It might not seem like such a big deal for some, but for those of us that like to have a golden glow (fake of course!) during the summer months, trying to find somewhere to buy self-tanner or get a spray tan in Tokyo is not such an easy task.
In Japan, flawless pale skin is still the ultimate beauty goal. During summer, Japanese woman go to great lengths, not only protect their skin from harmful UV rays by using high protection sunscreen, but also physically covering their skin with UV sleeves, legging, hats and parasols. In the late 90’s the Ganguro (ガングロ) girls had a moment, with their extreme tans and blonde hair, but this look was short-lived in Tokyo, and today getting a tan is still not commonplace for Japanese woman.
So, for many westerners living in Tokyo this can take some serious adjustment, and some of us with pale skin (like me) just can’t cope with baring our white legs and arms with our summer shorts and dresses. So, when you find your stash of tanning products you lugged back from your last trip home runs out, or you have a special occasion where you want to have a professional spray tan- don’t panic!
Here is a list of some amazing spray tanning services that are now starting to appear in central Tokyo, as well as a list of self-tanners that are available to buy over the counter here in Japan. Happy tanning!
Spray Tanning
La Plage
Mai from La Plage has been offering her organic spray tan service at her Meguro salon for some time now, and has extensive experience in the beauty industry both in Japan and overseas.
Full body application ¥6000, Half body application ¥4000, Face application ¥2000.
Mobile spray tanning ¥5000 per person (minimum of four people. No travel free if you are within Minato-ku, Shibuya-ku, Meguro-ku and Shinagawa-ku.
Address: 1-2-8 Kami Osaki Shinagawa-ku
Phone: 03-5422-6430
Email: webinfo@laplage-beauty.com
Elana Jade
Elana Jade has just moved to a beautiful new salon premises in Azabu Juban, and will start offering organic Eco Tan spray tanning (prices to be confirmed). Elana Jade will also have the full range of Eco Tan products available for purchase for at home tanning maintenance and preparation.
Elana Jade- Organic Beauty Salon
Address: NS Azabu Juban Building 4F
3-6-2 Azabu Juban, Minato-Ku
Phone: 03-6453-9319
Rika from Mobile Nail and Spray Tanning
If you are looking to tan in the privacy of your own home, Rika Obabra has just started her own mobile nail and spray tanning service. A talented nail artist and CND Shellac education ambassador, Rika has added spray tanning to her list of at home services.
Tanning prices start from ¥7500 for a full body treatment. A variety of tan shades are available to suit your skin type.
You can buy in blocks of 1, 2 or 5, and if you book with a friend you can also receive a discount of ¥2000!
Find Rika on Facebook
Email: rikaobara@gmail.com
Where to buy at self tanner in Tokyo?
If you prefer to D.I.Y your tan at home, unfortunately your options are still quite limited in Tokyo, but with the addition of Eco Tan, things are starting to look more promising!
Eco Tan Organic Self Tanners
Eco Tan Invisable Tanning Cream ¥5,700
Australian organic self tanning brand Eco Tan is now available to purchase in Japan through Eco Tan by Trisara Japan . Their website lists stores and salons where Eco Tan at home tanning products can be purchased (like Elana Jade) and they also have an online store. Yipee!
You can always depend on French beauty brand, Clarins, to help you get that beautiful bronzed, summer look! Clarins stock two reliable sunless tanning products at their Japanese department store counters (also available through their Japanese online store).
Self Tanning Instant Gel ¥4,320
Delectable Self Tanning Mousse ¥5,940
Great post. Thanks your sharing
I felt a little apprehensive when tanning in the sun beacause I have a sensitive skin and thin skin
La Plage Tokyo is the best place in Tokyo for spray-tanning, hands down. Mai speaks perfect English and has many years experience – I wouldn’t go anywhere else. One thing the article doesn’t mention is that Mai also offers self-tanning products for sale, so you can do everything in the one place.
Thanks so much for your comment Cade! Much appreciated. Thanks for reading, Alisa.