditional techniques to connect with the healing power of nature. The spa’s design is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, featuring serene water gardens and stone pathways that lead to tranquil treatment rooms. I opt for the Signature Grounding facial ritual – it promises reconnection, stillness and perspective – after 90 minutes in the hands of my deft therapist I’m left utterly relaxed and glowing. I drit off to swim in ‘that pool’, rest in the sauna, and sip tea watching the world go by way, way below.
THE VERDICT.
Five Star, the highest score for ‘green heart’ – a property delivering a full abundance of Spa & Wellness therapies to deliver maximum Wellbeing results.
Highest score for ‘spa & retreat love’ – albeit within a bustling metropolis. AMAN Tokyo delivers treatments, gym, yoga, meditation, saunas, and tailored nutrition upon request.
The quintessential Japanese philosophy to wellness – using traditional herb based therapies, Zen philosophy, and meditation is unsurpassed.
Shiseido The Store Salon, Ginza
I have childhood memories of my European Grandmother taking me to the exotic Shiseido make up counter at the solo department store in our small New Zealand town, I suppose it was her nod to the sophisticated life she left behind – her signature ‘Shiseido red’ nails would still be chic today. It is with her in mind I book into Shiseido The Store Salon in the heart of the ritzy Ginza district, encapsulating Shiseido’s commitment to combining traditional Japanese beauty principles with cutting-edge technology. I’m directed to my own changing room, donning the robe I pitter patter down the white corridor to my ‘twilight lit’ treatment salon. Cocooned in the darkened room, rhythmic facial massage and piped muzak soon lulls me into semi slumber. 60 minutes later I imerge thoroughly cleansed and glowing, ready for the hair wash and blow dry I’ve added to my package.
THE VERDICT.
Three star ‘green heart’ – the space is beautiful, yet a little soulless. Possibly this is the point – allowing the treatments to speak for themselves without competing with the environment. No complaints – just not a space to linger.
Highest score for ‘relaxation love’ – the perfect oasis in the heart of Tokyo’s most fashionable district to ‘while away’ a few hours when you need to decompress and treat yourself. Grandma would have loved it.
Spa Hinoki, Akasaka
I stumbled upon Spa Hinoki when googling ‘best local Beauty Salon for facial massage’ – always a wild card when going in with little language synergy (my Japanese remains firmly in Level One for aptitude). An efficient response (in English) to my email enquiry boded well – and so with the wintery sun setting on a quaint residential lane in Akasaka I enter to find a sweet therapist nervously awaiting my arrival. Gently directed to remove my shoes and handed a ‘Spa Kimono’ and traditional slippers, I know I am in for a treat. Google translate is quickly utilised as the treatment I have chosen is explained. What the salon lacks in ‘mod cons’ it more than makes up for in charm. A heated bed, cosy warming socks and mittens make me feel I am being tucked up in bed by a friendly aunt (it is sleeting outside, freezing so this routine is very, very welcome). Google doesn’t let me down as I experience the most incredible facial massage – leaving me feeling (and looking) noticeably less puffy and ‘winter worn’.
THE VERDICT
Four star ‘green heart’ – worth every one for the local charm of Spa Hinoki. I felt like I had visited a dear and talented family friend – the care and kindness extended to my therapist standing in the icey street waving until certain I had found my way in the dark to the waiting taxi – by then it was snowing, but still she waited.
Image credits: Aman Tokyo, Shiseido The Salon Ginza, Spa Hinoki Akasaka
