HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION

A CHALLENGING ASPECT

Making a reservation is likely the most challenging aspect for non-Japanese clients. This is because booking procedures vary from salon to salon, and some establishments require phone calls to confirm reservations.

In this section, we’ll explain typical reservation methods and highlight key points you should keep in mind.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE A RESERVATION

In most cases, you’ll need a mobile phone number that’s valid in Japan. While it’s possible to complete reservations using only websites or email, this significantly limits your choice of salons.

The main reason is that around 90% of communication with salons is done via text message or LINE. LINE is Japan’s most popular chat app, and registering an account typically requires a Japanese phone number. Although phone numbers from some other Asian countries where LINE is common might also work, you should check LINE’s official website for detailed information.

A Japanese phone number is strongly recommended. During the booking process, salons frequently request your phone number. Using an overseas number can result in you not receiving messages from salons or your reservation being ignored. Salons often consider non-Japanese clients without a local phone number inconvenient or less desirable because they assume you’re just a one-time tourist.

Therefore, the best solution is to purchase a Japanese SIM card and obtain a Japanese mobile phone number. The three most common booking methods are online reservations, telephone reservations, and reservations through LINE. We’ll explain each method below.

ONLINE RESERVATION

The most common reservation method is booking online, either via the salon’s official website or through Men’s Esthe portal sites.

On the website, you can choose a specific therapist and check their availability (or select only the date and time without specifying a therapist). After selecting your therapist, desired session duration, and massage menu, you’ll see available time slots. Once you choose a time slot, you’ll be redirected to a page to enter your name, phone number, and other necessary details. After submitting your reservation request, you’ll usually receive confirmation via email or text message within 15 minutes to 2 hours.

One important thing to look out for when booking online is any special instructions related to reservations. On either the first or last page of the reservation form, there may be notices such as “Please call the salon one hour before your appointment to confirm.” If you’re not confident speaking Japanese, it’s safer to avoid salons with these requirements.

If no such instructions are given, you can typically complete your reservation solely through email or text messages, making these salons more accessible to non-Japanese speakers.

Even if your reservation gets canceled due to not making the required confirmation call, you generally won’t lose money, since most salons ask for payment in cash at the salon.

Additionally, some salons don’t show real-time availability online. Instead, you submit a form with your preferred date, time, and therapist, and then wait for the salon’s response. In this case, expect several rounds of communication via text or email.

TELEPHONE RESERVATION

Some salons do not offer online reservations. In these cases, you’ll typically find their phone number prominently displayed at the top of their official website. Many of these salons have been around for a long time and include reputable establishments that have survived over the years. If you’re reasonably comfortable speaking Japanese, making a reservation by phone can also be a good option.

RESERVATION VIA LINE

Some salons offer LINE reservations in addition to online or telephone booking. Even salons that primarily accept reservations by phone have recently begun supporting LINE reservations as well. It’s a good idea to add the salon as a friend on LINE through their official website and try booking that way.

After you add them, you’ll typically receive an immediate message detailing the reservation process. Simply follow the instructions provided in that message. If you don’t receive any message, you should proactively send an inquiry to the salon asking about how to make a reservation.

THE DIFFICULTY OF RESERVATIONS

Although online reservations have become mainstream, making an appointment at a Men’s Esthe salon can still be challenging due to the variety of reservation methods and special instructions that differ between salons.

To address these difficulties, our Patreon community will share carefully selected recommendations of salons and therapists, along with detailed booking guidance, exclusively with our premium members. After all, there’s little point in going through the hassle of booking only to end up with a disappointing salon or therapist.

We highly recommend becoming a member to fully enjoy the Men’s Esthe experience without unnecessary frustration.

Our community is scheduled to open around June, and early members can join at a special introductory rate of just $10 per month. Sign up with your email today, and we’ll keep you informed about our official launch!