The Japanese have always taken their beauty rituals and self-care seriously. From innovating nail art technology to introducing the world to individual lash extensions in the mid-80s, Japan is a leader in advancing beauty and cosmetics. As the travel industry opens more doors for globe-trotting Filipinos to experience pampering and self-care abroad, many have become fans of Japan’s meticulous and impressive salon services—myself included. It is a good thing that Japanese entrepreneurs are investing in Manila, allowing us to indulge in their way of beauty and wellness, one of them being Kiyosa Kato, the CEO of Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty Salon.

Kiyosa Kato, CEO of Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty

Since opening its doors back in 2014, Kiyosa’s mission has been to provide the best of what Japanese nail technology, hair styling, and lash extensions have to offer. “A decade ago, I ventured on this journey with the dream of bringing the best of Japanese beauty to the Philippines. I think beauty can change life. The act of becoming beautiful is connected to caring for and loving yourself. And I want to bring smiles and happiness to many people with our services,” Kato positively shared.

True to their Japanese standards, Kiyosa is spotless and pristine

To celebrate this milestone, they revamped their F1 Hotel branch and opened another one at the Mitsukoshi Mall, a Japanese-brand shopping mall still in BGC. They have a trifecta of salons including their Makati branch, all under the leadership of Kiyosa General Manager, Mami Inomata, who hails from Nagoya. I recently visited their flagship salon at the former, and coming in, I felt teleported to the upscale salons in Shinjuku as the staff showed their excellence from Kiyosa’s Japanese training. They were all lined up as I entered the establishment, and they bowed their heads to greet me with a warm welcome. They were ecstatic and ready to serve. The attention may seem overwhelming, especially since local salons usually keep their staff in rooms, but this is a common practice in Japan. They always want to show guests and patrons they are eager to be productive.

Comfortable recliner chairs for relaxing nail services

I started with their sought-after gel manicure with nail art at the lounge on the first floor. I was told that their Artistic Japanese Nail Director, Ms. Ayaka, is the top nail technician from Shinjuku, with a two-month waitlist back in her hometown! She is in charge of training the salon staff, ensuring that they know the Japanese techniques for manicures and pedicures while using their very own brand of Kiyosa Nail Gel. True enough, my mani-pedi session did not disappoint, as the nail tech was very gentle with me, and she was able to excellently copy the holographic nail art I wanted (manicure + nail art starts at Php1,200; classic gel pedicure starts at Php1,300, nail art designs change monthly). They don’t do heavy cuticle trimming (it is known to strip away the nail bed’s protective layer and increase the risk of infection), but it’s possible upon request it if that’s the nail aesthetic you want.

Hands down, Kiyosa’s got some really cute nail designs:

Related Story: Your Guide to Different Types of Nail Services

Ms. Ayaka, one of Shinjuku’s best Nail Artists, is now in Manila

Custom nails for Tessa Prieto-Valdez for her Red Charity Gala event, crafted by Ms. Ayaka (Look at those intricate details!)

After the nails, it’s time for the mane. I was led to the salon lounge for my hair color under the supervision of their Hair Director and Colorist, Sir Hamano. He is a legend when it comes to hair coloring, and has moved to Manila from Fukuoka. He used his Google Translate to converse with me, and he was so cool and collected despite the language barrier. I responded to his questions and did a little back and forth via the mobile app. I was very impressed that he could replicate my artificial hair color to touch up my roots (Php2,500) by just looking at it (he didn’t even use any color chart)!

One of Kiyosa’s Hair Directors from Japan, Sir Hamano

To maximize my time, I also availed their relaxing head spa (starts at Php900) after they rinsed my hair. They have a semi-enclosed area with shampoo chairs for this, and I like that they were recliners. I was able to thoroughly unwind during this session. I just wish there was a curtain to darken the space since some hallway lights glimmered from where I was. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying experience. I like that my therapist was gentle but meticulous, and the treatment provided scalp relief and rejuvenation, and my hair texture softened and improved after the treatment.

The hair session ended with Sir Hamano suggesting to clean my overall layers after I requested a trim. As per Kiyosa, “Japanese hair technique is delicate, and cutting is very difficult, so stylists must master various techniques. Also, the hairdressers' scissors have a ‘static blade’ and a ‘moving blade,’ and only one blade moves. This is a technique to cut without even a millimeter of deviation. They pursue fineness down to the millimeter level. Gives you a light touch and details of Japanese sensitivity.” After my trim, I was happy with the finished results.

Sir Hamano with Kiyosa’s Filipino trainees

As the final touch of my full day of pampering, I headed to the second floor for my lash extensions (starts at Php1,680). Kiyosa is known for its lash designers who practice the Japanese technique. It reduces strain on the natural lashes and maintains their health, making lash extensions last longer. They use only sable ones, a variety of eyelash extensions that are light, soft, and feel natural.

Before we began, my lash tech was deeply knowledgeable and gave a thorough consultation about the look I wanted. She also recommended their LED lash upgrade (Php1,000), a non-damaging, safe, and innovative technology that uses LED light to instantly cure the glue, giving gorgeous, long-lasting lashes with instant drying time, meaning I can wet my face right after if I have to! They also offer a new Bind Lock technology that offers a thicker, layered, more voluminous look without sacrificing the health of the natural lashes (starts at Php3,200). It is designed to complement the eye shape and double the durability of extensions even in high humidity. Their Bind Lock innovation and technique ensure you enjoy your prettified peepers beyond four weeks.

Bind Lock lets you enjoy extensions without the compromise of lash health beyond 4 weeks

Overall, Kiyosa is constantly achieving its mission of offering the ultimate Japanese salon experience in Manila. With their top-notch Japanese skills and techniques, freshly renovated space, and commitment to world-class service excellence, it’s no surprise that Kiyosa reached a decade in the industry. As a Japanophile myself, I only hope to apply their brand philosophy to my everyday way of life.

Bi (Beauty) - To be beautiful inside and out

Gaku (Learning) - To learn constantly

Raku (Enjoy) - To enjoy life

Photos courtesy of Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty Salon

Follow them on Instagram @kiyosajapanesetotalbeauty. For bookings, visit their website or contact them at +639399158888

BGC Main BranchGround floor F1 Hotel 32nd Street, Cor, Lane Q, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila

Makati Branch
Ground Floor, Condominium, The Palisades, 107 Perea, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1229 Metro Manila

Mitsukoshi BGC BranchGrand Central Park, Ground Floor Mitsukoshi BGC 8th Avenue corner 36th Street, North, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila