This is a photo I took whilst out training for the Tokyo Marathon this morning, just north of Shinjuku. These lovely ladies, who all seem to have bad eyesight, work in an エステ - which translates as 'aesthetician' / 'beautician'. As well as facials etc they seem to do quite a few massages (as the legs sticking up bottom right demonstrate). A popular course, according to the poster, is a trial session lasting 40minutes, costing 5000yen (about US$50).
I could certainly do with a massage now - I've just completed my longest run ever, around the entire Yamanote railway line that circles Tokyo. Started in Shibuya, went anti-clockwise through Meguro, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Akihabara, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and ended up almost 5 hours and 41.4km / 25.7 miles later back in Shibuya. It was absolutely knackering!
I took a tonne of photos along the way using Everytrail - the gps tracking app for iPhone - check out the map and slideshow at
jpta.me/bsVtCM.
Based on how these girls are dressed, I think the services they offer probably go a bit beyond a straight massage and manicure. I have this idea that you might suddenly find yourself being strapped to the bed and whipped, or maybe that's just me... What do you think?
Joseph
