Types of treatment

The range of bodywork in Tokyo: traditional anma, shiatsu, foot reflexology (riflexology), quick-massage chains, aroma and oil massage, and the city's Thai and other imported styles.

A city of many hands

Tokyo offers the full spectrum of legitimate bodywork, from ancient Japanese traditions to imported styles. Knowing the vocabulary helps you pick the right treatment — and the right kind of place.

The main types

• Shiatsu: the firm finger-pressure therapy, clothed, therapeutic (full page);
• Anma: the older traditional Japanese massage — kneading and pressing, shiatsu's ancestor, still practised;
• Foot reflexology (“riflexology”): hugely popular in Tokyo — pressure on the feet (and sometimes hands) mapped to the body; a superb pick after a day of walking the city;
• Quick-massage chains: ubiquitous walk-in shops offering 10–60 minute clothed massage (often in station areas and malls) — affordable, efficient, no-appointment relief for tired shoulders and backs;
• Aroma / oil massage: Western-style relaxation massage with oils, at spas and salons;
• Thai massage: Tokyo has many legitimate Thai-massage studios offering the stretching-and-pressure style (see our Thailand guides for the source);
• Head spa: a Japanese specialty — luxurious scalp and hair treatments that are pure bliss.

Choosing

• Stiff neck/shoulders/back: shiatsu or a quick-massage chain;
• Tired legs and feet: reflexology;
• Pure relaxation: aroma/oil massage or a spa;
• The full ritual: pair a bath (onsen/sento) with a massage — many bath complexes offer both.

How to find reputable places, and read the signs: finding a good massage.