I have never been more pampered than during my afternoon at Spa Kyoto.

After a long week, I headed to the spa, — at Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark — to try their Signature Shiitake Facial and Signature Koi Massage. Bamboo accents and calming music ushered in a sense of relaxation before I even walked through the doors.

Japanse Garden Spa Kyoto

Friendly staff greeted me, checked me in, and led me through the spa—16,000 square feet of luxury inspired by Japanese culture. Amenities abound: an infrared sauna, steam room, mineral whirlpool, meditation lounges, and an indoor/outdoor pool. My only regret? I didn’t plan more time to enjoy them all!

Pro tip: Plan time to arrive early or stay after your treatments to enjoy all the spa amenities. 

To book an appointment, call 573-365-8108. The Spa Kyoto team can help you choose the right services and find an appointment that fits your schedule.

My first treatment was the facial—my first one ever. Slightly embarrassing confession: I fell asleep! The staff assured me it was a compliment to their work.

Good for all skin types, the Signature Shiitake Facial uses Éminence Organics’ Pure Forest Collection to leave skin refreshed, hydrated, and radiant by harnessing the antioxidant and age-defying benefits of shiitake mushrooms (hence the name of the facial).

Spa Kyoto considers every step of your experience, even down to a heated massage table.

Meditation_area_2026 Spa Kyoto

We started with a cleanse and gentle exfoliation. The Tulsi Snow Mushroom Cleansing Milk was massaged into my skin to remove impurities, help reduce inflammation and redness, and support the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

The esthetician performed a skin analysis to tailor the facial to my specific skin needs and concerns.

A warm, soothing steam is then applied over the personalized exfoliant or enzyme mask to aid active ingredients to penetrate deeply while gently smoothing skin texture, removing dead skin cells, and revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion. Meanwhile, a hand and arm massage is performed with a delightful scented, earthy-Ashwagandha cream.

Inspired to book your own facial? Spa Kyoto offers everything from classic treatments to specialized facials tailored to your skin concerns.

Call 573-365-8108 or request an appointment online.

original-73A3839F-A414-46F8-9049-A03840725325.jpeg

I had the Snow Mushroom & Reishi mask to tighten and hydrate my skin, and the neck and shoulder massage promotes deep relaxation… hence my nap!

The facial concludes with the Snow Mushroom Eye Cream, customized moisturizer, SPF protection, and a nourishing lip treatment. Everything is catered to your needs and leaves you glowing.

The staff was genuinely thoughtful, too. I appreciated the esthetician bringing me a glass of water and showing me to a quiet waiting area before my next appointment: the Signature Koi Massage.

From the soft floor and lighting to the clean botanical smell, the private room immediately put me at ease. You can let the massage therapist know if there are any areas that need special attention or they should avoid.

The full-body massage blends Swedish techniques with medium-to-firm pressure. It was created by Spa Kyoto massage therapists, who designed it around what they personally found to be the most relaxing—long, rhythmic movements that connect the entire body while targeting common areas where tension and lactic acid build up.

After experiencing it for myself, I could easily see why the Spa Kyoto team is so proud of their signature treatments. I left feeling energized yet relaxed, the perfect balance after a busy week. Before I left, I was instructed not to do any chores afterward because it would undo their hard work. I was more than happy to follow that advice.

Ready to plan your own spa day? Call Spa Kyoto at 573-365-8108 to reserve your tailored treatments, or visit the website to explore the full spa menu.

SaltStoneFeatured.jpg

I walked into Spa Kyoto hoping to unwind after a busy week, but it was far more than I expected. I left feeling recharged and already dreaming about my next visit. Whether you only have an hour or can spend the day enjoying the spa’s amenities, it’s an experience that reminds you to pamper yourself every once in a while.

I plan to come back and do just that. There are more Signature Treatments on Spa Kyoto’s menu I need to try.

AloJapan.com