Sakura Nail & Spa began with a simple travel problem, one that many international visitors to Japan quietly experience.
We are Jessica and Michael, originally from Brisbane, Australia. In September 2024, we travelled to Japan for the first time, visiting Tokyo, Takaragawa, Kusatsu, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, and Osaka. Every destination was special in its own way, but Kyoto stood out immediately. The river, the pace, the atmosphere, it felt serene and idyllic in a way that stayed with us long after we left.
During the trip, Jess broke a nail. It was not a major issue, just something that needed a quick, familiar fix. What followed, however, was surprisingly difficult. Multiple salons could not help. Some were too busy, others did not offer that particular service, and in many places there was simply no shared language to explain what was needed.
It was not a negative experience, just a quiet gap. We realised how challenging it can be, as a traveller, to access something familiar and straightforward while navigating a different language and culture. That moment planted the seed for what would later become Sakura Nail & Spa.
We began asking ourselves a simple question. What if there was a nail salon designed specifically for international visitors, people who just want to feel understood, welcomed, and comfortable while travelling in Japan?
That idea stayed with us.
When we returned to Japan, Kyoto felt like the natural home for it. Many travellers start their journey in Tokyo or Osaka. By the time they reach Kyoto, days or even weeks may have passed since their last beauty appointment. Kyoto is also different in spirit. It is calmer, gentler, and less rushed. It encourages people to slow down, to appreciate details, and to take care of themselves in a more thoughtful way.
We chose the Teramachi Sanjo area because it sits at the heart of where visitors naturally explore. Close to Gion, Nishiki Market, and the river, it is a place where tourists already spend their time walking, shopping, and discovering Kyoto at an unhurried pace.
From the very beginning, Sakura Nail & Spa was built with travellers in mind.
We wanted guests to feel relaxed the moment they step inside. We cared deeply about creating a space that feels cute and stylish, but also clean, calm, and safe. A place where visitors can sit down, take a breath, and feel genuinely welcomed rather than rushed.
Communication was essential. We always ensure English-speaking staff are available, alongside fluent Japanese and Vietnamese speakers. Our goal is to remove the quiet stress many tourists carry when they are unsure how to explain what they want, or worried about making mistakes.
We also designed our online booking system to be as clear as possible for international guests. At the same time, we understand that choosing services online while travelling can feel confusing. Visitors are welcome to select the closest option they think is right, and we are always happy to adjust services together in person. There is no pressure to get it perfect before arriving.
Over time, we have noticed a pattern. Many of our guests tell us they are relieved they waited until Kyoto. They enjoy the slower pace, the attention to detail, and the feeling of being cared for rather than squeezed into a tight schedule. For first-time visitors to Japan especially, Kyoto often feels like the place where everything finally settles.
Sakura Nail & Spa is not about rushing beauty appointments into an already packed itinerary. It is about offering a gentle pause in the middle of a journey. A familiar experience in a beautiful city, delivered with care, clarity, and understanding.
If you are travelling through Japan and find yourself in Kyoto, we hope our salon feels like a small but meaningful part of your experience here.
