ARONA SPA HANARE — Local services in Tokyo

I chose to come to Arona Spa Hanare for my first massage for a very long time. After a tough 12 months I felt I needed a new way of relaxing and releasing muscular tension and relieving stress. I decided on Arona Spa based on its reviews and the fact you could easily combine massages. I went for a 60 minute lymphatic massage with oil, concentrating on the back, and a 45 minute dry head massage. My therapist was Risa. She asked what level of intensity I wanted, gentle, middling or strong, and I went for the latter. I wasn't disappointed. She kneaded deep in to my tissue, up to the limit of what I could stand. Risa would sometimes ask if I was OK, and you can always ask for the pressure to increase or lessen. But I sure felt how it loosened and relaxed my entire body, that I thought I would choose a longer course next time. Risa was a lovely and welcoming therapist, who showed great professionalism in her technique and consideration. The reception and space available was rather small and restricted, but nothing unusual for Tokyo and didn't detract from the quality of massage. The reception staff provided a warm welcome and were most courteous. Whether living in Tokyo or on holiday I thoroughly recommend giving Arona Spa Hanare Shinjuku a try. Next time I hope I can persuade my wife to join me. The address is about 10-15 minutes walk from Shinjuku station, and not too difficult to find with...

Located at the fourth floor of a building several blocks from Shinjuku Station. As you get there, there is a sign outside that lets you know when the next available spot is. I went at 5pm, and the sign read next available appointment at 6pm. I went inside the shop, and someone greeted me. I asked if I could take the 6pm slot and after a brief sign up and payment for the 1 hour Shiatsu, I was given a card and asked to return at 6:10pm.

Came back slightly earlier and was allowed to start early. My masseuse was Rei, she was friendly and spoke a conversational amount of English. Prior to the massage, she asked me to fill out a piece of paper and circle areas of my body where I would like her to focus on.

She asked me to start by going into a private room and changing into a provided set of clothes. After changing, Rei came back and started off with a foot massage with hot water. After the foot massage was the rest of the Shiatsu, and to her credit she did seem to focus on the areas that I had specified.

After the massage, she offered me tea and brewed me a cup of hot tea. Although I had never done a massage before, it felt pretty good afterwards and I will say that my legs were noticeably less sore. Overall Rei was great and the place was clean, relaxing,...

Amazing massages! Very clean and professional establishment. They provide you a drawing/sheet where you can explain specific areas you’d like them to focus and the pressure level. With or without Japanese skills, you should be fine at this establishment.

For my first massage, I did a 90 minute massage (60 minute oil and 30 minute facial/lymph node massage). Saitou was my masseuse and she was fabulous. Although there was a language barrier, I was always able to communicate what I wanted and needed. I asked for a lot of pressure and Saitou was able to accommodate for the entire session. After the massage was over, my body felt relieved and I had to come again before I leave Japan. However, she was not available the next day.

The next day, I went again nonetheless and had a 2 hour massage (90 minute oil and 30 minute facial/lymph node) with Eri. I felt bad for requesting max strength for 2 hours (given she still had a long shift after me) but she did perfectly! Her English was also good and she was always attentive/asking if the pressure if correct throughout the massage. This place is definitely worth its price and I’d 100% recommend it. Will be happy to return when I...