Salon De Tokyo

08/28/09

Best Massage Ever!

by nycnative123

Best massage I've ever had. Tried this place out because of the positive reviews on city search, and I was not dissappointed. I have been here several times and the staff is always great. Some comments about the locker room are true, but it's clean, and the provide you with toiletries to freshen up after your massage. oh, and although the locker room is coed, only one person uses it at a time, and there is rarely a wait.

I recommend going for a sauna before your massage, which is included free!

You can't beat the price. and it's the massage is way worth more then the 70 dollars you pay.

• Pros: Best massage, includes sauna and shower
• Cons: no frills, but is that a con?

02/11/09

Truly terrible massage, I wanted to like it!!!

by debra2014

I was really excited about my appointment, after reading the reviews of this place. As you've probably read, it does feel like you're headed to a DR appt - the building is a nice, professional building. The office is small and a bit sterile, but clean and inviting. I found the staff to be incredibly sweet and friendly. Before the massage, you are taken to the sauna, which was heavenly. I should have left then! The first part of the message my therapist used her hands, the second part her feet. The massage wasn't really a massage, it was more pressing and releasing, pressure points, etc. Which is great by be, but it was so painful. It truly was not enjoyable for 90% of the time. I asked her countless times to please make it lighter, and she said, "too hard?" and laughed (?) each time. I was close to begging, and when that didnt work, close to leaving. I should have, it's my own fault. But I read in previous reviews that, although it was a bit painful, afterwards it felt amazing. Yeah, not so much with me. On top of the extremly painful and unenjoyable "massage", this morning, I feel like I've been struck by a car. Sore head to toe. While the staff is very sweet and the sauna is a great added bonus, I'd never put myself through that again.

• Pros: one of the most painful experiences of my life.
• Cons: friendly staff, clean

12/23/08

Wow! I love it, time and time again

by giallo

I've had a lot of massages and always tell them to go harder and it's okay to go deeper. This place does it. Always a great experience. I go every time I'm in NY, about 3 times a year. It's one of the things I look forward to. After working a trade show it is the best way to get everything back into alignment. The price is great. The people are friendly, maybe too friendly but that's okay. It's not fancy but you can call at the last minute and they usually can get you in. They are open till midnight and nothing feels better than to be walked on then go back to your hotel and go to sleep.

• Pros: Price, location and relaxation
• Cons: one changing room

09/10/08

Best Deep Tissue

by buffboy

No fluffly robe. No mood lighting. No chic decor. No facials. No pedi / manis. Just the best deep tissue massage. They don't use oil, just hard pressure. Some call it Shiatsu, but it's really more like accupressure. Either by hand, finger or walking with their feet. You cannot find a better value $70 for 60 minutes.

• Pros: Deep pressure and walk in appointments during non-peak hours
• Cons: Co-ed locker room that smells like KFC

04/16/08

One of a kind traditional Shiatsu!

by jbender1974

This is traditional Shiatsu massage at its finest! What my practitioner wrought on my back and shoulders can only be described as an artform. If you want luxury, go to any one of the luxury spas in the city which will charge you $120/hr + . If you want a truly fine massage, go to Salon de Tokyo. The premises are small and not luxurious, more of a doctor's office than a spa, which is likely how they keep their costs down (currently $70/hr). The setting is minimalist. Don't expect fine scented oils, candles, and atmosphere. Do however expect one of the finest massages of your life. I've had massages in countless of high priced spas (including the Bellagio in Las Vegas) and this is bar none the best one I've had!

09/05/07

Awesome Experience and Massage!

by kchin83

Having just come back from Japan earlier this year, I had gotten two (regular) massages while I was there but both left me wanting more. I searched through Manhattan for an authentic Japanese shiatsu massage and found this place online after reading a few good reviews. I've been having lower back pains due to poor posture and sitting at a computer desk all day. I've gone through physical therapy and am doing better but wanted to see if a massage would help. After finding the location, I was surprised how much it looked like a plain doctor's office. There was a small desk with some papers and after being escorted in and taking off my shoes, I was brought into the locker room. It should be noted that it is co-ed so all you are given is a towel and you can use either of the 2 shower stalls or the sauna to relax before your massage. I've since gone twice to get massages and both were slightly different but incredible massages. As recommended by other reviews, I requested they walk on my back and always left incredibly satisfied. I'd say there are only about 6 rooms or so and 1-2 are couples rooms so you may be put into a room with someone else getting a massage as well (I've always called in a day or so early just to let them know I was coming). The actual massage begins with general warming up of your body and then proceeds into the lady walking on your back and the rest of your body if you so choose. One time they gave a little more basic massaging before leaving and another time they gave a swedish foot massage with some oils to finish. The shiatsu puts a lot of pressure on your body so if you don't like deep tissue, you can opt to get the swedish instead.

I got exactly what I wanted, an hour long deep tissue / shiatsu massage for 70 dollars which is a bargain. If you expect a fancy spa and other services, this may not be the place to visit but if you all you want is a great back cracking massage, this is definitely the place to check out!

• Pros: Inexpensive, No Frills Excellent Massage, Very Polite
• Cons: Possibly Getting a Roommate

07/06/07

Relaxing? Spa? What Massage??????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by loriben

I was so excited to go to this special spa salon. I heard alot about it. It even won an award for city search.When I arrived it was so unorganized,they didnt know where I should go.I had to sit in front of the mens locker room,and watch mature men in towels come out.I asked for a private room, they put me in a room with another man in it.I complained.The older japanese woman asked me to wait as she started my massage.The man lying next to me was only a foot away started to snore and groan.I could not relax,I had a feeling they werent gonna give me a private room.I got up and complained they werent very nice about the whole situation, the older woman who started my massage was very RUDE to me. I would not recomend this place at all I doesnt matter if you called ahead for a private room they failed to comunicate with me.

I dont know how they won an award from Citysearch.I HIGHLY DISAGREE!!!!!!!!!!!

Ive gone to many spas I would not consider this place a spa it was the worst experence I ever had.

• Pros: none
• Cons: The whole experience was a huge disapointment

A hole-in-the-wall massage studio that attracts adamantly loyal customers for its back-walking shiatsu.

by Contributor

In Short
Don't be fooled by this petite massage parlor's bland office-tower locale or its clinical decor (which consists of a standard desk, a grey locker room and hospital-blue walls). Upon entering, a cadre of exuberantly welcoming women urge you to remove your shoes in preparation for an affordable, hour-long Japanese shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue or reflexology massage. The following held by these back-walking women (including celebrities who'd rather keep the place a secret) speaks volumes.

11/11/05

Great Massages!

by jennielynn1117

I am pretty picky about my massages (and the price I pay for them too!) but when I read about Salon De Tokyo I just had to give it a try. The staff was super friendly and the massage was one of the best I ever got. I was a little hesitant about having the walking on my back done but it was great! Of course it was a little uncomfortable at first but my back feels so loose now! I definitely plan on going back soon and would recommend this place to anyone who lives/works in midtown and wants an amazing massage without going broke.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Very Friendly, Great Massage

08/21/04

Best Massage of my Life!

by danielle2877

Today I had what was quite simply the best massage I have ever had. I went to Salon De Tokyo because I wanted a therapeutic, deep tissue massage...that's EXACTLY what I got. I discovered that I had muscles that I didn't even know were there, and that there was tension in them! I left feeling like a puddle, and plan to go back next week! I got a gift certificate for my husband on my way out, and plan to send everyone I know. If what you are looking for is a frilly and spa-like atmosphere, then this is not the place for you. If you are just a tense, stressed out, and overtired person who needs your muscles worked well, then don't walk, RUN, to Salon De Tokyo. Oh, by the way, it's unbelievably well priced: $70/hr.

• Pros: Skilled therapist, Very polite, Last min accomodation
• Cons: , Small coed sauna