Step out of hibernation in style with a little help from the best beautifying spots in Tokyo.
Spring has sprung, and in Japan especially, the season is synonymous with rejuvenating and revitalizing: fresh starts, new school year, new fiscal year, job changes and, often, new life adventures. Outside, the cherry blossoms flowers are slowly budding (then disappearing overnight!), and the next few weeks will mark a return to a long-lost social life, outdoor picnics and a newfound energy.
And with the warm temperatures suddenly replacing freezing days comes the need for some primping and grooming: after long months spent hibernating under the kotatsu, it’s time to rub, scrub and shed some of those layers before we find ourselves sporting short sleeves, short shorts and sandals—and before we know it, bikinis and swimming trunks at the beach.
Indulging in beautifying treatments is not simply a luxury, as they can help boost your confidence and make you feel healthier. As they say, a healthy mind in a healthy body is key for a happier and more balanced life.
In order to get a fresh start for both the body and the mind, we rounded up some of the top-quality salons around the city, along with skilled professionals who will take care of pampering and re-energizing you. From simple manicures, organic facials, hot stone massages and waxing to elaborate nail art, eyelash extensions, eyebrow threading, and tanning treatments that are easy on the skin, let us guide you through the wide range of treatments available to help you look your best for the warm months to come.
AO Spa & Club
AO Spa offers a unique, tailor-made treatment approach called JIYUJIZAI, a Japanese term meaning “your creation.” Through a combination of seasonal elements and high technology, JIYUJIZAI addresses the individual needs of each guest to his or her personal style, delivering balance to the body and mind.
Every session at AO Spa starts with custom product crafted at the Blend Bar
Each JIYUJIZAI treatment includes a 30-minute consultation with an AO therapist to custom blend the treatment products at the Blend Bar, using a variety of local and seasonal ingredients drawn from fruits, herbs, and essential oils from the natural botanicals of Mt. Fuji and surrounding areas. Choose your treatment package with the help of a professional therapist who works with you to build the perfect ambience for your relaxing spa session—from the type of treatment to the style of music. AO Spa offers highly effective, results driven facial treatments, with exclusive skin care product lines and services, such as the celebrated Natura Bissé facials.
These pampering treatments are complemented by an exercise facility that features the revolutionary workout technology of the TechnoGym from Artis, and the exquisitely designed facilities of the AO Spa itself, which incorporates light, water, and shadow in a setting that looks out over the city from 37 floors up. After your treatment or your workout, you can soak away your cares in one of many jacuzzi pools or swimming pools, or savor one of AO Spa’s original beverages.
Whether you’re passing through town, or can make it a regular part of your lifestyle, the AO Spa is a place that helps you balance body and mind, in an atmosphere that blends luxury and natural bliss.
TOKYO WEEKENDER SPECIAL PLAN:
10% off on treatments and free access trial to pool and fitness center on first visit
tokyo.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/spa.html
03-6830-7765
Andaz Tokyo, 37th floor of Toranomon Hills, 1-23-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 105-0001
JoliNails
In a city as stylish as Tokyo is, you can find plenty of nail salons in luxurious buildings—places that look like art galleries where you need to ask permission to touch anything. But you’re not necessarily sure to get the best services or treatment there, and English-language speakers might have a hard time telling the staff just what they need. Not the case at JoliNails.
The American owned boutique salon is located on a quiet shopping street a few blocks away from Shirokanetakanawa Station and the French Embassy, and gives you the kind of warm feeling you might get when stepping into an old friend’s living room. Don’t be deceived by the laid-back surroundings of this hidden gem, though: JoliNails offers everything from award-winning nails and Swedish pedicures to total eye beauty packages with eyelash extensions and threading services: 5-star quality at extremely reasonable prices. For a completely unique experience, the fully bilingual salon also offers the work of an award winning nail artist who can create miniature masterpieces ranging from abstract images to reproductions of clients’ favorite photos. The salon is one of the few places in Tokyo to offer authentic threading for eyebrows and face. For other body parts, IPL hair removal is offered. JoliNails even has a foot care specialist who can treat anything from thick calluses to ingrown or bent toenails. Customers can make the most of their time, by booking duo or triple appointments at the same time with multiple therapists (for example, eyelash extensions with mani-pedi).
The welcoming environment at JoliNails is not limited to reaching out to its customers, but to their families as well. The first floor of the salon building is a spacious kids’ room, which is used for a variety of activities for children, from nail salon birthday parties and music classes to art lessons, homework tutoring and even chess. These classes can be scheduled in advance so mothers can relax in the salon, while their child plays during the treatment.
Opening Hours: Weekdays (closed Mondays): 11:00–20:00; Weekends: 10:00–18:30 (before and after hours appts. available w/reservation)
www.joliarts-salon.com (online reservation)
03-6721-9669 or 080-3599-9669
[email protected]
Tokyo, Minato-ku, 3-10-9 Shirokane
JoliArts Building 1F & 2F
Elana Jade
Turn back the years “naturally” with Elana Jade’s amazing organic peeling course! Chosen by celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow & Kate Hudson, Ilcsi Organics offers the benefit of a chemical peel without the potential long or short-term chemical damage. For this month only, Elana Jade is offering this unique course for only ¥42,000 for 4 treatments.
A short, 5-minute walk away from Roppongi Hills in Azabu Juban, Elana Jade also specializes in waxing (specifically Brazilian Wax), organic facials and hot stone & oil massages. Elana Jade exclusively uses certified organic ingredients in all treatments, including the wax, which is specially shipped from Australia. Mommies-to-be can also find a range of prenatal massages and treatments to fit their needs during that special time. Elana Jade, “Your oasis in the heart of Tokyo.”
www.elanajade.com
03-6438-9895
106-0045, Tokyo, Minato-ku, Azabu Juban 1-5-19,
Latorie Memorial Building 3F
La Plage
La Plage is conveniently located between Meguro and Shirokanedai, and offers a comfortable, relaxed environment thanks to the professionalism and experience of owner and beauty therapist Mai Iijima. Mai has fifteen years’ experience as a beauty therapist—including four years in Australia—and speaks fluent English. Whether she’s helping her clients achieve a natural, sun-kissed tan, or providing eyelash and eyebrow tinting that could complement a new look for spring, Mai is known for making all of her clients look and feel their very best.
141-0021, Tokyo, Shinagawa-ku,
Kamiosaki 1-chome
(Closed Sundays & holidays)
Nua
Several facial services are available at the foreign-owned and operated spas as well, including the skin-rejuvenating Photocare Anti Aging Facials, Microcurrent Facelifts that will boost and lift sagging skin without surgery, and customized, Dermalogica facials that are designed individually for each client’s specific needs. Until April 30, Tokyo Weekender readers and first-time Nua customers can receive a Brazilian wax for ¥5,000, a 60-min Dermalogica facial/Anti-aging Photocare facial for ¥8,000, and an IPL underarm trial for 50% off.
nuajapan.com
Omotesando: 03-6804-5285 |
Hiroo: 03-3444-3055
Omotesando: Lamial Jingumae #102, Jingumae 4-8-17, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
Hiroo: Muramatsu Building 4F, Minami Azabu 5-16-4, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Kenji Suzuki
www.kenji-hairstylist.com
080-1307-4973
Bondz Salon 4th floor, 1-8-13, Azabu-Juban,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045
WEC Hair
WEC Hair, located in the trendy yet relaxing neighborhood of Ebisu, is a hair salon whose name is inspired by the World’s End district in London where owner Kenji gained most of his hairdressing experience. Kenji worked in London and New York as a hairdresser for over three years, styling customers from all around the world. After his return to Japan, Kenji opened up his own shop in November of 2012, 5 minutes from JR Ebisu Station, and continues to practice his specialty techniques while also giving seminars on his color skills to Japanese hairdressers. Many of his clients include British and Americans who appreciate his international experience and specialties in highlights, cut, straightening, and perms. To book an appointment with Kenji, email [email protected]. First time customers will receive a 15% discount.
http://wecweb.jp/en
[email protected]
03-6277-4344
Shibuya-ku Ebisu 1-21-17-2F
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