Hi all, looking for some fun ideas for self-care in the kanto area to help get out of the house more often! There are a lot of massage, este, etc but I’m a little lost on where to get started and had the feeling some of it is a little sketchy(I had a weird experience where I had a coupon for Bridal Este but when I tried to make an appointment, they refused me because I said I already got married… what? Just let me use my coupon!!) Any suggestions?
Some things I have enjoyed:
* Gel manicures with crazy designs (Just feels kind of expensive compared to my home country though so I stopped)
* Hair salon for color and cut, but I only go twice a year and want to grow my hair out a bit
* Hot Yoga, absolutely love but cut back as it hasnt worked with my schedule lately
* Quiet time at my local cafes
9 comments
You could check for food festivals or other small events in your area where you can eat delicious things and just hang out for a little while. Also, of course, Onsen are a wonderful way to relax and self care a little bit.
Massage. 100%
Just search for 整体 – most places give you first time offers.
Goo-it, Karada Factory and Re Ra Ku are chains =)
Depends on what’s restorative for you!
I love walking, and I inherited a bucket of ¥1 coins from a friend, so I just walk to konbinis with a fistful of coins and try to spend as many yennies as I can (being mindful to use fewer than 20 coins). I’m searching for a ¥119 or ¥218 coffee 😆
Otherwise I like a lot of basics like YouTube yoga, or just sitting on the floor stretching while listening to an audiobook.
I do Thai massage, gym/personal trainer, walks along the river, bike rides, IPL on legs/under arms, every now and then akasuri.
Also lately I’ve been doing YouTube fitbyivana 12 minute peach bottom workouts. Flat butt no more!!
head spa is really relaxing
ASMR Twix channel on youtube films herself going to spa/este. it’s a good resource to get started with, if you’re looking for recommendations of where to go. i also find it relaxing to watch
Fancy afternoon tea by yourself! I tried this when I had a rare day off to myself recently – I went to a fancy place in Roppongi and just enjoyed eating delicious food/desserts and enjoyed the free flow tea/drinks in a quiet, relaxing space for like 2 hours.
I also second the head spa. Amazing. Also I don’t know if this counts as self care, but I looove going to karaoke by myself and just singing my heart out.
Goshuin collecting! These are the little shrine stamps!
Someone taught me about them and I will walk far to add them! Find some really interesting shrines that way too
I once walked super far north of Arashiyama chasing “just one more temple” for the goshuin – I ended up somewhere with no public transport and my legs were dead at the end of the trip back 😅
In addition to massages and onsen, I would suggest solo karaoke. It’s a great stress reliever!
Sorry, it’s right in the name. You’re not a bride, so no este for you.
But yeah. Massage. Get a traditional Thai massage. You’ll definitely feel it the next day.