Precious nail28【 Reservation Required】 — Local services in Kyoto

I had the best experience with Sayaka San and am beyond pleased with my nails! I first contacted her on the Line app, which I downloaded only for this purpose (it seems to be really popular in Asia, but I never heard of it in the US). She responded almost immediately and we worked out what I was looking for and set an appointment. She has excellent written and spoken English. I sent her some inspiration and pictures of my current nail situation. I think I booked about 2-3 weeks in advance. The salon is about one block from Kyoto station in a small, multi-unit building. She sent me instructions to access the building about 15-20 minutes beforehand (I had the address well in advance). Her salon is the perfect size for one client and really cute! There are a bunch of samples of her work all around (they were all so gorgeous I started second guessing myself!). In the end I stuck to my plan and she had my references photos at the ready. We talked pricing beforehand. She did a nice job cleaning up my nails then set to work hand painting (with gel nail polish) the most adorable little strawberries and flowers. She is absolutely meticulous. Where most nail artists miss areas of my nails because of how they curve, she got everything perfect. At the end she doubled checked to make sure the contours were good and smoothed out anything lumpy. I am 3 weeks out and they still look lovely. I wish I was still in Japan to have her...

Highly highly recommend Sayaka's services!!

I messaged her on Instagram seeking an appointment and was booked in the next day. (I didn't have a Japanese number, so was unable to download the Line app). She was prompt with communication, clear with services and expectations, and her quality of work was phenomenal 🌟

Sayaka's space was clean and inviting, location was easy to find and prices very reasonable for quality and efficiency! I had removal of BIAB (done back hime in Aus) cuticle clean and new gels applied, all in under an hour!!

If I am to visit Kyoto in the future, I most definitely would wait, and book in with Sayaka to have my nails done!

Note for tourists: Read her website - reservations/bookings are essential. Sayaka does not take walk-ins and you will not have access to the location/ space without a...

Sorry in advance for the double review; not sure if my first went through. Wowow just an absolutely amazing experience; I found Sakaya through Google and Instagram, making an appointment was super easy through Line. I was late and Sakaya was still able to accommodate me and finish a full set of nail art by HAND. She hand molded the acrylic tips using an ingenious sticker system that outlined what my natural nails would look like. I'm completely ruined for the US/California - I've had longer mani/pedi appointments there with no nail art at all that looked way worse. I still can't believe Sakaya hand painted the Sakura flowers on my nails and so painstakingly crafted the glitter...