Relaxation Massage

After a long day visiting temples and gardens, or walking shopping, there is nothing more soothing and relaxing than a good massage. When traveling, the problem is often to know where to go! Well, we may just have a good address for you: Yuga, Refresh Salon

The place is located on Shichijo Street, near the intersection with Karasuma Street. This is the first major crossing when you go out of Kyoto Station Central Exit and walk north. It’s only a few minutes from the station. I recommend you call in advance to reserve your time slot as the place can get fully booked. As for communication, ask for Kanna san — she speaks English, Japanese, and Chinese. For the massage, I’d recommend Sei san, who does give a great massage.

While I can’t translate all their website, know that your options are:

Oil Massage, starting at 50 min for yen 6,800, all the way to 110 min (yen 12,800) or more. After 90 min (yen 10,800), you’ll have the option of hot stones therapy — a treat!
Body Massage (traditional Chinese style) aka Meridian Body Care: 30 min for yen 2,800 or 60 min for yen 5,800
Body wash: you’ll spend 10 min in a hot tub to warm up your body, and then be subjected to scrubbing to remove soft and old skin. This is really very rejuvenating and you’ll feel like a newborn baby after, again ready to visit more temples and go for more shopping. (50 min for yen 6,800, 80 min for yen 9,800)
Yuga Special course combines everything. You start with a 10 min hot bath, followed by the body wash, then Meridian Body Care,
Reflexology, Oil Treatment, Stone Therapy, Whole Body Hot Towel Pack. 100 min (yen 11,800), 140 min (yen 15,800), 180 min (yen 19,800).

(Note that the prices mentioned may have changed since this was written. Confirm on their website or call them!)

All the treatments are done in private clean rooms, and they accept both women and men. When you call, tell them Akiko and Patrick sent you.