6 best spa and wellness treatments to enjoy in Tokyo

Soaking at a sento bath house is common-place in Japan, but have you ever heard of dipping into a cypress wood enzyme bath? This traditional Japanese deep-heat treatment allows you to immerse yourself in a warm mixture made from hinoki cypress wood and leaves as well as rice bran. 

You’ll feel all warm and cosy, as the powder is heated to around 65-80 degrees Celsius by the fermentation heat produced by microorganisms, without the use of electricity or gas. The cypress wood enzyme bath at En Hakkou Onnetsu Mokuyoku is said to help improve blood circulation, promote skin health and enhance overall well-being. 

The spa also offers private rooms in which you can enjoy the cypress baths with your friends or family for an additional ¥4,400. You can also enjoy unique refreshments including enzyme drinks and organic brown rice amazake.

No one does your nails quite like Japan, where salons elevate mani-pedis to a treatments to a work of art.

Riverside Custom Nails in Nakameguro is an English-friendly salon where talented nail artists will transform your talons. From simple one-colour gel manicures to elaborate 3D nail art, the designs can be customised to your liking. If you are wondering where to start, just check out their Instagram for a bit of inspo – you’ll see some pretty extravagant creations from 3D nails inspired by the artist Yayoi Kusama to colourful tie-dyed tips.

Aside from the nail art, all services come with cuticle care and nail health checks. Pedicures can also be arranged, as well as gel extensions if you wish to lengthen your nails. 

If you're interested in Japanese skincare, booking yourself a facial in Tokyo is a good place to start. Mocci Beauty in Azabu-Juban is English-friendly and not only offers intensive skin treatments, but therapies to help you relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.

At this salon run by esthetician Miki, you'll be able to find a facial that best suits you based on your individual skin needs. One of the most popular treatments is the 90-minute Japanese glow hydra facial which is recommended for all skin types. This facial aids in improving sensitive, tired and dehydrated skin through deep-pore cleansing, a soothing vitamin infusion mask and EMS light therapy (electronic muscle stimulator that helps serums absorb into the skin).

Reservations are essential. Book an appointment via phone, Whatsapp or their online booking site.

No visit to Japan is complete without a visit to a bath house or hot spring and Spa LaQua is the ultimate Tokyo oasis. The upscale super sento is open 22 hours a day, allowing you to soak in a hot spring bath under the night sky or enjoy a blissful massage before the break of dawn.

Spa LaQua is also a sociable space with a host of dining options and co-ed areas where you can mingle with friends while enjoying low-temperature saunas and bedrock baths.

Aside from bathing experiences, you can also choose from a selection of beauty treatments including Thai massages, aromatherapy head spas and Korean body scrubs.

A dry head spa is similar to your regular head spa, but you won’t get a full blowout or shampooing here. Meinou Dry Head Spa specialises in lymphatic drainage treatments (massages to relieve swelling around your lymph nodes and help remove toxins from the body) and head massages which are believed to aid healthier sleep patterns – making them the ideal option if you’re struggling with jet lag or coming off a long, uncomfortable flight.

While the focus is mainly on your head, these treatments also include neck and shoulder massages to help you alleviate stiffness in your arms, neck, shoulders and even your face. Treatments are more affordable than a full body massage, starting at just ¥6,000 for a 50-minute session.

If you’ve searched through Japanese beauty treatments on TikTok or Instagram, chances are you’ve come across a head spa. The indulgent treatments at these spas let you put some extra care into your hair and scalp routine.

Rabbicour in Ginza offers a range of extensive treatments including their signature head soak cream bath which aims to help alleviate fatigue, stiffness, eye strain, scalp problems and even hair frizz. Treatments include a consultation followed by a relaxing neck, shoulder and scalp massage, shampoo treatment and cream bath, which helps drain the lymph nodes and remove toxins from the body.

For an additional ¥1,000, Rabbicour lets you choose one of their fun themed rooms for you to experience your treatment in. The main salon is frequently booked solid. Thankfully Rabbicour has recently opened a second location in Ginza offering the same services but without the waitlist.