It’s easy to look as polished as the locals when there’s a quality salon or spa on almost every corner, writes Kirsty Munro.

Best for beards

Freemans Sporting Club

Sit back in a vintage barber chair while beard specialist Minoru Fujii considers your personality to create a design specifically for you. He not only delivers a precise trim but also a personalised “design chart” to help you maintain your new look at home. If you don’t have a beard, book in for a full-service shampoo, shave and haircut with a scalp, back and shoulder massage. Afterwards, toast your relaxation session with the signature Whisky Sour at the downstairs bar.

Best shoeshine

Chiba Special

In the forecourt of the Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan building opposite Yurakucho Station, expert shoeshiner Mikoto Chiba and his dapper crew tend to company CEOs and design students alike. For ¥1000 (about $12) and 15 minutes of your time, your leather shoes will be supple and shiny again. You can also drop off bags, shoes and belts to be restored and repaired.

Best for jet lag

Spa LaQua

This temple to bathing and relaxation near Tokyo Dome is hot-spring heaven. Try the 13 different indoor and outdoor mineral baths or one of the saunas, ranging from the standard hot to the cold sauna set at 5ºC to improve circulation and alleviate jet lag. Towels and robes are provided. Note tattoos are strictly forbidden.

Best for hair and scalp

Natura

In the upmarket Aoyama shopping district, Natura hair salon specialises in cuts, colours and treatments. Start with the mist treatment using a nano steamer, followed by a mineral-water wash or an aromatherapy scalp massage with argan oil and peppermint, bergamot, lavender or rosemary. For damaged hair, add a honey pack.

Best massage

The Peninsula Spa

An oasis in the business centre of Tokyo, the spa at The Peninsula Tokyo has a calming, modern interior featuring Japanese shoji screens and rich timbers. The range of therapeutic aromatherapy massages includes the citrus Detoxifier and the bay- and clove-infused Muscle Relaxer. For post-flight bliss, choose the Immune Booster massage that uses tea-tree and eucalyptus oils. 

Top image: The Peninsula Spa

SEE ALSO: How to Tackle Tokyo in 24 Hours

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