There is no shortage of massage parlors in Tohoku's capital Sendai. Although prices and services vary, I find that most of my visits to massage parlors lack one thing: courtesy. This is not the case with Sabaidee and Tea (サバイディ＆ティー). From the interior design of the store to the friendly and professional staff, my visit was so wonderful that I quickly became a regular customer.
When you enter Sabaidee and Tea, you feel like you are entering a miniature paradise. The Thai décor adds an elegant touch to the interior, while peaceful background music adds coziness. The entire shop is heated to relax your muscles and provide a more effective massage experience. In rooms with curtains, the mats are also heated. A surprising fact is that none of the employees are Thai, but all are Japanese. However, don't judge a book by its cover. All employees are professionally trained, some have even studied and certified in Thailand. Owner Yuji has been to Thailand more than ten times and loves sharing the unique culture so much that he opened this shop. The employees speak Japanese, and depending on the employee, some also have basic knowledge of English and Thai. The shop sells a range of Thai products and can provide tourist information or even assist with reservations if you are planning a visit. But let's get back to the reason you should really come here, the massage.
A look at the menu reveals the different options and treatments the store offers to its customers. The aromatherapy treatments and reflexology massages are fantastic, while the traditional Thai massage sets the shop apart from other massage parlors. Thai massage often includes various assisted stretching exercises combined with some acupressure techniques. For beginners, it may be a little uncomfortable if your body feels stiff. However, the intensive treatment left my body feeling much more relaxed and supple than other massages I've ever had. I feel completely energized. Remember, the goal is relaxation and the staff is happy to accommodate more or less pressure, special requests and service times. If you cannot decide on a therapy, several combination packages are available.
What I enjoy most about my increasingly frequent visits is the authentic service. I really feel like a customer and not a buyer of services. Before each massage, you will put on loose Thai-style pants provided by the salon and then wash your feet with warm, soapy water. After a gentle massage, you will be pampered with hot or iced tea of your choice. The tea menu changes daily with teas from Taiwan, China and Thailand. If you want, you can buy some and take them home. While you drink tea in the cozy lobby, the staff will chat to you in a friendly manner. There is no rush here and you will feel at home.
You'll find this relaxing destination in a convenient downtown location. Just a five-minute walk from Kotodaikoen Station, Sabaidee and Tea is located on the third floor of the Sukegawa Building (助川ビル), just steps from Zelkova Town's famous tree-lined Jozenji Avenue. You can reserve in person, by phone at 022-261-2081 or by email at book@sabaidt.com
