San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Place: Kabuki Springs & Spa

Address: 1750 Geary Blvd., Japan Center, San Francisco

Description:
Kabuki Springs and Spa has changed from a traditional bathhouse to a spa with a blend of Japanese public bath facilities that include a hot pool, cold plunge, dry sauna and steam room. The bathhouse has undergone many interior renovations, most recently replacing the colorful Tokyo interior theme with a more modern Asian motiff that creates a healing, meditative atmosphere. Today, the Kabuki Springs and Spa tries to create an environment to relax the body & mind. Bodywork techniques from all over Asia, as well as Swedish massage, are also offered at Kabuki Springs and Spa, including alternative techniques such as polarity, where the therapist uses gentle holds to encourage the release of energy blocks in the body, reiki, a natural healing method that works with the human energy field, and chi nei tsang, based on an ancient Taoist healing method.

History:

Kabuki Springs and Spa was established in 1968 in a building complex originally intended for use as an entertainment center with a theater, sushi bar and traditional communal bathhouse. In 1979 the AMC Corporation bought the building, converting the theater to a movie multiplex. While the community feared the future development of the building, in the 80’s, the bathhouse was changed its men-only policy to allow women to use the facilities twice a week. Women who were training to be massage therapists also found housing upstairs. Traditionally, the bathhouse was a place to socialize. A major change to the Kabuki was from a traditional bathhouse to a spa center with pan-Asian, Swedish and Shiatsu techniques. When Joie de Vivre Hospitality purchased the bathhouse in 1999, it renovated the facility into a more contemporary spa, taking advantage of its Japanese roots and Japantown location. The current owners continue the long-time Japantown ritual that completes the annual Cherry Blossom parade, when the men who taru mikoshi end their journey at the spa.

Significance:

Cultural, social

Recognition of Significance:

Sources:

Kathy Nelson – Kabuki Springs and Spa - Manager

Other Comments:

For the past 37 years, it has been a tradition for the men who carry the mikoshi shrine during the Cherry Blossom Parade to use the communal bath accommodated by Mr. Kimura, ex-G.M. at Kabuki Springs & Spa.

Prepared By: Darryl Abantao Date Prepared: 9/24/04