This is Where to Treat Yourself in Tokyo

It’s easy to look as polished as the locals when there’s a quality salon or spa on almost every corner, writes Kirsty Munro.

Best post-flight treatment

Chi, The Spa

The ultra-relaxing Kisetsu Ritual at Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo begins in one of six private rooms with a bath and salt scrub using seasonal ingredients. In winter, the treatment incorporates yuzu citrus and sake, while cherry blossom is used in spring. Unwind in the sauna then enjoy a relaxing 60- or 90-minute aromatherapy massage.

The Best Beauty Salons and Spas in Tokyo

Best for brows

Shiseido The Store

A luxurious space in which to experiment with Shiseido’s latest products, the Beauty Boost Bar in the brand’s gleaming flagship Ginza store is the perfect stop for an emergency tidy-up. The eyebrow-designing service gently reshapes unruly brows, tweezing stray hairs and expertly filling gaps with Shiseido’s brow powders in just 15 minutes.

Best manicure

Joli Nails

Pop in to this airy salon in the pretty Shirokane neighbourhood for a classic OPI paint job or gel manicure or go a step further and indulge in its amazing signature nail art. Technician Kikuko Asagami, a Nailpro world gel art champion, can create anything you desire, from portraits of your pet to 3D sushi. Walk-ins are welcome but it’s best to book ahead online for more artistic requests.

Best massage

Aman Spa

Head to this sleek sanctuary on the 33rd and 34th floors of luxury hotel Aman Tokyo for a rebalancing Shirabe massage treatment that includes gentle stretches to help improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. It’s followed by an abdominal massage designed to bring energy back to the body’s centre. Make sure you arrive early so you can start with a relaxing soak in the Japanese bath overlooking the skyscrapers of Otemachi.

Best hair colour

Sin Den

While you can get a great haircut at many of Tokyo’s top salons, colour can be tricky, as local products are designed for black hair and tend to strip colour and moisture. But the darkly modernist Sin Den salon, in the backstreets of the cool Harajuku shopping district, stands out for quality. Put your hair in the hands of its internationally trained stylists for a touch-up or dramatic change and choose from a range of imported colours.

Top image: Aman