Head massage specialist salon Goku no Kimochi may be the most sought-after massage establishment in Japan. Since they opened their first shop in Kyoto in 2008, rumor quickly spread about the effectiveness of their blissfully relaxing massages which work wonders on stiff neck and shoulder muscles. Business thrived, and they spread to other cities, opening in Osaka in 2010, their first Tokyo branch in Ginza in 2013, their second one in Harajuku in 2018, and their first international location in New York City which opened in May 2019 (see bottom of article).

After they introduced a new technique in 2015 which creates such a relaxing and pleasurable effect that customers fall asleep within ten minutes, their popularity soared even higher, and now their waiting list across all branches exceeds 436,000.

Goku no Kimochi

The name 悟空のきもち "Goku no Kimochi," which means "Goku's Feeling," is a reference to the last scene in the famous Chinese legend Journey to the West. When the Monkey King Sun Wukong (Goku in Japanese) finally attains Buddhahood, the constrictive golden circlet on his head disappears, allowing him to gain peace as he finally obtains enlightenment. It is this feeling which Goku no Kimochi aspires to. And while their massages can't promise you enlightenment, if your experience is anything like ours was, they'll surely take you to Cloud Nine!

Harajuku Jingu Branch

Goku no Kimochi's proprietary massage techniques, developed to heighten pleasure-producing dopamine and put you in a deep state of relaxation, create such a sleep-inducing effect that customers often liken their experience to taking a trip in a time machine: When the specialist gently wakes you from a slumber you were unprepared for, you realize that many minutes have passed and you emerge feeling euphoric and released from stress.

This "time machine" effect was the source of inspiration for Goku no Kimochi's most recent branch in the Harajuku Jingu neighborhood of Tokyo. The interior looks like it belongs in a sci-fi theme park, with each floor in a different theme relating to traveling through time and space. Not only will you enjoy a wonderful massage, you'll also be impressed by these amazing designs which help set the perfect mood.

Our friend, model and actress Yoko Fukami, who also happens to be an avid anime and sci-fi fan, was eager to join us on this assignment to experience a Goku no Kimochi head massage at the Harajuku Jingu branch.

Entrance

The Harajuku Jingu branch is housed within a modern, elegantly designed building situated just a short five-minute walk from Tokyo Metro's Meiji-jingumae Station.

First Floor: Research Lab for Sleep and Travel

Step through the doors to begin your journey...

The first floor is the reception area where customers sign in, wait for their turn and view an introductory video. The room has a decidedly steampunk motif, the theme being a research laboratory studying ways to induce sleep and assist you as you set off to "travel through time and space."

Head Spa Experience

Yoko was lucky to have a veteran specialist in charge of her massage session. This was the booth, with a comfortable reclining chair, towels and blankets and relaxing lighting. You can choose between 60 minute, 90 minute and 120 minute courses.

Yoko: "First, she lifted up my bangs and massaged my temples. Almost every place she touched was a pressure point! When she pushed a really sensitive one, I even felt tingles in my fingers and toes! The music was also so relaxing :) She went from my head to the base of my fingers and then my neckline! My neckline felt so good! The best part was when she massaged the center part of the nape of my neck! I can't do that by myself...."

When the massage was over, the specialist gently stimulated her into a more awake state. Yoko couldn't believe that so much time had passed. The specialist was so gentle and friendly that they struck up a conversation.

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Floor Designs

Wonderfully rested and feeling buoyant and happy after her massage, Yoko explored each floor as we tagged along...

Princess Kaguya's Ship (B1)

The design of the basement level is based on the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, which some consider to be Japan's earliest science fiction story. An old childless bamboo cutter finds a beautiful girl in a bamboo forest, raises her with his wife and gives her the name Princess Kaguya. She has numerous suitors, even the emperor of Japan, but she rejects them all. She finally reveals that she came from the Moon and was destined to return there.

The floor's concept is a corridor in Princess Kaguya's spaceship as she returns to the Moon. Those who get a massage here will walk through the bamboo-lined corridor to access their massage room, while a video loop of the Earth and the Moon displays on a mirrored wall at the back.

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Somnological Spaceship (2F)

Symbolizing a journey through space, the second floor's motif is a spaceship for sleep...

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Sleep Time Machine (3F)

With digital clocks each displaying a different time embedded in the sleek surfaces of futuristic pods, the third floor's theme is a "sleep time machine."

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Friendly Staff

When it was time to leave, Yoko's friendly massage specialist came out to say goodbye. The massage was so relaxing and the experience was amazing.

Yoko: "I regularly get massages of all kinds so I have a bit of experience with them but the level of the massage I got here was top class! Next time, I'd like to come in for 90 minutes. Maybe I'll even go to the new branch opening up in New York!"

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Further Information

If you'd like to get a massage at one of Goku no Kimochi's four branches, including the Harajuku Jingu branch which we covered in this article, visit their reservation page here.

The long waiting list may sound like it's difficult to get in, but actually, there's a cancellation waiting list you can also sign up for through the LINE social network. Canceled appointments regularly open up spots in their calendar, so your patience will be rewarded if you regularly check their schedule.

Harajuku Jingu Branch

• Address (JP): 東京都渋谷区神宮前3－21－7神宮前NTビル
• Address (EN): Jingumae NT Bldg., 3-21-7 Jingumae Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
• Tel: 03-6721-0553 (reservations online only)
• Hours: 10:30 to 21:00
• Website: Goku no Kimochi Harajuku Jingu Branch
• General Website: Goku no Kimochi

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Goku no Kimochi in the Big Apple

Goku no Kimochi has opened in New York City under the name Goku

• Name: Goku
• Address: 18 W 38th St, New York NY 10018
• Tel: +1 (929) 336-3088
• Email: info@gokusleep.com
• Home Page: Goku (NY)
• Instagram: Goku New York
• Facebook: Goku NY