I heard about this hideaway spa/salon in Yamate and decided to check it out myself. Using Google maps to navigate the walk, my route took me from Motomachi Chukagai Station to the hilltop of Yamate where I was surprised to find the salon on the same premises as the French restaurant Yamate Jubankan. After I knocked on the door of the classic Western-style house in the garden, the manager of the salon, Megumi Hasegawa, escorted me inside with a big smile. I was soon surrounded by a sweet, warm aroma like sweet sake and brown sugar.
The holistic salon Honoca opened in February this year. It offers low-temperature therapeutic treatment with its Rice Bran Enzyme Bath, which warms the body and stimulates metabolic activity. First, it may look like a regular sand bath, but if you’re immersed in the blackish, fragrant enzyme bath for 15 minutes, your body is warmed up with a deep, penetrating heat. You sweat a lot and your body’s natural healing power is increased.
According to Hasegawa, she wanted to spread the word on this enzymatic bathing ritual because she restored her own health with the help of such baths. Intrigued by the power of living enzymes, she visited a local enzyme spa in Hyogo, fell in love with their rice bran enzyme bath and asked the owner to share her rice bran so that she could open her own spa. “It doesn’t directly cure disease, but it improves your circulation and energy. If we have a healthy body and soul for doing whatever we want to do, the whole town will be vitalized,” said Yokohama-born Hasegawa.
“My skin is brighter and my whole body is kept warm. I feel so refreshed after the bath,” remarked customer Takako Suzuki, who has visited the salon twice. Her skin looked clean and had a radiant glow; it was hard to believe she had a grandchild! Honoca offers a special discount for first-time customers. They can try it three times for just ¥5,400 total (normally ¥4,500 per use.) Male customers are also welcome on “Men’s Day.” If you’re in need of some refreshment, look no further than this hidden beauty spot in Yamate.