Foot Bath and Foot Massage at Arashiyu in Kyoto | Rest Your Tired Feet in a Traditional Machiya

Take a Break from Sightseeing with a Foot Bath in a Kyoto Machiya

Arashiyu is a relaxation experience that combines Japan's foot bath culture with seasonal flowers, traditional Japanese ingredients, a massage by a therapist and a quiet tea break. In Kyoto, you can visit the Arashiyama Main House, the Fushimi Inari Annex and the Gion Annex, and English is available at all three.

In addition to the three Kyoto locations, there is also Arashiyu Kamakura Annex in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. Located on Komachi-dori Street, it offers foot baths in a space inspired by an engawa (a traditional veranda) and foot massages in a room decorated with washi paper. The "Kamakura Blue" foot bath, made with blue flowers inspired by the sea and sky of Kamakura, is another feature unique to this location.

After hours of walking around temples, shrines and bamboo groves, your feet can get more tired than you expect. Arashiyu is designed to let you take a break in the middle of your trip and then head out to your next stop. The time you spend resting your feet can itself become a memory of your time in Japan.

There are two courses: 30 minutes (15-minute foot bath + 15-minute massage) and 50 minutes (15-minute foot bath + 35-minute massage). Both include a drink of your choice from the café menu and a Japanese sweet.

A Lattice-Doored Machiya, Marked by Glowing Lantern Signs

Head first to the machiya townhouse, with its striking façade of lattice doors and tiled eaves. Beside the entrance hang four lantern-style signs decorated with the shop name, tea and foot motifs.

The sign in the photo reads "Kiyomizu-dera Gion Annex," so this is the exterior of the Gion Annex. The foot and tea symbols sum up the kind of time you will spend here.

Once You're Ready, Choose from Four Foot Baths

You can choose from four foot baths: "Miyabi (elegance)" with seasonal flowers, "Misogi (purification)" with mineral salt, "Nagomi (harmony)" with matcha, and "Zen" with green tea. You choose your foot bath type when selecting a package at the time of booking.

Wooden buckets are prepared inside, and each guest soaks their feet in their own bucket. We recommend wearing clothing that is easy to roll up below the knee, but every location has a changing room and changing pants, so even if you are wearing tights or slim-fit trousers, you can change inside the shop.

Four foot baths, each with its own color and fragrance. Your time at Arashiyu begins with choosing which one to try.

Time for the Foot Bath: Soak Your Feet in a Bucket of Floating Flowers

Now it's time to soak your feet in a bucket filled with warm water. In the signature flower foot bath, seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums and carnations float on the surface, so you can enjoy both their colors and their scent.

The types and colors of the flowers change depending on the season and what is available, so they may not be the same as in the photo, but you will always encounter the beauty of that time of year. Enjoying your drink and Japanese sweet while your feet soak is part of the experience, too. It is a chance to pause your plans and unwind with family, friends or your partner.

At the Gion Annex, there is also a foot bath that expresses the flowers of the four seasons through digital art, with a presentation of light and video.

Finish with a Foot Massage: From the Soles to the Calves

After the foot bath comes a foot massage by a therapist. Not only your soles but also your calves are carefully worked on. In semi-private spaces divided by sudare (bamboo screens), sofas and ottomans are lined up, so you can stretch out your legs and relax completely.

This is time to take care of your feet after all that sightseeing. If you want a thorough massage, the 50-minute course is a good choice. On the day, you can also add options such as extra massage time, a head and shoulder massage, hot stones, and salt scrub exfoliation.

Once you've had a final moment to relax, head back out to explore Kyoto. Try making time in the middle of your sightseeing to treat your feet.

FAQ

■How long does it take? There are courses to suit different needs, from a short break for tired feet to a long, relaxing massage. Course durations and contents vary by location, so please check each location's latest menu when booking.

■What should I wear? Are changing clothes provided? We recommend clothing that is easy to roll up below the knee, but tights and slim-fit trousers are fine too. Every location has a changing room and changing pants, so you can change inside the shop.

■Can children join? Children aged 4 and over can take part. There are no child prices or discounts; the regular price applies. Children under 4 can also enjoy the foot bath together with a parent, sitting on their lap or beside them.

■Can men take part? Can we do it together? People of all genders are welcome, whether you are with family, as a couple or with friends. For group bookings, please tell us your preferred location, course and number of guests.

Things to Check Before You Book

• Courses are 30 or 50 minutes
• Choose your foot bath type when booking
• Choose from Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari or Gion
• Menus differ by location
• The digital art foot bath is available only at the Gion Annex
• The types and colors of seasonal flowers vary by season
• English and Japanese available
• Includes a café drink and a Japanese sweet
• Add-on options are requested on the day
• Check the cancellation policy on the booking page

Prices, opening hours and course details are subject to change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Arashiyu is a relaxation experience in a Kyoto machiya where you soak your feet in a foot bath of seasonal flowers, green tea, matcha or mineral salt, then enjoy a foot massage from a therapist. A drink and a Japanese sweet are included.

Start by choosing one of four foot baths and relax with your feet in your own wooden bucket. Then have your feet massaged in a sofa seat divided by sudare screens, and head off to your next stop. There are three locations, in Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari and Gion, and English is available.

Book here: Arashiyu Foot Bath and Blissful Foot Massage (Kyoto)