Touch as Meditation — Massage in Tokyo
A private sanctuary in Tokyo where your body, breath, and senses reconnect.
At "a wa hi ni ho hi", a private sanctuary in Tokyo‑Kokubunji, you are invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect. Through meditative oil treatments and Esalen®Massage&Bodywork, your body and mind are welcomed — not pushed — into a space of conscious presence and gentle transformation.
Touch as Meditation
In the midst of busy days, it's easy to lose touch with your own rhythm. Through mindful touch, slow and flowing strokes, and the warm presence of skilled hands, this therapeutic massage invites your body and mind to unwind—to rest in the gentle awareness of being here, now. Neither fully asleep nor fully awake, you may drift into a tranquil in-between, where deep breaths and subtle scents guide you back to your body's natural harmony.
MENU
Sensory Journey（120min）
A quiet journey that restores your senses and breath.
This full-body treatment gently guides you from head to toe, dissolving tension with warmth, scent, and stillness—bringing you softly into the present moment.
A two-hour experience to calm the mind and awaken inner sensation.
Session includes:
・Consultation & aromatic foot bath – approx. 15min
・Full-body oil treatment (Esalen®︎Bodywork) – approx. 90min
・Quiet integration time – approx. 15min
120min 18,000JPY
Deep Sensory Journey（150min）
In addition to the full-body treatment, this session deeply nurtures the abdominal area—the emotional center of the body.
Using gentle touch, warmth, and presence, this journey invites you to reconnect from within, soften what is held, and allow a quiet release.
Session includes:
・Consultation & aromatic foot bath – approx. 15min
・Full-body oil treatment (Esalen®︎Bodywork) + abdominal work inspired by Chi Nei Tsang – approx. 120min
・Quiet integration time – approx. 15min
150min 25,000JPY
A Guide to the Techniques Included in the Session
Each element of this work has been learned with care, gathered over time from various teachers and places.
By listening closely to the state of your body and mind, as well as your intentions, I offer a treatment designed uniquely for you.
Signature Treatment
Esalen®︎Massage&Bodywork
Born at the Esalen Institute in California, USA, Esalen® Massage & Bodywork is a full-body oil treatment that honors the body, the mind, and the subtle awareness of being here now.
It is a deeply relaxing modality that invites you back into your natural wholeness.
Slow, flowing long strokes and quiet pauses that follow the rhythm of your breath create a gentle sense of continuity from head to toe. Rather than feeling the body as separate parts, you are held as one living, unified presence — and the whole system naturally settles into ease and safety.
It is neither sleep nor full wakefulness — but a meditative state of consciousness that resides in the in-between. A moment to return to yourself.
During the session, I speak only when truly necessary. I stay close, quietly supporting you so you can listen to the whispers of your own body and inner sensations.
Essence
We carefully listen to your mental and physical condition as well as your preferences, and offer a fully customized treatment tailored just for you.
Long Stroke Meditation®
This treatment unfolds through slow, continuous long strokes, gliding with warm oil from head to toes—and even across the palms—to weave your skin into one seamless flow. Each tactile caress awakens awareness of your body’s unique contours, gently guiding you back to your innate rhythm. Beyond the physical, it invites a deeper voyage: sensations stir, memories soften, and presence blooms, all within this mindful embrace of oil and touch.
This treatment unfolds through slow, continuous long strokes, gliding with warm oil from head to toes—and even across the palms—to weave your skin into one seamless flow.
Tao Touch Chi Nei Tsang
Trained in the lineage of Gilles Marin, President of the American Chi Nei Tsang Association.
Rather than “fixing” illnesses or symptoms, this abdominal massage honors them as whispers from your body’s wisdom. Through soft, intuitive touch that truly listens—warm hands attuned to your inner rhythms—it gently invites the release of stored emotions, fostering profound inner serenity. With careful, nurturing movements centered on the abdomen, you’ll journey toward emotional freedom and reconnection with your authentic self.
Trained in the lineage of Gilles Marin, President of the American Chi Nei Tsang Association.
Rather than "fixing" illnesses or symptoms, this abdominal massage honors them as whispers from your body's wisdom.
abdominal massage
Based on Chi Nei Tsang, an ancient Taoist (Daoist) healing practice dating back over 2,500 years in China,
this Thai-style treatment gently works on the internal organs where emotions are believed to reside,
helping to harmonize both body and mind.
Warm oil is applied to the abdomen, and each area is touched with careful, gentle strokes.
At a slow, mindful pace, rarely-touched points of the abdomen are pressed and massaged,
allowing tension to release and energy to flow smoothly throughout the abdominal area.
Based on Chi Nei Tsang, an ancient Taoist (Daoist) healing practice dating back over 2,500 years in China,
this Thai-style treatment gently works on the internal organs where emotions are believed to reside, helping to harmonize both body and mind.
Thai Massage
Drawing from Thai traditional massage, this full-body treatment delivers slow, deep, yet tender pressure—unfurling calm through steady, nurturing touch rather than vigorous stretches or flows. Each mindful stroke sinks into the muscles, bridging the physical with the sacred: honoring your emotions, your essence, your quiet strength. Perfect for easing injuries, embracing softer care, or softening the edge of intensity, it cradles you in profound safety, inviting release without overwhelm.
Drawing from Thai traditional massage, this full-body treatment delivers slow, deep, yet tender pressure—unfurling calm through steady, nurturing touch rather than vigorous stretches or flows.
Herbal compresses
Herbal compresses have long been used as a traditional healing practice, especially in Thailand.
Medicinal herbs are carefully wrapped in cloth and steamed, releasing their full therapeutic benefits.
When the warm herbal compress is applied to the body, the gentle aroma of the herbs envelops both mind and body, while the plant’s natural energy penetrates deeply, warming you from within.
Herbal compresses have long been used as a traditional healing practice, especially in Thailand.
Medicinal herbs are carefully wrapped in cloth and steamed, releasing their full therapeutic benefits.
Long Stroke Meditation®
Flowing touch from head to toe, returning to your natural rhythm
A Full-Body Oil Journey This treatment unfolds through slow, continuous long strokes, gliding with warm oil from head to toes—and even across the palms—to weave your skin into one seamless flow. Each tactile caress awakens awareness of your body's unique contours, gently guiding you back to your innate rhythm. Beyond the physical, it invites a deeper voyage: sensations stir, memories soften, and presence blooms, all within this mindful embrace of oil and touch.
Thai Massage
A slow, deep-pressure treatment to balance the whole body
Drawing from Thai traditional massage, this full-body treatment delivers slow, deep, yet tender pressure—unfurling calm through steady, nurturing touch rather than vigorous stretches or flows. Each mindful stroke sinks into the muscles, bridging the physical with the sacred: honoring your emotions, your essence, your quiet strength. Perfect for easing injuries, embracing softer care, or softening the edge of intensity, it cradles you in profound safety, inviting release without overwhelm.
Tao Touch Chi Nei Tsang
Inner healing through gentle abdominal touch that releases emotional blockages
Trained in the lineage of Gilles Marin, President of the American Chi Nei Tsang Association. Rather than "fixing" illnesses or symptoms, this abdominal massage honors them as whispers from your body's wisdom. Through soft, intuitive touch that truly listens—warm hands attuned to your inner rhythms—it gently invites the release of stored emotions, fostering profound inner serenity. With careful, nurturing movements centered on the abdomen, you'll journey toward emotional freedom and reconnection with your authentic self.
abdominal massage
Gentle, mindful touch with warm oil on the abdomen
Based on Chi Nei Tsang, an ancient Taoist (Daoist) healing practice dating back over 2,500 years in China, this Thai-style treatment gently works on the internal organs where emotions are believed to reside, helping to harmonize both body and mind. Warm oil is applied to the abdomen, and each area is touched with careful, gentle strokes. At a slow, mindful pace, rarely-touched points of the abdomen are pressed and massaged, allowing tension to release and energy to flow smoothly throughout the abdominal area.
Herbal compresses
The gentle warmth and aroma of herbs softly embrace body and mind
Herbal compresses have long been used as a traditional healing practice, especially in Thailand. Medicinal herbs are carefully wrapped in cloth and steamed, releasing their full therapeutic benefits. When the warm herbal compress is applied to the body, the gentle aroma of the herbs envelops both mind and body, while the plant’s natural energy penetrates deeply, warming you from within.
Other Services
On-site Sessions
Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba:
Session fee + travel fee 5,000JPY (includes transportation)
For other areas, please inquire
An oil treatment that gently envelops you like waves,
offering a moment to quiet your mind and attune to the sensations of your body.
-Testimonial-
The therapist Tomoya truly showcases the power of introverts. He resonates with every pore of your body and every strand of your hair. There were many highlights, but one stood out: when he carefully laid his fingers on my forehead with the slightest touch, and my muscles responded by pressing upwards against his hand. It was as if I were massaging myself from within!
He himself is a gem, beaming with wisdom, just like the salon. The location is quaint and green, close to where natural spring water slowly flows. I will surely revisit.
Salon Policy
We do not place any restrictions based on gender, gender identity, or sexuality.
Our aim is to provide a space where everyone — including LGBTQ+ clients — can feel fully themselves, welcomed, and at ease.
Seasonal Care Ticket
At "a wa hi ni ho hi", we invite you to take time to listen to your body and mind according to the rhythm of the seasons.
We call this Seasonal Routine — a way to nurture yourself and align with the natural seasonal changes.
—— An invitation to a self-ritual that harmonizes you with the changing seasons.
Sensory Journey (120 min) × 4 sessions … ¥72,000 ¥66,000
Deep Sensory Journey (150 min) × 4 sessions … ¥100,000 ¥92,000
※You can also combine different sessions within the 4 visits (the combination is approximately an 8% discount).
Please select your combination at the time of your first payment.
For details, please contact us.
Example: 2 × Sensory Journey + 2 × Deep Sensory Journey = Regular ¥86,000 → Discounted ¥79,100
Through these four seasonal sessions, calmness settles deep within your body,
allowing you to feel yourself shift and flow with the changing seasons.
- Spring ― Open your circulation and receive the energy of new beginnings
- Summer ― Balance your breath and harmonize with outward energy
- Autumn ― Deepen your senses and gently return inward
- Winter ― Return to stillness and nourish your energy
※Valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
Purchase / First Visit 2nd–4th Visits / Returning CustomersFor Those Who
- Want to release tension and reconnect with a sense of safety
- Seek a quiet space to restore their natural rhythm and breath
- Wish to engage their senses and experience deep relaxation
- Desire time to listen to their inner voice and reflect
- Find comfort and reassurance through gentle touch
- Tend to worry about what others think
- Want simply to be themselves without expectations
- Wish to ease emotional and bodily tension
As You Continue Sessions
- Breathing deepens and thoughts settle
- A natural sense of "I am enough as I am" emerges
- You can maintain your own pace and focus on your breath in daily life
- Emotional and physical tension eases, making it easier to sense your body
- Reconnect with your sense of being part of nature and feel a deep sense of safety
※All genders and sexualities are welcome to experience this safely.
Customer Voices
"The careful, attentive gestures made me feel truly valued. I felt myself calming down, sinking into a quiet, peaceful state."
— N
"I felt relaxed, with a refreshing clarity like after meditation. I would recommend this to anyone busy who rarely has time for themselves."
— U
"When I was touched for the first time, I felt a sense of ease and could breathe deeply. The warmth and softness of the hands… it felt like returning to my own place."
— Y
PROFILE
traveling healer
Tomoya Shiraishi — Traveling Healer
Background
Born in Ibaraki, Japan.
After graduating from university, I worked for five years at a major PR agency, mainly handling public relations for global pharmaceutical companies.
In 2020, I moved to Canada on a working holiday visa.
Immediately after my arrival, the global pandemic unfolded, and the world changed overnight.
Living in a new country for the first time, I spent much of that period turning inward and deeply exploring my inner landscape.
Along with a growing interest in meditation and the spiritual world, I volunteered at a local food bank and worked on cultivating organic sprouts. Through these experiences, my curiosity expanded toward food, nature, and sustainable living.
After returning to Japan, I spent my days engaged in agriculture and landscaping, reconnecting with the natural world.
While living in Canada, I had also begun a personal practice of giving gentle, meditative “massage” to buildings and trees as a form of expression—an experience that eventually led me to offer this kind of touch to people as well.
Training & Certifications
Since 2022, I have studied under Rie Kuwahara of rietreat.
In 2023, I completed Long Stroke Meditation® Level 1.
In 2024, I participated in a retreat hosted by the Tao of Life Chi Nei Tsang School, completing 36 hours of TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang foundation training with teacher Gilles Marin.
In March 2025, I completed the Esalen® Massage Certification Course in Bali, Indonesia.
Later that year, I became a certified Esalen® Massage & Bodywork Practitioner, recognized by EMBA (Esalen Massage & Bodywork Association).
Current Work
I am currently based at “a wa hi ni ho hi”, a private retreat salon located in Kokubunji, Tokyo.
Centering my work around Esalen® Massage & Bodywork, I offer sessions that weave together gentle, nature-inspired touch with meditative presence—creating a space where the body and heart can soften, realign, and return to their natural clarity.
Private Session
Immerse yourself in unparalleled relaxation and renewal through my bespoke oil treatments and signature long-stroke massage techniques.
I am devoted to creating a holistic experience that harmonizes your physical and emotional well-being.
Long Stroke Meditation®️
Long Stroke Meditation®︎ is a full-body oil treatment that combines meditative and deeply relaxing long strokes.
With the gentle flow of oil, your skin is connected through continuous, soothing touch—from head to toe and palm to palm. This touch brings profound relaxation, leaving you with a sense of being truly unique and cherished.
This treatment is more than physical care; it is a journey within yourself. Guided by my hands, your consciousness will explore beyond the surface, tracing not only your body but also your senses, memories, and essence of being.
Abdominal massage
Based on the Concept of Chi Nei Tsang
Rooted in Chi Nei Tsang, a form of qigong therapy that has been passed down through Taoist traditions in China for over 2,500 years, this Thai-style treatment focuses on harmonizing the mind and body by addressing the internal organs, where emotions are believed to reside. Using gentle and mindful touch, oil is applied to the abdomen to create a soothing and nurturing experience.
This treatment is deeply relaxing. With a slow tempo and deliberate, deep pressure on areas of the abdomen that are rarely touched, we aim to release tension and alleviate stagnation. By pressing and loosening, the treatment promotes the flow of energy and fosters a sense of inner balance and well-being.
Thai massage
Incorporating the Essence of Traditional Thai Massage
This treatment focuses on the entire body, combining deep and gentle pressure to create a soothing and restorative experience.
Rather than large movements or stretches, the massage features slow, intentional pressure that envelops the whole body, promoting relaxation and harmony.
With each touch, we honor the body as a sacred vessel, connecting deeply to the emotions and energies it holds.
This treatment is ideal for individuals with injuries that limit their ability to stretch, as well as for those seeking a softer, more mindful approach to bodywork.
CERTIFICATIONS
I am a certified practitioner of the Esalen® Massage & Bodywork Association (EMBA),
based at the Esalen Institute in California, USA.
YOUR TIME AT THE SALON
I will prepare herbal tea for you. Take your time to relax and immerse yourself in the calming atmosphere.
While enjoying a foot bath with your choice of essential oil, I will ask about the state of your body and mind.
You will change into comfortable attire, and the treatment will begin.
After the treatment, you can change at your own pace. Enjoy a warm cup of tea and take your time to relax.
Please travel home safely. Drink plenty of water, take a warm bath, and rest well.
Access
あわひにほひ | a wa hi ni ho hi – private retreat in Tokyo
2-17-19 Nishimotomachi, Kokubunji City, Tokyo 185-0023, Japan
About 30 minutes from Shinjuku.
Take the JR Chuo or Musashino Line.
15 min walk from JR Kokubunji Station
8 min walk from JR Nishi-Kokubunji Station
※One car parking space is available. Please inform us in advance if you plan to use it.
Bicycle parking is also available for a few bicycles.
Business Hours
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last appointment)
※This salon is by appointment only.
Please use the reservation page to book your preferred date or feel free to contact me directly.
Payment Methods
Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, etc.)
QR Code Payments (PayPay, AliPay, WeChat Pay, etc.)
Cash (JPY)
“A Healing Experience in Harmony with Nature”
Immerse yourself in an authentic, tranquil space where you can rejuvenate and escape from the bustling streets of Tokyo while indulging in our exceptional massages.
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Kokubunji, Tokyo, I offer a personalized experience tailored to each client. Here, you are invited to slow down, attune to your breath, and reconnect with yourself.
During my time in Canada, I came across a profound phrase: “You are here to feel.”
This sanctuary is a place to rediscover the contours of your being and listen to the quiet voice of your body. Take this time to pause, slow down, and embrace a deeper connection with your body and mind.