I have been asked about where kids can get their nails done in Japan a LOT lately.
I can understand why as many of the Japanese women (and some men!) sport beautifully decorated intricately designed nails.
However, Japan has many amazing options for kids BUT nail salon options is not it.
Nail Salons are a different vibe in Japan to many other countries. A holiday in Bali, Vietnam or Thailand can mean really affordable nail salon options for adults and kids (and even in Australia too!) but Japan sees nail salons as a similar tier to a luxury spa.
Nail salons in Japan are:
- expensive
- time-consuming (it is such an art form that you can be sitting there for hours and hours!
- rarely welcoming children (mostly because they are seen as a serene high-end luxurious space)
Honestly, I recommend getting stick on nails or buying cute nail polish colours at Japanese drugstores and 100 yen shops – they also have cute nail sticker options! OR getting special nails done at home before your trip.
More than anything : I recommend going to drugstores and even Daiso (100 yen shop) for stick on INCREDIBLY KAWAII nails for adults and kids. Most of my Japanese friends don’t have the budget for a Japanese nail salon so they also use these stick on options.
If you still really really want to try a Japanese nail salon with your child – there is JoJo Nail in Ikebukuro. Prices start at 6000 yen and appointments take approximately 90 mins per person. By appointment only.
I’ve heard that Top Coat in Shimokitazawa and near Shiba Park in Minato-ku (not too far from Tokyo Tower) can take children. Make a reservation on their website – please take note of their cancellation policy.
JAPANESE HEADSPAS IN TOKYO (NOT FOR KIDS – JUST FOR ADULTS)
I haven’t been but I’ve heard good things about Rabbicour in Ginza.
