JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 15 most popular massage & relaxation tours in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Japanese facial bone sculpting, micro-bubble scalp cleansing, and pelvic realignment in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
“this facility is very clean, beautiful I love the table and the entire treatment was great. I've never had a treatment like that.”
A beginner-friendly Ikebana workshop in central Tokyo near Shinjuku. Make your own arrangement with Ai-sensei guidance and take it home.
“I was invited by a friend to join. It was my first time in Ikebana, but the teacher taught me very gently and carefully, and I was able to finish a satisfactory work. The conversation with the teacher and the friends I went with was pleasant, and it happened very quickly. I naturally feel attached…”
Matcha facial and head spa at an Osaka temple: incense meditation, Buddha-side foot bath, tea ceremony, and yukata photo keepsakes.
“my daughter and I did this together. beautiful experience. very relaxing”
Award-winning spa at SPA DAMAI DAIKANYAMA in Daikanyama, Tokyo. Choose shiatsu, facial, or couples massage. Towels and robes included.
“Great spa definitely recommend! Professional from start to finish. Worth treating yourself! Couple massage lovely experience. Staff welcoming and very friendly.”
Osaka’s Tennen Onsen Naniwa-no-Yu on the 8th floor: $5 admission, city views, carbonated mineral baths, and simple add-on amenities.
“Fabulous. Go more than once. It’s so beautiful and relaxing”
90-minute warm bamboo oil massage in an Osaka temple, plus incense rituals, Zen meditation, and an explained matcha tea ceremony.
“This is the second time I have been to this lovely temple for a massage and it was just as wonderful as it was in March. Thank you so much, I would highly recommend it to everyone to come and visit the fabulous ladies here for a lovely calming and rejuvenating experience in the most…”
Zen temple massage in Osaka with warm bamboo fascia work, matcha facial and head spa, plus tea ceremony and yukata photos in 3 hours.
“It was a wonderful experience amazing massage and facial. Beautiful surroundings calm mindful reflective special afternoon cannot recommend enough. Highlight of the holiday”
Tokyo head spa scalp care includes microscopic diagnosis, water-jet peeling, technical massage, and a sake-hydrating pack in a private 2-hour session.
“The experience is one of the most relaxing experiences I have had and I do visit spas often, will miss it!! Myy hair feels great! Maiko is the most friendly and amazing therapist, she will help you out with any questions. The only challenge was I got lost in the building and went to 2…”
120-minute private Kyoto body and head massage near Kyoto Station, choose shiatsu or aroma oil, 1–2 people, mobile ticket.
“Super kind woman who spoke great English and had amazingly strong hands! Clear instructions, easy to find, and a lovely clean little spot. I would recommend this- heck, we considered doing it two days in a row haha.”
Zen temple massage in Osaka with foot bath, oil fascia release, matcha facial, head spa, tea ceremony, and yukata photo.
“This is truely an amazing experience! We did the 3 hours and it was worth ever penny. Massage, footbath, facial amd matcha making! Amd they make sure to take pictures and small films”
Temple bamboo healing massage in Osaka with a yukata photo, foot bath, oil fascia release, and a tea ceremony with wagashi sweets.
“This might be my favorite thing I've done in Japan. It's an amazing experience! If you like massages or if you have never gotten a massage, you NEED to do this! I loved getting to do this and I'm glad my anxiety about traveling solo didn't get iRead more”
![[Japan Wellness] Zen Meditation and Temple Tour in Matsushima - Timing and meeting point: plan like a calm person](https://images.thejapantraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/japan-wellness-zen-meditation-and-temple-tour-in-matsushima.jpg)
Zen meditation at Zuigan-ji with special-room access, matcha over Matsushima Bay, Entsu-in moss gardens, and shojin ryori lunch from Sendai.
“At Zuiganji Temple, we were able to enter a special room and listen to a monk explain about the historical paintings on the sliding doors. The zazen experience was very refreshing and I was able to learn how to breathe. I was also lucky to be Read more”
Private acupuncture and Japanese chiropractic near Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome, with moxibustion and nerve-style care in 90–120 minutes.
“Very friendly excellent treatment first time acupuncture and treatment helping my back and neck.”
Kintsugi workshop in Kanazawa with artisan Rin Kiyose: lacquer, gold powder, mindful calm. Small group, take home your repaired piece.
“This experience is offered in an arts hub by a very friendly group. My master craftsperson Lin Kiyose was informative and patient with me and answered all my questions. The owner of the hub generously showed me other artists’ work and gave me the address for a fabulous paper shop which i hadn’t found myself.”
Osaka Zen therapy blends shiatsu-style qi balancing, energy work with crystals, samue kimono, and matcha tea at MAITRII.
“Well worth the price! My body was so tired and the treatments left me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. I’m so glad I found this treatment.”
