09/15/08

At this Japantown sanctuary, nirvana is attained for less than the cost of a good sushi dinner.

by Contributor

The Scene
If imagining cool cucumber soothing your eyes while a masseuse works out the kinks in your neck sends you into a dream-like state, Kabuki Springs can make your fantasies come true. This Japantown oasis boasts more than 18 treatment rooms, a hot pool, a wet and dry sauna and an endless array of Zen-inducing services. Only women are admitted on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays are reserved for guys. Tuesday is the only coed day (bathing suits are mandatory).

The Services
Admission to the beautiful bathhouse is a steal, particularly during the week. Massages, facials and body wraps, however, aren't dirt-cheap, but you can add on the bathhouse experience for less than the cost of lunch.

The Details
Soaking tub, wet and dry sauna, steam room. Massage, facials, body treatments.

11/18/06

Only SF spa I repeatedly visit

by jdawn

So hard to find a perfect spa, and this is not it. BUT, it is my favorite spa in San Francisco. There are other places for regular massages or even accupuncture (although its pretty good here too). My love for Kabuki is in the Abhyanga Massage with Shirodhara Treatment where the healing massage is complimented by an ending of warm oil(scented to your personal doshi) being poured in a constant stream over your third eye. I believe the word is Heavenly. This treatment will cost quite a bit more anywhere else and it is not because the treatment here is inferior in anyway! The rooms are not sound proof so go when its least likely to be crowded (also make a special request when making your reservation). Same for the communal baths and I recommend going on a non-co-ed day. Make vocal request for what you want and then relax. Sip your cucumber water and breath. One may rarely hear other people but you do not hear street noise. It's a great place to hide away, where you can forget your in a city.

• Pros: incomparable value, Abhyanga Massage w/Shirodhara Treatment, convenient validated parking, baths off-hours
• Cons: rarely voices in halls, baths at peak times

11/16/06

Very relaxing, rejeuvenating, good staff, clean.

by trickywoo2

Great place to go for a relaxing and rejeuvenating treat. Good bargain, entry to the communal baths is free is you get a massage. Watch out, don't be too loud in the communal bath area or else you'll will get gonged! I like this place because it's a good value if you just want to get entry into the baths and stay for a couple hours. Sometimes there is a wait to get into the communal baths, if you make an appointment for a massage, however, there is no wait.

• Pros: clean, relaxing
• Cons: can be crowded at time

11/06/06

always relaxing environment!

by arashbabaki

I ahve benn going here for a while now and it has always been a good experience. It is getting more difficult to make appointment with the message people. the jacuzi can get too crowded.

08/06/06

Amazing Shiatzu Massage, Wonderful Spa!

by jverse

First time trying shiatsu and went for an 80 minute massage. It was amazing. I don't know if I can ever go back to Swedish. I emerged feeling like my body had been totally "fixed". It was quite rigorous but a wonderful release. My stiff next and knotted back were gone. I was actually able to turn my neck farther! My masseuse was Tomo - very skilled, professional, and not a talker!

The spa area was very serene - a place you can completely relax and forget about your worries. Highly recommended!

• Pros: Excellent Shiatsu, Very Good Value, Wonderful Spa
• Cons: Wouldn't mind the hot spring just a bit hotter, but that's just me....

08/01/06

Absolute Bliss!

by ilikerockstars

I've been to spas all over the city, and after going here I refuse to go anywhere else. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The therapists have always been top-notch. But the real kicker is the Japanese baths. After a long day or week, nothing beats spending a couple hours there. It's maximum relaxation! Also, the price for treatments here is cheap compared to other places around town. I highly recommend you find your bliss here!

• Pros: Cost, treatments, staff
• Cons: n/a

07/10/06

Bliss package is wonderful

by missnines

Got the bliss package as a gift from my boyfriend. The experience was great! The traditional bath was wonderful: the attendant pours water over you and scrubs your back with cucumber scented soap! The cherries and oranges provided for snacking were a nice touch. The massage that follows is wonderful as well. I dozed off towards the end when she started on my feet; the room is kept around 75 degrees, and so peaceful you can't help but feel relaxed.

One small drawback: you can hear people in the hall getting ready for the communal bath. It's a little distracting.

• Pros: Traditional bath, massage
• Cons: You can hear other patrons in the lobby.

04/08/06

Great massage, ambience

by giantsgal

Once I'd made my way past the pseudo-bohemian receptionists - who did not set a good tone to the beginning of my experience - I was escorted into a private room for the bliss package. Very soothing experience. The bathing was seemingly ritualistic and the massage from Amy was out of this world. The atmosphere was interesting although nothing to write home about necessarily.

• Pros: Massage, Furo bath
• Cons: bit snooty up front

03/28/06

Not My Cup of Tea!

by jane_smly

There are many breeds of spa goers - if you like luxury girly pampering a la Bliss Spa, Kabuki Spa is not for you. I made the mistake of going on Tuesdays which is co-ed day. There are only 2 small hot baths, and althoughy it was the middle of a work day it was filled with young men and women. Most people sported hipster tattoos. The whole place had a hippie, New Age feel. The dress code seemed to be motorbike jacket. Hygiene is not high on the list. Massage skills was quite average. Changing rooms/lockers were old and stinky like an old school gym. I vow never to leave Bliss Spa again.

• Pros: Friendly Staff, Validated Parking
• Cons: Crowded, Stinky, Old Lockers

09/07/05

Communal Bath - Great Deal!

by pegpie

My husband and I have been to bath houses in Japan and wanted to relive our experience. Kabuki provided this for us at a great value ($16 before 5 PM). We left with glowing skin and relaxed bodies. The complimentary items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. made it even more worth it. We will definitely come back!