Doctor Fish (also known as Dr. Kiss Fish) is a unique "fish kiss" foot bath deemed as a traditional Turkish remedy and officially recognized as a medical treatment in Germany. Also considered a pedicure, it delivers so many mixed sensations. From shrieking to giggling because it can be a bit ticklish, it’s a fun way to relax from all of the sightseeing you have accomplished at one of the largest Chinatown's in the world.
16 April 2015 Update: "Dr. Kiss Fish" is no longer operating at Yokohama Daisekai. However, you can find "Doctor Fish" at China Square which is still located in the heart of Yokohama Chinatown. Access has been updated below.
Here are the Rules:
- Pay the entrance fee
- Remove shoes & socks and place them on the shelf
- Safe keep your valuables in the basket provided
- Roll up your pants to knee level (If necessary, you can borrow short pants at Doctor Fish)
- Rinse your feet off in the foot shower
- Take one small towel for use after pedicure
- Do not place hands into the footbath
- If you would like your photo taken with your own camera, please ask the attendant
An attendant will escort you to an appropriate foot bath and a numbered seat. If your face exudes any hint of fear before placing your feet into the fish-swarming water, she may assist with a five second countdown. After finding the courage to dip both feet into the lukewarm water, the timer will start for 15-minutes. Be prepared to entertain the curious onlookers with your uncontrollable laugh!
The Doctor Fish are also known as the species Garra Rufa. They don’t have any teeth and are basically foraging to slough off dead skin. The sight of hundreds of fish nibbling at your feet may make one cringe, but in a weird way it's relaxing. If you can just close your eyes, at times it can feel like you've stepped into a luxurious, vibrating, and soothing foot spa. Or, maybe not. Either way, fifteen minutes with the Doctor Fish is an experience you won't forget!
Entrance fees are: Adults 1,000yen, College Students 800yen, Children (ages 13-16) 600yen, Children (ages 3-12) 500yen, and Seniors 65+ 500yen. Total time allotted is 15-minutes with an option to extend another fifteen for an additional 600yen, if it's not too crowded. Come on, you only live once so give it a try!
To access Doctor Fish at Yokohama Chinatown by train, exit Motomachi-Chukagai Station and follow the signs for Chinatown (or Exit 2). From the top of the staircase at street level, head straight and turn left at the first stop light. Enter Choyo Gate (East) and walk through the main thoroughfare towards Zenrin Gate. Doctor Fish is located inside the China Square building on the second floor.
There's more to discover in Yokohama! Check out the photo story called, "Yokohama Sightseeing in One Day," right here on JapanTravel.
