Working a desk job in Tokyo can be rewarding, but it also comes with unwelcome aches. If you’re in front of a computer most days, chances are you’ll find yourself with a strained neck and/or sore shoulders. One good way to makes these go away is to have a masseuse or masseur take care of your needs, but getting a massage in Japan can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the system or are still getting used to the language. If that’s the case, then read on. This guide was written for you.
Riraku or Esute? Two Kinds of Massage Salons
At least in my circle, most people I know book treatments through Hot Pepper Beauty, a platform that allows online bookings for different health and beauty salons throughout Japan. Within the app you will find 5 categories: hair (ヘア, hea), nails (ネイル, neiru), lashes (まつげ, matsuge), relaxation (リラク, riraku) and beauty treatments (エステ, esute). Massages fall under the last two, but there’s a slight difference in meaning.
As the name implies, riraku focuses more on relaxation. This includes treatments designed to soothe aching muscles. Esute on the other hand focuses on the skin as well as getting the body in shape, so some treatments might not necessarily be relaxing. For example, many places offer treatments that help make your face get smaller. I’ve never experienced it, but from the looks of it, it’s not made to be comfortable.
Relaxation massages can be further classified into different types. The next section explains what these are and how much they typically cost.
Types of Massages in Japan and Average Prices
How much does a massage cost in Japan? It depends on two factors: the type of massage you’re getting and the length of time. Below is a list of typical massages you can find.
| Type | Name in Japanese | Ave. Price per 60 Mins |
| Hogushi | ほぐし | ¥3,000 |
| Thai | Tai koshiki massāji タイ古式マッサージ | ¥4,000~6,000 |
| Lymphatic | Rinpa massāji リンパマッサージ | ¥4,000~6,000 |
| Aroma therapy | Aroma serapii アロマセラピー | ¥4,000~8,000 |
| Oil treatment | Oiru toriitomento オイルトリートメント | ¥4,000~8,000 |
| Acupuncture and moxibustion | Shinkyū 針灸 | ¥5,000~8,000 |
| Foot massage | Ashi tsubo あしつぼ | ¥3,000~6,000 |
| Chiropractic | Seitai/Kairo 整体・カイロ | ¥4,500~8,00 |
| Osteopathy | Seikotsu 整骨 | ¥4,000~8,000 |
Types of Massages Explained
| Type | Details |
| Hogushi | |
| Thai | Traditional Thai massage. Involves a lot of stretching and is often referred to as “2-people yoga.” |
| Lymphatic | Believed to reduce swelling, a lymphatic massage encourages the flow of lymph and the reduction of toxins in the body through gentle pressure and rhythmic strokes. |
| Aroma therapy | Gentle massage with aromatic |
| Oil treatment | Similar to the above, but the oil used is odorless, usually jojoba. |
| Acupuncture and moxibustion | Of ancient Chinese origin, acupuncture involves the use of thin needles, while moxibustion involves burning dried plants near the surface of the skin. Both are believed to encourage the flow of “qi” or energy in the body. |
| Foot massage | Also known as reflexology. Uses pressure on different areas of the feet to stimulate internal organs. Said to improve blood circulation. |
| Chiropractic/Seitai | Setai and the loan word |
| Osteopathy/Seikotsu | Seitai and |
Happy Ending Massage?
According to sources, yes, they do exist. But a word of precaution: a friend who works as a masseuse tells me that every now and then, they get customers who assume the staff to be sex workers and of course, they boot them out of the place, or even call security when the situation calls for it. Because places that give happy endings don’t publicly advertise their “special” services, apparently, some customers assume they can get them anywhere. There are, however, a few ways to identify whether a salon is selling more than a massage:
- The type of massage they offer is not specified in the
shop sign. - The shop sign shows a suggestive photo.
- The prices are ridiculously high. (See the above table for regular prices.)
- The salon doesn’t have a website published on Google Maps
- The salon is located in one of the red-light districts.
How to Book a Massage in Japan
While some places accept walk-in’s, many relaxation centers operate on a reservation basis. Below are sites/apps that can help you book a massage.
Hot Pepper Beauty
As mentioned in the preceding section, Hot Pepper Beauty specializes in health and beauty services. Among its benefits is that you can filter your search based on date, location, salon specialty or type of service. It’s only available in Japanese but you can find a guide for signing up here.
Hotels, Hot Springs & Spas
Hotels, hot springs, and spas tend to be more expensive than others but there’s a higher chance that the booking process can be done in English. Services can be booked through their respective websites, or if you’re staying at the hotel, through the front desk.
Useful Japanese Vocabulary for Getting Massages
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
うつぶせ | lie on your stomach |
仰向け | lie on your back |
首 | neck |
| kata 肩 | shoulders |
背中 | back |
| te 手 | hand |
足 | foot |
| fukurhagi 脹脛 | calf |
| momo もも | thigh |
| serapisuto セラピスト | therapist |
| Saki ni otearai sumasete kudasai. 先にお手洗い済ませて下さい。 | Please go to the toilet first. |
| Tsuyosa 強さは大丈夫ですか？ | How’s the pressure? |
| Chotto ちょっと痛いです。 | It’s a bit painful. |
| Motto tsuyoku shite kudasai. もっと強くしてください。 | Please apply more pressure. |
