In energetic Tokyo, wellness is not an indulgence but an essential ritual. The Japanese capital is a global leader in wellness innovation, where spas prioritize holistic health over superficial beauty, utilizing cutting-edge, non-invasive therapies.
This philosophy is adopted widely among locals, who consider restorative treatments as a form of regular maintenance to counteract the rigors of urban living.
The following three places allow visitors to experience the wellness culture firsthand, offering services that rejuvenate the mind and body.
Aman Spa
Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Aman Tokyo’s expansive wellness center is inspired by the design of a traditional Japanese ryokan inn. Paneled in fragrant Japanese wood, the city’s largest hotel spa provides a stunning view of downtown’s glittering skyline.
Aman Spa’s team of experts assesses your physical condition and gives a comprehensive report to help you achieve any personal health goals. Eastern-style methods, including tongue and pulse diagnoses, along with the more Western-nodding body composition analysis, nutritional advice and detox regimens like the three-day program designed by tennis legend Novak Djokovic, enable guests to tailor their ideal wellness retreat.
Aman’s One Day Wellness Program includes a consultation and assessment; a 60-minute private session of your choice in either Pilates, kickboxing, yoga, personal or functional training; a 90-minute spa treatment; use of the fitness facilities and a private healthy lunch at Arva’s chef’s counter.
After consultations, sessions or treatments, indulge in the traditional Japanese baths, showers, steam rooms and indoor heated pool. Alternatively, if you want to simply take in the city views, you can exhale in comfortable lounge chairs by the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Tokyo
France’s leading specialists in hands, nails and feet care have installed their only Japanese studio at Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Tokyo. The services here far surpass the standard manicures and pedicures. The Pedi: Mani: Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez homes in on the health of skin and nails as much as their appearance.
You’ll find no polish or chemical treatments, but a uniquely holistic approach to nails. Natural lacquers are free of toxins, and a special buffing method is used to color and shine nails without harming the hands and feet. Overseen by certified French podiatrist Benoit Perrier, analyses of skin and feet are available in customized treatments.
After being pampered on a 46th floor filled with stunning Tokyo vistas, you’ll never want to go back to chemical nail services again.
Holos Tokyo
If you’re looking for a treatment that is unique to Japan, try Singing Rings at Holos Tokyo, a new health studio in the city’s tourist-friendly Akasaka district. The Singing Rings also may be the answer for those seeking deep relaxation and tension relief — it uses high-precision acoustic instruments to send your body into a realm of tranquility.
These devices resemble Tibetan sound bowls but are said to have a stronger effect. They’re placed on or next to the body and struck with a mallet to release a calming vibration and mellifluous tone that eases muscles, sparking an immediately soothing effect on the nervous system and improving synaptic responses in the brain. After the calming session, a good night’s sleep follows. Singing Rings are safe for patrons of any age, and they’re especially helpful to those with chronic pain.
The contemporary Holos also offers a range of other Japanese-style treatments, ultrasound techniques, chiropractic care and head spa services.
