I got my nails done at a salon in Japan, and the lavish $40 experience made American salons seem eons behind

Nickelle TilleyJan 16, 2024, 07:05 IST

I went to a local salon in Okinawa, and it was so much better than the spas I visited in the US.Nickelle Tilley

As an American who moved to Okinawa, I decided to compare nail salons in the US and Japan.
The 90-minute pedicure I got at Okinawa's Cocok Spa for $40 blew away my experiences in the US.

After moving from the US to Japan, I made an appointment at a popular local salon called Cocok Spa.

I moved from North Carolina to Okinawa with my husband and our daughter.Nickelle Tilley

I made a pedicure appointment in advance using the spa's website.

Cocok Spa is a favorite among locals and expats in Okinawa.Nickelle Tilley

The check-in process was easy to navigate.

I checked into Cocok Spa using the iPad at the front of the salon.Nickelle Tilley

The waiting area had complimentary snacks and beverages.

I helped myself to a free snack and pineapple soda before my appointment.Nickelle Tilley

Employees sanitized stations between appointments, and the whole salon felt immaculate.

The Cocok staff sanitized the stations between each appointment.Nickelle Tilley

As a parent, I was really excited to see a designated children's play area and kid-friendly services on the spa menu.

A wide variety of beverages were available to customers.Nickelle Tilley

I didn't realize how much I disliked the massage chairs in the US until I sat in one of the salon's reclining chairs.

The reclining chair made the pedicure so much more relaxing.Nickelle Tilley

Every chair had its own iPad with folders of different nail colors, designs, and services.

Each chair came with its own iPad so that customers could scroll through the design and polish options.Nickelle Tilley

Different pedicures were marketed as having specific health benefits.

The menu said certain pedicures had specific health benefits.Nickelle Tilley

I soaked my feet in a separate bucket, which felt more hygienic than submerging them in a traditional pedicure chair.

I chose the design I wanted on my toes on the iPad.Nickelle Tilley

I had the option to order a full meal from a large food menu.

I could order full meals from the Burrito Box menu.Nickelle Tilley

Those who ordered from the menu could have their food delivered or eat outside after their session ended.

Burrito Box had a full menu that customers could order from.Nickelle Tilley

The massage took up the bulk of the 90-minute service.

The massage was the most lengthy part of the pedicure.Nickelle Tilley

I chose to get a cherry blossom drawn on my toenails, and the nail art was included in the price of my pedicure.

The nail art was included in the price.Nickelle Tilley

Check-out was just as seamless as my arrival.

The more appointments I book at Cocok, the closer I get to a discount.Nickelle Tilley

The total cost came out to around $40, and it was worth every penny.

Free snacks and drinks were included in the price of my pedicure.Nickelle Tilley

No pedicure I've ever gotten in the US has compared to my experience in Japan.

My pedicure at Cocok Spa never felt rushed.Nickelle Tilley

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