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 knowing 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 gives a great massage.

While I can’t translate their website, know that your options are (or were at the time of writing):

Oil Massage, starting at 50 minutes for ¥7,800, all the way to 110 minutes (¥13,800) or more. After 90 minutes (¥11,800), you’ll have the option of hot stone therapy — a treat!
Body Massage (traditional Chinese style) aka Meridian Body Care: 30 min for ¥3,800 or 60 min for ¥6,800
Body wash: you’ll spend 10 minutes 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 ¥7,800, 80 min for ¥10,800)
Yuga Special course combines everything. You start with a 10-minute hot bath, followed by the body wash, then Meridian Body Care,
Reflexology, Oil Treatment, Stone Therapy, Whole Body Hot Towel Pack. 100 minutes (¥12,800), 140 minutes (¥16,800), 180 minutes (¥20,800).

(Note that the prices mentioned may change over time. 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.