HITORINO（ヒトリノ）head spa & care — Local services in Sapporo

This is NOT the 1st time Head spa in Japan, As a traveler, I wanted to visit a head spa in Sapporo because I didn’t feel like washing my hair myself due to the extremely cold weather and heavy snow. So, I walked into a head spa and was able to get an appointment immediately at 17:10.

I arrived a little before 17:00, and to my surprise, the staff informed me that I was not allowed to wait inside the store, even though there were empty seats in the waiting area. I was shocked because it was just a 10-minute wait before my service began. I asked myself, Where am I supposed to wait? The weather outside was freezing with heavy snowfall. In the end, I had no choice but to walk around the building until my appointment time.

Language Barrier & Communication Issues

The staff did not speak a single word of English. Instead, they used a printed translation in English to communicate with me. While I understood this is common in Japan and I didn’t expect fluent English, it still made the service experience less smooth and welcoming.

The Most Shocking Part – The Service Duration

I purchased a 90-minute package, and my treatment started at 17:10. However, by the time everything was completed, I checked my watch, and it was only around 18:15—meaning I received a service of just over 60 minutes instead of the full 90 minutes. • The time included pre-checking my scalp, changing clothes, and the entire treatment process. • A significant amount of time was also spent on reading the printed translations instead of actual service. • The remaining 30 minutes was just checking my scalp again after the treatment and drying my hair myself.

This was completely different from my experience at a head spa in Fukuoka, where the service was thorough from start to finish—including blow-drying my hair as part of the package.

Lack of Privacy & Noise Issues

Another issue was that the spa rooms were not fully enclosed, which affected the relaxation experience. If someone in the next room finished earlier, I could immediately hear the loud sound of a hair dryer while I was still trying to relax. Additionally, if someone was deeply asleep and snoring, the noise was clearly audible, making the environment quite unpleasant.

Not Up to Japanese Standards

I personally feel that this place did not meet the high standards of service that Japan is known for. The fact that I was not allowed to wait inside the store for just 10 minutes was disappointing and unnecessary.

For the price I paid, this was a terrible experience. I expected a professional and relaxing head spa, but instead, I got a rushed and incomplete service. This was nothing like the excellent experience I had in Fukuoka, where every detail was carefully...

Professional and relaxing experience. I visited in early December 2024. I was the first customer of the day. The treatment plan I chose was premium + footbath. The salon is located upstairs in a small building in the heart of town. The building was filled with similar salons.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by staff and shown to my treatment room. The room was spacious with soothing lighting. I was given water and hot towel while I wait for my therapist，Ms Noguchi.

As I don't speak Japanese, I was slightly worried about communication gap, but rest assured, Ms Noguchi had a pile of palm cards prepared and used it to communicate with me. When in a more complex conversation, she had used her phone to translate live to me.

We started with a detailed look at my scalp and took some photos, and Ms Noguchi explained to me some of the concerns with my scalp and hair and recommended the combination of products to use that is the best suited for my condition. I get to choose which shampoo I like out of the seven flavours available. Depending on the treatment, some of the other steps like hair masks and conditioner have choices too. During this step there was also an ipad in front of me that has the English explanation.

The next step was a warm footbath to start the relaxing ritual.

The headspa itself was a rewarding experience, compared to other headspas I had went to, this one has much more attention to details and truly let me relax with minimal talking and concentration on the treatment and massage. I fell asleep for awhile although that was the first thing I did that morning!

After the treatment my scalp was observed again to compare the difference, tea and hot towel was served.

One of the things I liked about this place is that there isn't any hardselling or upselling. Although all the products they used can be purchased, they did not push for it. But when I asked for it, they gladly explained how to use along with price and brochure.

Payment is settled in the treatment room, so basically there is no need to leave the room at all from the beginning til the end.

I had booked my appointment through Line and Ms Noguchi had sent me the before and after photos post-treatment.

I will highly recommend anyone who wants a bit of me-time in heart of the city to give this a try and you...

I had the most relaxing and indulgent experience at this Japanese head spa in Sapporo. The atmosphere was serene and private, making me feel like I had stepped into my own personal day spa. My consultant, Erika, was incredibly attentive and professional, even though she didn’t speak much English. Her care and expertise truly elevated the service.

From the luxurious selection of fragrances and products to the best head massage I’ve ever had, every detail was thoughtfully executed. I left feeling completely relaxed, and my scalp has never felt better—so clean and refreshed! Erika was also dedicated to addressing any sebum and buildup on my scalp, making the experience both pampering and educational.

The spa was immaculately clean, with an attention to detail that was second to none. It’s an indulgent and luxurious escape that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique, restorative experience. I’ll definitely be returning on my next...