Hanabi Japanese Therapy at Shop 111 Centreway Arcade, Level 1 259-263 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD is a clean, low-key shop tucked inside an arcade and out of sight from the street, which is a big part of why it’s such a popular choice for a discreet CBD visit. The roster is made up of younger Asian therapists, and some only work a day or two a week here, so regulars tend to book by day.
Communication and customer interaction
- Booking is by text or SMS, and the receptionist is quick to reply. The roster is available on request, so ask who’s working before you go.
- English ranges from limited to good conversational. Some therapists are shy and quiet, and others are chatty and happy to talk about their background.
- Therapists tend to relax and add some teasing once they know you’ve been to the shop before.
Location, access, atmosphere and cleanliness
- The shop is on Level 1, reached by stairs or the lift, and the entry is through the arcade, not a street door, so there’s little foot traffic.
- Reception is clean and welcoming, and the rooms are warm and tidy. They vary in size, with some on the small side and others roomy.
- Lighting ranges from dim to well lit, and some rooms play background music.
Facilities and amenities
- Rooms have a massage table and a sink.
- Towels and oil are clean, and the oil is sometimes coconut-scented.
- Wet wipes and hot towels are used for clean-up, and water is sometimes offered.
Therapists
- Asian therapists in their mid 20s to mid 30s, from a mix of backgrounds, with good hygiene across the roster.
- Looks vary from tall and slim to petite, and ad photos don’t always match who turns up.
- Some therapists work here one day a week and elsewhere on other days, so favourites are easier to find if you book by day.
Service and massage quality
- Massage quality ranges from average to very good. Some therapists have real strength and use their elbows well, while others are lighter or less consistent.
- The erotic massage side starts with teasing on the inner thighs, then builds towards the extras.
- Extras include HJ, nude HJ, body slide and oral. Full service is only occasionally available, and not every therapist offers it.
- Engagement ranges from enthusiastic and chatty to shy and mechanical, so try a different therapist if the first doesn’t suit.
Pricing and extras
- Massage prices are 30 minutes for $60, 45 minutes for $75 and 60 minutes for $90.
- HJ starts at $50 and nude HJ is $100. Body slide and oral are around $50 each on top, with the full menu running up to about $200.
- You can pay by cash or card, and card payments carry a surcharge.
Session flow and timing
- Extras come up after about 15 minutes of massage on a 30 minute booking, usually after a wipe-down with water and towels.
- After the finish, wet wipes and a hot towel take care of the oil, and any time left usually goes to more massage.
- Bookings start on time, and walk-ins sometimes wait a few minutes.
- Sessions run the full time, and therapists are patient with clean-up and don’t rush you out.
Overall customer experience
- A clean, reliable and discreet CBD shop with a friendly feel, and punters often leave with a hug and an invitation to come back.
- Quality is consistent for the price, but the therapist you get makes the difference, so it’s worth asking who’s on and trying a few.
Quotes
- “This is by far my favourite CBD location, it is clean, discrete, reliable and the girls are typically great.”
- “Very clean and professional looking and pretty much each girl I’ve seen has been Asian but spoke at least conversational English.”
- “Rainy Thursday punt, all 3 girls on roster were available around lunch time. Rainy slow days girls seem always more eager from recent punts.”
- “She asks me to disrobe and put my things on the chair which I do. Her massage skills feel good, with a bit of strength and elbows. She massages my legs and back.”
- “I love this shop and they don’t seem to be clock-watchers. Value the customer and take their time.”
- “The massage was quite relaxing and about medium firmness. Fine, but nothing to write home about.”
Know before you go — the weekly roster, therapist notes and scam warnings for the CBD are on the forum. Check who’s reviewed this week on The Naked Truth