Hair Salon

     It's time for a haircut, again!  My kids tell me to just let my hair grow, but I don't really think it suits me so much, especially since I wear glasses. 

     And let's be frank, spending hours at the hair salon is not my idea of fun!  Granted I enjoy the little head and shoulder massage Japanese hair salons usually throw in after a lengthy shampoo.  But I can never think of a time in the week when I can afford to allot 3 hours to my hair!

     Twice a year, my sister and I will spend one afternoon pulling each other's hair out of plastic hats for streaks.  The reason I agree to color my hair is that my sister insists the lighter tones make me look younger. Yeah, I wish.   Plus it's economical: we do two heads with just one pack of coloring lotion.  As we labour over each others' head, we sip coffee and catch up on each other's lives...

     And here's another major reason I shun the hair salon: cost is prohibitive!  I am so reticent about spending 7,000 or 8,000 yen on my hair, which is a pretty low average in Tokyo.   To avoid overspending, a major pet peeve of mine, I even cut my kids' hair and my husband's too! 

     Anyhow, the reason I am bringing this hair issue, is that I wanted to introduce this relatively new hair salon chain - IT'S - that offers an incredible deal on a haircut:  1300 yen! The place is modern and smart-looking which is why I was tempted to try it.

     I've only been to the Kichijoji salon, but I can see from their website that they have several other locations throughout Tokyo and surroundings. 

     And another reason this salon is so appealing to me is that I don't waste any time.  You can either book an appointment online or at the salon using a computer located at reception serving in Japanese and English!  You then get a ticket showing the time of your appointment and you can be off doing errands until it's your turn.

     Service is very courteous and quick because the usual shampoo part is skipped.  I usually just bring a picture of what I want, explain my preferences, and in about 15 minutes, I'm all done!  My hair has been set and blown into style, and I'm off the hook for another 6 months! Love this place!

Kamachi Dental Clinic

      In the very unlikely event that I would ever move to the other end of Tokyo, I would still come to Dr. Kamachi for my regular checkups and dental work.  And so would my whole family.  After visiting so many dentists offices, I can say that this dentist is by far the best for us and I cannot recommend him enough!  Over the years, I've traveled far into the city for an appointment with a 'good'  dentist.  I've also tried several clinics in and around Musashino-shi, where we live. 

      Dr. Kamachi is not fluent in English, but he certainly tries.  He will explain in simple terms what the problem is and how to fix it and he will pull out his pad and pencil to draw an illustration to ensure that we've understood fully.  He never rushes and never places a tool near your mouth without explaining what he's about to do.  His approach is gentle and considerate and my kids love him too.  They actually look forward to their next appointment!  Might be because they get some sugarless gum after visits though...

      His assistants are just as kind and welcoming, in person as well as over the phone.  The office is conveniently located 5 minutes away from Kichijoji's central exit, right behind Parco, near Coffee Farm.  It's on a second floor and you can see the clinic from the street due to large glass windows, just above a specialized shoe store.

      Here's a review of the clinic with all the details about treatment options, directions, an d opening hours:  http://www.kanja.jp/clinic/007567.html

Fujimura Pool

     Back when our daughter decided she wanted to learn to swim at all costs, we considered many alternatives in our neighborhood.  We tried Yokogawa and Fujimura, but the latter won our vote due to proximity to our place (just a few minutes walk), even though it seemed a little strict.  So we went all out and bought the club's swimsuit and the swim cap, got the swim bag also and our daughter went merily to classes, as I sat at the 2F viewing station with our then baby son.  Since then we've also enroled our son, from the age of 4, as he was also fretting about getting into the pool. 

Totally different experiences with both kids: one was serious and dedicated to learning quickly and passing the different levels of competence, the other totally committed to fooling around in the water and making as little effort to listen to the teacher...  I was approached once by a concerned instructor who wanted my permission to be "stricter" with my boy...  No way! He was only 4 and loved water, so I thought the classes were worth it anyway, even though he progressed ever so slowly.  He's 7 now and a bit more in tune with the program, so I'm happy I didn't pull him out as I had considered so many times.

     Fujimura's administration also eased over the years.  I recall an incident way back when the "Furikae" (make-up classes) rules were tighter where I ended up explaining my views to the pool's director...  (Gaijin parents are usually trouble-makers!)  Amazingly, the policies changed a bit thereafter, and I've been very happy with their system ever since.   Tests for lower levels are held during class, once a month.  For higher levels, tests are given every 3 months, on a Sunday.

     Fujimura is located near Tokyu Department store, and they are open everyday but Sunday for regular kids classes.  My daughter now takes Diving lessons there and loves it, but the class is given a bit late (7pm) for the time being.  My son is on the twice-a-week program, and is finally learning the crawl...  Prices are every reasonable and switching classes is now easy and practical.   I also like the kind of family atmosphere in the reception hall; the assistants are quite welcoming and seem to know the kids by name!