CONTRIBUTED BY MEREDITH NOVARIO
Firstly, I should not be the one writing something about COCOK'S because I am a rookie. I'm not even sure what to call this place or these places. There are two. A beauty palace, perhaps. After eighteen months on island and eighteen months of staring at some of the most intricate toe-nail designs ever known to mine eyes, I finally jumped in and got my own toe job. After relaxing in a billowy recliner and being served green tea, I was handed two notebooks of toe art, as they say, to choose from. I don't make many complicated decisions on a daily basis and normally I wouldn't welcome any. However a smiling young lady was soaking, scouring, primping, trimming, painting and downright beautifying some atrocious feet during which time I was simply asked to choose a design. I did so slowly between bursts of delicious girl talk. It was fabulous.
This is not the only service they provide. I believe there are massages and haircuts to be had as well. I can't testify to anything else there though. Let this be a shameless plug to draw all you out there who go religiously. Tell us more. How much? How glamorous? How often?
The nails ran me 4,000 yen. And I tipped a couple hundred yen because the place has so many American customers that I wondered if they expected a tip. Then I worried that I was violating the no-tip rule here in Japan but then couldn't control myself. I just couldn't walk out paying nothing. Not because I'm nice so much as full of guilt. So tip if you like. Or not. But again, if you have thoughts on it, speak up.
The old Cocok's is left out of Kadena Gate One. After that left take your first right. This road goes straight to the sea wall and I'm pretty sure Cocok's is on this road somewhere but I'm playing dumber than dumb because I want your details in the comments so we can get this group of us up and running and sharing and talking. So do you know where it is?
The new Cocok's, which is the one I went to, is on 23. Left out of Kadena Gate One and then right on 23. Cocok's is on your right after a good while. Landmarks, anyone?
Talk to me, friends.
Correct. Left out of Kadena Gate 1 and then LEFT onto 23. Look out for a pedestrian bridge and then a huge yellow building that says DVD in big block letters on your right. Pass it and you will see Cocok’s on your right after a bit followed by a Lawson’s. You can try a U-turn at the light and then turn left into the parking lot OR take a right at the light and then take the first right to head down the back road. The parking lot will then be on your right. There is also additional parking for Cocok’s (translation: dirt lot) further down the back road on your left.
Cocok’s a definite stop-by if anyone gets the chance. I’m a little iffy about massages b/c I tend to be ticklish, but they’re really great at both locations. Just wanted to add that they’ve got a frequent user card, so remember to bring it when you go (if you forget as I always do, they’ll issue another one and you can combine all your cards to get a discount.) Also, slight discounts are given if you stop by ahead of time and purchase a “bring a friend along” gift certificate where 2 full pedicures run 7000 yen (3500 yen per person) rather than the normal 8000 yen for 2 people. Enjoy!
I’m a math mutant so I just knock off the last two zeroes and say it’s less than sixty bucks. That’s about all the equating I can handle in a day.
this maybe a stupid question but, how much is 6, 000 yen in dollars?
has anyone had a “nail art” pedicure at the spot?
how do they compare with cocoks?
I went to the Spot a lot when I first got here and thought the nail art was great! And then I went to Cocok’s. They are just a HUGE step above on the intricacies of design… but more importantly the Spot doesn’t do an hour of massage or give you tea!!
Cocok’s is more expensive, but I think I’m hooked (first went for my birthday a month ago).
Does anyone have a favorite place to have a facial done? I would love to have one but do not know of any recommendations. Thank you!
Does anyone know a good place for a detox massage? I’ve someone advertise in Venture (I think)but I can’t seem to find the add again. Any info would help. Thanks
As per the question about facials… I had a wonderful facial at the Repechage Spa at the Okinawa Beach Tower Hotel (in American Village). link to leoint.com
I’ve only had a handful of previous facials at different spas in the US, Carribean, and Thailand, but I thought the Repechage was the best!
As a sidenote… I also had a manicure there but would NOT recommend that to others. I’m usually not one to complain about pampering… heck, I’m happy with a $20 strip-mall manicure! But for as upscale as Repechage is, their manicure was pretty bad. The paint job was poor and there really wasn’t much of a massage. Next time I’ll skip the manicure and spend that money on another facial or try one of their body treaments… that was certainly worth the money!
And, while we’re on the subject… I’ve been very happy with pedicures at The Spot. It is usually easy to get an appointment there and if you really want to indulge, get the “Spa Pedicure.” It is 90 minutes for only about $45 and includes a parafin treatment, excellent massage, in addition to the normal paint job and scrub, etc. Enjoy!
Does Cocoks do waxing? If they don’t is there anyone here who knows where to get a Brazilian Wax in Okinawa? A really good place preferably. You know not some back alley place where the dude assures you he’s “licensed”. Thanks!
Regarding questions about where to get a facial and detox done, I know a great place for both! Secret Garden Aromatherapy Salon in Awase — http://www.rest-n-relax.com — Miyuki gives the best aroma facials anywhere, and she offers full body massages using essential oils specially blended for detoxification. I always get her 2-hour special, the Facial and Full-Body Aromatherapy Massage. I was a little concerned the first time I went because of the language barrier, but Miyuki speaks almost perfect English. She thoroughly explained her process to me before she started and I was so pleasantly surprised at the result that I have been going back twice every month since then! She definitely gets my highest recommendation! If you like your privacy, you’ll love Secret Garden because it is off the beaten path and she doesn’t overlap appointments. She massages you for the entire time — she doesn’t just put you in a sauna or put hot rocks on your back and walk away like some other massage places do. Give her a call — you’ll be glad you did!
I went to Cocoks tonight for the first time. It was amazing. This is the best my toes have looked ever! And, the massage was fantastic.
Cocock is so good, that I’ve been back in the US for two years and have refused to get a manicure or pedicure again until I make it back to Okinawa!!! Nothing can compare to getting your pampering done in Okinawa.
Hi Im new to the island and have already heard so much about this place. I plan on visiting there very soon, is it better make a appt. Or can i just walk in? Do they take both cash and yen?Are there any pointers for me to know about before going in.
Brigitte – I would strongly recommend making an appointment. I know they take yen and credit cards (adding a 5% surcharge). Just go and enjoy yourself!
Another note – The Cocok’s on 23 has started using disposable gloves, while the one by the Seawall does not. Don’t know how much it matters to people but personally, I prefer without gloves.
I am trying a good, reputable place to get an eyebrow and a brazilian waxing done. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Can anyone tell me if I can by wax somewhere? I used to get wax that is microwavable in the States.
Thanks for the information in advance!
Andrea
HI Ladies,
For those of you interested in a brazilian wax, below is some quick info. Please bear with me as I have little time but will provide input based on my experiences. Just write back if you need more details.
1. Esthetique Salon – I used to go here for Brazilian waxes and I go now for brazilian IPL (laser hair removal). Probably one of the best/most professional salons. June-San speaks English really well and I often go to her.
2. Other salons off-base include Come Across and Sivilla. I have been to both. Not bad but I prefer the above mentioned.
3. allaboutyoufacials.yolasite.com – A contact via OYS also does waxing but she is on leave until sometime in November. I’ve heard great things about her and hope to get in.
4. I have never been to this place (Total Beauty) so I cannot vouch but just in case you want to try it: link to okinawacosmeticsalon.com
I hope this helps – again, I tried a multitude of salons off-base when I came here and just ended up choosing IPL (cost of brazilians adds up after the years).
where is the esthetique salon located?
Esthetique is located right by Plaza House Shopping Center. It’s on the 330. It’s actually on the little side street just before you get to the parking lot for the shopping center. I had tattoo removal done there. They were super nice and it was really inexpensive.
Mia, do you know whether the salons you listed do eyebrow tinting? Does ANYONE know a good place where I can get my eyebrows tinted?? I have blond hair and really light – just barely visible eyebrows. I had them tinted every 6 weeks for probably last ten years. I’ve been in Okinawa 4 months and really need my eyebrows back. PLEASE HELP!
I’ve been trying to find a good place that does IPL or waxing for men… most places seem rather apprehensive about working on men around Okinawa… does anyone know a good place?
Ernie, there’s Me Love. You can find it on this site.
Me love flatly turned me down lol. Life Relaxation (almost a straight shot coming out of Kadena Gate 1) was a little more cooperative, and decided that if I was comfortable with it, they would be XD
I went to Crea for a bit. My husband was interested and Crea gave me the info for their men’s salon. I can track it down if you are interested…
Definitely still interested. Issue is a lot of places are kinda… iffy it seems, about doing men.
I got hooked up with an on-base spouse-run gig, but she’ll be PCSing a few days after my appointment, so when I get back from leave I’ll be back at square one.
Appreciate whatever you got!
Any word on Crea?
I went to Cocok’s by the seawall. First, it was kind of difficult to find. By kadena before you turn right to go into the gate its your left instead (i hope this makes sense). There will be this supermarket type place on your right after you turn and then you go almost all the way to the end and it will be on your right side up the stairs.
Parking- you cannot park on the road in front of the salon even though everyone else does. Turn right when you get to the end of the road, make your second right and the extra parking lot is on your left. cocoks parked my car for me though because i was late.
okay this next part is about the actual salon: very courteous and nice, very long and meticulous service. I have one gripe: she didn’t sanitize her cuticle nippers. She pulled them out of a leather dirty pouch and tried to use them on my hands. I said no but wow, be careful here. Make sure you see them clean.
Can someone please give me directions to Esthetique Salon from Kinser? Thank you!
Does anyone know where I can get my eyebrows arched? Thanks!
I just had to comment on my experience at the Esthetique Salon. Yes, the ladies were very professional, with the charm and warmth that is customary in Okinawa. The atmosphere is quaint and clean. I don’t do Brazilian waxes, but I do get a bikini wax to my own specifications. I was not happy with the results I received from this establishment. They had to repeatedly go over the same spots to get the areas hairless, and at the end I still could see hair in areas I’d requested to be hairless. I was also a bit put off by the fact that they put the wax on their forearms first (to ensure it does not burn), but there were times I did get burned because the wax was too hot and I think the ladies were getting tired. My entire experience took an hour. I say ladies because one lady did the bikini while another did my underarms, simultaneously! <–was really taken aback by that. I will say in their defense that I have heard my hair is “strong.” I guess this means my hair does not easily pull from the follicles. Perhaps this salon was not used to “strong” hair, but I have never had to pay to endure such a torture with mediocre results.
I’ve gone to Inner Beauty Charu’s for about 2 years now for all services Nails, Waxing, Facials & Eyelash Extensions..The staff are all very warm, friendly & professional. The salon is clean & has a very homey feel to it! I have their website & I think there’s a number to contact them on the site: http://www.innerbeautycharus.weebly.com
Hope this helps!
So I’m still hoping someone can tell me they’ve found someone that can do male waxing. When I contact the places recommended above and from other sources, they either don’t do Brazilian waxes at all, or simply don’t do male Brazilians.
My thing is that I’m hoping to find a place that does cold-wax for the Brazilian because, as you can imagine… the standard hot wax application requires a lot more skin pull, and I don’t need to lose any important components in the process….
well, if anyone else comes across this like i did years after the original post looking for a waxing place, im going to try a place right out of kadena’s gate two. they seem to have reasonable prices and the lady that answered the phone spoke english well.
this was listed on oys:
____________________________________________________
We wax men and women.
(Men need to come with female to get under hair wax. No sensual service available!!!! Thank you.)
Under arm:1500yen
Half arm wax:2000yen
Lower leg wax:3000yen
Upper leg wax:3000yen
Stomach area:1000yen and up(it’s up to how wide and how much hair you have)
Chest wax:3000yen and up(it’s up to how wide and how much hair you have)
Back wax:1000yen and up(it’s up to how wide and how much hair you have)
Bikini wax:3500yen(side and trim)
Brazilian wax:4500yen and up(Whole thing)
Chin wax:1500yen
Upper lip wax:500yen
I use wax for sensitive skin. It does not hurt as much as honey wax. It does hurt 1st time, but everybody loves the way it feel after get wax so they come back to get waxed. From 2nd time will not be painful as much as 1st time cuz less hair grow back.
QUALITY SERVICE!!!
Gift certificate available.
***We take YEN. or dollars by the rate of the day***
Call for an appointment
090-8291-5777
Direction : 1.From Kadena Gate 2, go towards 330.
2.Pass Richie Rich clothing store , Ka cafe and Meico Optic, on your left and turn left at Tropical Joy.
3.Keep streight till you hit an arcade. Platinum Soul Beauty Care is right next to the hair salon.
***There is no free parking space. You can park at USO and walk or park at Music town is cheaper than other parkin grage. Sorry for inconvenience…***
TO WHOM MAKE AN APPOINTMENT,PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOU COME ON TIME, CALL FOR CANCEL, OR LATE!!!!! THANK YOU.
Platinum Soul Beauty Care
link to platinumsoul.okinawacityshop.com
___________________________________________________
After more than a year on island, I decided to try this CocoK place everyone raves about. If you’re a 20something who likes the fun of spending hubby’s money while you gossip over a cup of green tea, this is definitely your place. However, I will share my experience with the rest of the population for a more well-rounded review. I am getting a rough massage and getting toes pulled out of socket by a lady named Natsuki. She briskly filed my toes (I suppose she was going for the nails?). I jumped. She was so violent. How many of you come for the relaxing experience? I do. My daughter is finally back to school and I looked forward to a relaxing morning and having pretty toenails. At 37 weeks pregnant, I can’t take care of my own toes anymore. She finished my massage before everyone else who began before us. When I asked her not to pull on my toes so hard, I was ignored. She acknowledged understanding so language wasn’t the issue. I am frugal from the word “penny” and perhaps this is the reason I am so disappointed. I think my husband’s HARD-EARNED $50 could have been well-spent at Simply Perfect, where I will return next time I feel I can use the relaxation. For those of you who wanted the 30something busy Mom’s perspective and can relate to my lifestyle and appreciation for the rare pampering opportunity, there you have it
FYI, Simply Perfect is the nail salon located downstairs from Kadena PX, on the far back row. I think it is next to the Mail Center. The prices are better (I think Tuesdays are even cheaper) and they use jetted foot tubs connected to massage chairs as opposed to the plastic containers independent from the ripped recliners that CocoK uses.
Couldn’t agree more…everytime I decide to join the girls and go to Cocok’s I am highly disappointed with the service and the quality. When they first open the service was great…granted this was some time ago.
How about a good phone number?
Ladies,
If you are looking for waxing services on the island, I would HIGHLY recommend Tania at Wax Down Under – she does a superb job and is incredibly professional and friendly. Also a military spouse and small business owner, so great to support!
Check her out on facebook: link to facebook.com
Tania is amazing! She is great, quick, professional and puts you at ease!
Finally got out to Cocok by the Seawall for a pedicure. The salon was cozy and quaint with a beautiful view of the ocean. There was even a bar inside. The service itself was nice although I was very shocked to see that plastic bins were used instead of jetted tubs. The nail art was beautiful but I don’t think I would return for a full pedicure, maybe only to get the designs done. The massage and foot care was only okay.
I go to both cocoks’. Both great for mani/pedi. plus the one on 23 has ice cream
the one by seawall has a mini bar 
Anyone know if there is a place that does eyebrow tinting on island? I really need it and my local national stylist has never heard of it…
Wax Down Under does brow tinting!!!
Awesome, thank you! Do you know if they do eyelashes, too?
Has anyone had any tattoo removal experience on Oki?