As I stepped into Koh Gen Do’s salon in Azabu Juban, Tokyo, I was enveloped in a wave of nostalgia. Koh Gen Do was one of the first Japanese beauty brands I fell in love with back in 2014, when I was living in Tokyo. It was a must-visit on my last trip back in January 2025.
My journey with Koh Gen Do began when I first tried their skincare products and treated myself to a facial at their impressive flagship salon. As many of you know this blog has not been updated for a really long time, in fact I actually came across a TikTok when I was doing some research for my trip that I think relates to this website, or perhaps the article that I wrote for another website back in 2014. When the TikTok video mentioned that the article that they unearthed was old (like 10 years old) and that you had to email the salon directly for an appointment, I couldn’t believe it. Actually I was really shocked, how had 10 years slipped away so quickly? Also, I can’t believe that people are still looking at this old blog post, were the details still relevant? That was the final push, I had to get back to visit Koh Gen Do and see if it was still as good as I remembered and update and improve this post so that it is up to date.
Fast forward to a cold winter Sunday, and I found myself revisiting this beloved brand after a decade. Side note: don’t you love that in Tokyo you can have a facial on a Sunday! It was a chance for me to see if the magic remained, and I was eager to update my knowledge and share it with you. I booked the Custom Facial Treatment Course directly with the salon via email, hoping for a last-minute appointment on my final weekend in Tokyo. My Japanese especially written is very rusty, so I was happy to remember that the email booking system at Koh Gen Do is absolutely fine to communicate in English. I received a prompt response from the Koh Gen Do team and I was thrilled to secure the appointment.
Walking to the salon on the crisp January afternoon, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The familiar streets of Azabu Juban, the sleek glass façade of Koh Gen Do’s building, and the warm welcome from the staff all combined to make this visit feel like a homecoming. Clearly I have been back in Australia for too long, as I instantly regretted not wearing makeup to the appointment as I walked into the beautiful salon, but the staff’s genuine warmth quickly put me at ease. I was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face—my esthetician from many years ago. She handed me a heartfelt, handwritten note expressing gratitude for my past articles and the impact they had on bringing visitors from around the world to Koh Gen Do. This was a really unexpected and touching moment for me, and really reminded me why I started Tokyo Beauty Book all those years ago: not only to share my Japanese Beauty discoveries with non-Japanese speakers, but also to support the incredible talent, brands and businesses in the Japanese beauty industry.
As I walked up the sprial stairs to the private treatment rooms, I was so excited to settle in for the hour long facial with the expertly trained staff, and the complete feeling of being pampered and relaxation that I experienced on my previous visits. Would I fall asleep? I have been guilty of this before.
The treatment room at Koh Gen Do is akin to a private dressing room, complete with soft lighting, a wardrobe for carefully hanging your clothes, slippers, and an elegant vanity. I took a seat at the vanity and had a personalised consultation about my current skin condition and my esthetician looked over my skin and created a suggested customised facial and shared with me the products that were best to deliver maximum results. My skin is combination, but mostly dry, and the cold, dry Japanese winter weather was starting to take its toll, I hoped that the Koh Gen Do skincare products would help restore some much-needed moisture and life back to my dry, flaky skin.
The Koh Gen Do products select for my treatment were:
- Moist Cleansing Cream: Gently removes makeup, sunscreen, and dirt, leaving the skin soft and comfortable.
- Brightening Moisture Mask: A non-drying clay mask made from Moroccan lava clay and Okinawa sea salt, designed to deeply cleanse and tighten pores.
- Hakko Lotion-60: A traditional Japanese-style lotion created using fermentation techniques, which quickly penetrates to hydrate and plump the skin.
- Royal Massage Milk: Features a silky texture that soothes stressed skin, used in combination with Koh Gen Do’s facial massage techniques to improve fine lines and lift sagging cheeks.
- T3 Premium Oil: A multi-use oil that gives skin a dewy, healthy glow, transforming rough and dry skin.
- All-In-One Moisture Rich Gel: A versatile moisturizing gel that can be used as a lotion, essence, cream, or treatment mask, adding firmness to the skin.
- Whitening C Essence: A high-concentration essence that improves skin firmness, texture, and brightness.
- Eye Treatment: Rich in vitamin-rich botanicals, this treatment moisturises and plumps the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Whitening C Cream: A rich moisturising cream that gently melts into the skin to maintain elasticity and brightness.
As I settled into the warm, comfortable treatment bed, wrapped in heated fluffy white towels, I praised the Japanese custom of omotenashi the famous Japanese hospitality and service. No one does it better, and the expert Koh Gen Do team really do embody that omotenashi as a super power and think of everything you will need to make your experience relaxing and enjoyable. After the treatment, my skin felt revived, soft, hydrated, and glowing. The expert facial massage techniques had a noticeable “lift-up” effect on my cheekbones, nasolabial folds, and jawline, and helped to ease my TMJ pain. At the end of the facial my esthetician took the time to point our the areas that she concentrated on and the noticeable improvements. I also really appreciated the expert product recommendations, which are always sincere and not pushy, and technique tips are very welcome.
Following the treatment, I opted for a complimentary professional makeup application using Koh Gen Do’s renowned makeup range. Their Aqua Foundation is a favourite among film industry makeup artists, providing a natural glow with excellent coverage- the ultimate your skin but better foundation. It was the perfect finishing touch before heading out for dinner.
As I left the salon, the staff presented me with a heartfelt gift, thanking me for the impact my blog has had on their business. They also shared exciting news: Koh Gen Do will be relocating to a new Ginza salon premises starting March 2025, marking the end of an era for their Azabu Juban location. I promised to visit again soon and experience the new salon firsthand.
Revisiting Koh Gen Do was more than just a facial treatment; it was a reunion with a brand that has been a cornerstone of my journey into Japanese beauty. As I look forward to their new chapter in Ginza, I’m reminded of the enduring power of passion and community in the world of Japanese beauty.
Perfect for those looking to introduce and immerse themselves in a truly Japanese beauty brand that covers both skincare and make up. The Koh Gen Do Salon experience lets you experience the Japanese hospitality, pampering, skincare and cosmetics all in one visit. Ideal for those visiting Tokyo and looking for a way to enjoy Japanese beauty culture first hand- you won’t be disappointed.
Have you visited Koh Gen Do before for a facial? Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear how your experience was.
Koh Gen Do Ginza Salon
Email for appointments: salon@kohgendo.com
Address: 〒104-0061 5F, Ginza 105 Bld, 1-4-4, Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11am-7pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed on Japanese National Holidays.
Closest Station: Ginza Itchome
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