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| Yokohama fish pedicure. |
One of the most unusual things to do in Japan is to have a fish pedicure. They are very popular in Asia, and in other parts of the world. The species of fish used in such pedicures is simply called "Doctor Fish" or Garra Rufa.
Locally, you can go to Chinatown in Yokohama to Doctor Kiss Fish. The cost for the pedicure is 1,000 yen or $12 USD for 15 minutes. Before putting your feet into the water, you have to rinse them. The sensation is very ticklish, but the main purpose of these pedicures is to have the fish eat the dead skin off of your feet and legs. This process is supposed to have many benefits with renewed skin being one of them.
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| The fish liked my friend in the middle! |
Fish pedicures are banned in many places in Canada and The United States. They have been thought to be unsanitary and that the water could pass harmful diseases. While this may be true, I've realized that each country has their own standards of cleanliness, or what they consider healthy. Its very common to have communal foot baths in Japan, so I didn't think twice about a foot bath with fish in it.
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| We also did this at Yunessun in Hakone. |
