Japanese Wellness
Japanese wellness
A practice set out in 1925,
given by hand
Open daily,
11:00–19:00 JST (last start 19:00)
Shiatsu was born in Japan.
No instruments, no oil, no medicine.
This page sets out, as plainly as we can, when and where shiatsu began and whose hands give it now. Onsen, zazen and forest bathing each have a long history of their own. What we can speak about here is shiatsu.
When, and by whom
In 1925, Tokujiro Namikoshi set the method out and gave it the name shiatsu. A century on, the same method is carried by the Namikoshi family. The hands working here today are those of Takashi Namikoshi, the third generation, and Tomoya Namikoshi, the fourth.
Not many manual practices can name the year they began. We publish the founder’s own books and the records of the day with titles, publishers and years, so that anyone can go and check.
Who created shiatsu and The Namikoshi lineage set out the detail.
Given by hand alone
No instruments, no oil, no medicine. Only the thumbs and the palms.
Sessions are usually given in a gown we provide. If changing is difficult, we will adjust to your needs case by case.
Where the hands go, and in what order, follows the sequence the founder wrote down. What is shiatsu sets that out, and Shiatsu in Tokyo describes how an hour here runs.
A national licence
To practise shiatsu professionally in Japan you must hold the national licence for Anma Massage Shiatsu. That means completing a recognised course, passing the national examination, and being licensed by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. Everyone who works on a guest here holds it.
The same statute carries a duty of confidentiality (Act No. 217 of 1947, Article 7-2). Choosing a licensed practitioner in Japan explains how to check a licence for yourself, wherever you go.
Imperial Hotel Tokyo
The salon is on the mezzanine floor of the Main Building of Imperial Hotel Tokyo. One minute from Hibiya station exit A13, and walkable from Yurakucho and Ginza. We are open every day of the year from 11:00 to 19:00, and 19:00 is the latest start for every course.
The courses are 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Prices are ¥16,500–¥17,600 for 60 minutes. For 90 minutes they are ¥22,600–¥24,800. For 120 minutes they are ¥28,600–¥31,900, tax included.
The higher rate applies when the third or fourth generation gives the session. Reservations are taken on +81-3-3581-7354 or at reservation@namikoshi-shiatsu.co.jp.
Frequently asked questions
Besides onsen and zazen, what wellness practices were born in Japan?
Is shiatsu wellness, or is it medicine?
Can I come while sightseeing?
Is oil used? Do I need to change clothes?
How do I make a reservation?
Risks and side effects
After a session, the areas we have worked on may feel heavy or tired. Rarely, a spot where pressure was applied may be sore for a short time, or a small bruise may appear. Most of this settles within a few days; if it continues, or grows stronger, please call us.
There are conditions we cannot work with. Among them are a fever, a fracture, a recent injury, a tendency to bruise or bleed easily and pregnancy. Please tell us when you book.
If you have strong pain, numbness or swelling, please see a physician first. Shiatsu here is practised under the Japanese national licence «あん摩マッサージ指圧師» (Anma Massage Shiatsu Practitioner). It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.
Reserve a room
By telephone and email.
Book by phone+81-3-3581-7354Open daily,
11:00–19:00 JST (last start 19:00)
During a session, or outside opening hours, we may not be able to answer at once. Please leave your name and number on the voicemail and we will call you back within opening hours.