Nippon Shiatsu Spa

Katsu is the best!!! My husband found this little gem on beach and ball. When I first got here I was a little skeptical but as soon as I entered it I was greeted by the nicest man. The place is a little old fashioned but it is very very clean. Shiatsu massages help release pain, and when I get a massage from here I feel very relaxed. Great, friendly staff. If you are over stressed this is the place to go!

Katsu is awesome. Came in because I felt like I was battling the body flu and achy muscles. He worked on me and I left feeling brand new. Has super cool stories too. Definitely coming back

I was able to make an appointment for the same day for 30 minute shiatsu massage for $ 30.
Wow. I had such pain in my neck & right shoulder. After the massage, Russell warned me that I might feel some soreness in my shoulder the next day. Actually, I felt no pain the next day. 1 week later, I feel great. No pain. I highly recommend this place if you have body pain that is not resolved by stretching or tiger balm.
It is located in the el pollo loco/​little cesar’s parking lot.

I woke up in the morning with very bad back and neck pain. I must have slept wrong all night.
I decided to find a massage place so I pulled up my Unilocal app. After calling 3 other places that told me they are booked out all day I found this place.
I was met at the front desk my Katsu. I was asked to take my shoes off and follow him to the massage area.
I would say this was one of the best massages I have had in a long time…
We talked a bit during my session about karate, sport and exercise.
He showed me a photo of him when he was 22 and a body builder. I was impressed
After my session he showed me around the facility. They have a weights room and a hot/​cold sauna area. Katsu recommended next time to do the hot cold sauna before and after a massage.
Would I come back here? Definitely. I am interested to try the hot/​cold sauna.

This was my first time shiatsu and it was great! Mr Katsu was very nice. Will definitely be back to get tenderized.

I cannot say enough about Nippon Shiatsu. I’m a long-​time returning very happy customer. Rocky is my Shiatsu guy & he’s the absolute BEST ever! As I’m a daily migraine sufferer, I get shiatsus on a regular basis. Rocky always knows just where those migraine pressure points are. If there are any other problem areas that I’m not aware of, Rocky seems to be able to point them out! He’s extremely good at what he does. Katsu is a wonderful owner, always accommodating me with an appt. when I call, within 15 min’s — ½ hour! I cannot say that much about most businesses where you have to wait for sometimes days, or a week. — Whether you prefer deep tissue (hard pressure), or light massage, I know that you’ll be very pleased with any technician at Nippon Shiatsu Spa. Everyone is very professional there. They get 2 thumbs up from me! — Always a happy & loyal customer, since the very beginning! –

Best massage ever I have been to many places. I had really bad shoulder pain and knots all over. I left with no pain and feeling amazing at last found place knows what there doing and is worth every dollar. Very friendly and nice this is my go to place for massage. Reviews are right on about this place. Scheduling was so easy I’m very busy person they were able to take me in right away.

FINALLY! My search for a massage therapist ends here!
Today was my first time ever receiving a shiatsu massage and I have to say, WOW! Why am I just now finding this place?!? i am most definitely coming back! I just left this establishment and already, I’ve referred 3 people!!!
Mr. KATSU (owner) was the gentleman who took care of me. He is not only an expert at what he does, but he is a very kind and humble man. You can tell he is passionate about his work just by the quality of massage he gives you.
My entire body has been tense for months so I purchased the 1-​hr Shiatsu session. Mr KATSU applied medium pressure to several (maybe all?) muscles around my entire body — some muscles I didn’t even know existed bc he is the only person who ever massaged it! Hahaha. When I told him of my back and shoulder pain, he started applying pressure to certain areas with intention of actually healing it. I am so impressed.
I HIGHLY recommend Nippon Shiatsu Spa for anyone wanting a QUALITY healing massage. It is not a fancy place by any means and it’s somewhat hidden in very old strip mall, but an important thing to note is that it is very clean.
to add: I am EXTREMELY picky. I have gotten ALOT of massages and have tried several different places/​masseuses. I always request for a deep tissue massage and have paid anywhere between $ 25−100/hour. Of all the establishments and masseuses I’ve tried, Mr. KATSU ranks well above them all. Trust. You will not be disappointed.
Unilocal reviewers for Nippon Shiatsu definitely got this one right… Good job!
100% satisfied.

On my most recent visit I arrived in Cypress stressed out and my body was totally out of whack. Thinking the problem was stress related, I tried to go for a run to blow off some steam; however I found that my neck and back were so tight that running was really uncomfortable. After perusing the reviews here, I gave Mr. Katsu a call and headed over to Nippon Shiatsu Spa.
Nippon Shiatsu Spa is both a throwback and a great value. For $ 60, I got an hour long shiatsu massage, and unlimited time in the hot/​cold baths and sauna. Mr. Katsu has been in the area for decades, and he brings 30 years of experience to bear; he asked me specific questions about my back/​neck, and provided a thorough and helpful massage experience. While the spa itself is quite spartan, the facilities were clean, and I personally found it relaxing to begin my massage with a shower and a dip in the hot and cold tubs. A trip to Nippon Shiatsu combines some of the nice elements of a Korean or Russian bath house with a skilled massage, a combination that is not that easy to come by in the same building. Throughout our conversations, Mr. Katsu noted that things have changed a lot in his 30 years at this location; there are hundreds of massage locations in the neighborhood now; he proudly noted that this is the only Shiatsu massage center in Orange County, and I imagine the experience has changed little from the early days here in a good way. If you are looking for a nice spa experience with proven quality, I encourage you to try it.

My 80 y.o. mother had a stroke a few years ago and walking is a challenge. It just dawned on me to try Shiatsu. We had a mother and daughter massage for this Mother’s Day. Immediately afterwards she was walking faster. The next day my niece noticed she was walking faster too — and did not know about Mom’s massage. My mother asked to go again, so we’ll be there this weekend.
I also have a leg that’s ½ shorter & sometimes my hip hurts. The pain went away like magic. I had gotten Shiatsu years ago in Little Tokyo for much, much more. This might be a humble setting in a strip mall, but the massage is great. You can either wear very light clothing or they will give you a long t-​shirt gown to change into. We both sweated instantly the first few minutes, and then it stopped.
When I made my appointment I told them about my mother’s condition to make sure it was OK. Before they start they also ask you about aches, pains, and anything else they might need to know. Shiatsu’s acupressure has real curing power and seems better than physical therapy to me. Don’t we wish insurance companies paid for this? I’m taking my sister with us too. See you at Nippon! Give them a try!

Authentic and the best shiatsu massage. Mr. Katsu is very professional, worth the trip.

This place really takes care of my pains. I used to go to the chiropractor at another place and took a 2 thousand dollar deal for 1 year to heal my back pains. It helped initially but was never treated for pain.
What I really like about Nippon is that when you are at the table you get asked what your problem is. They take care of your problem from there. Today March 4, 2014 I came in and got taken care of by a healthy 71 year old gentlemen with a beard (specific because I recommend him).
When we started, I had extreme muscle tension on my mid/​lower back and I told him that I did so that this would be his focus point when he asked what my problem was. I had been under extreme physical activity and came in torn with tension pain.
He sure made me hurt when I was over the table but I know from previous massages that the more pain at the table the better relaxation that I would have. He constantly asked about my pain level every time I tensed and exhaled hard. I am 100% sure that he would have slowed his pressure if I would have told him that I was under pain.
I came back home tired of moving boxes and sick of moving them without my back cramping up, to moving boxes at home once again. I am relaxing now, and I once again for the 4 to 5^th time glad that I chose them once again from initially seeing their business on Unilocal.
If you want to relax and have muscle pains or simply need a massage go here. I will continue to keep updating this review for all you Unilocalers.
Mr. Katsu, thanks for having this great idea of having this business blocks away from my home.

Just had a great massage with Katsu. Haven’t been there in a while and I had called a couple of places just a bit closer, but they didn’t do the deep tissue massage. I’d been rear-​ended a couple of months ago and needed a «no-​nonsense» massage.
On Beach & Ball. Give it a try next time your muscles are tight. I’m going again next week for the «30min stress relief» session.

This is a really authentic, healing massage which actually gives results. And I liked that you didn’t have to take your clothes off or deal with any sticky oils.
I got a 2 hour massage and yes it hurt when they worked through my knots but I just breathed and it was worth it. I’m sure if you ask them to use lighter pressure they will do it, but I say, no pain no gain.
He used a combination of gentle stretching, releasing and acupressure which was great. The people are super nice and authentic, not commercial. They just do a great job and have great customer service.
I’ve been to a lot of massage places and have to say this is the real deal which is rare. Highly recommended!

Mr. Katsu is a legendary massage therapist with decades of experience and awesome Japanese training.
I periodically get massage treatments to relieve shoulder and arm tension. I’m often disappointed by most massage therapists I’ve tried. In retrospect, my 12 year old could probably step on my back and yield better results than most massage therapists in LA & OC.
My shoulders need a therapist with extra strenght, conviction, technique and above all the ability to get deep and down to the root cause of my muscle tension.
Mr. Katsu is my #1 massage therapist going forward. He knows his practice well and will show your muscles who the boss really is.
Mr. Katsu ’ s massage is very strong. Don’t expect a pleasant heartsy fartsy rub here… this man will use strenght and dig very deep.
The end result is incredible. I leave this place feeling fantastic, renewed and recharged. My tense muscles are basically tamed and ready for another rough work week.
It is very rare to find someone with the caliber of Mr. Katsu. It is also worthy to note that he is the owner of this establishment.
The business itself is very humble. Don’t expect a Burke Williams atmosphere here… you won’t get it. What you will get instead is a superb massage with astonishing results.
I strongly recommend this establishment.
Thank you Mr. Katsu for making me feel better and for taking pride in your 40+ year practice.
Yes, we will do Karaōke one of these days. Your wife is also very sweet.

This is the real deal when it comes to shiatsu massage. They offer a mini tub for males but not for women. There’s also a mini workout area for the guys but not for the ladies. Located in a strip mall– it may be a weird location but the inside is modest and relaxing. I get massages very often and this is the best one that I’ve ever gotten. There’s a reason why this place has been open for 35 years. I live 70 miles away but I look for reasons to come out here and this is it.

The lady here made me feel comfortable here however after 45 mins only my shoulders felt like butter. All my knots are still there but I do have to say most of my knots have been there for years so maybe I have to go a couple times. Anyways .
This place is like your traditional Japanese house — take off your shoes. There is a waiting area that is a bit 70s but its just a waiting area! On to the massage, I was wearing loose and comfy clothes I was asked to take off my top but only because she saw I had a spaghetti strap underneath. Put your things in a basket under the table and on to the massage. The bed doesn’t have a place for your face so it was a bit odd to have your face to one side esp when they start working on your neck. The little lady was strong and the pressure felt nice. I did feel her working on my knots but at some points of the massage I was just thinking what is going on. I did feel relaxed though.
Not bad $ ⁴⁵⁄₄₅ mins

Yes! Yes! Yes! I’m a Unilocaling fan yes I am! So I never got a shiatsu before because of the stories how they hurt you and everything. But I really needed to get the knots and kinks out of my neck and shoulders. I was pretty desperate. I been to many many massages in my lifetime but what I needed, a massage would not be enough. I needed some really good pain. Like what they say, no pain no gain!
I searched on Unilocal as usual for a shiatsu place and there are not many in the LA/​OC area so I was not sure which of the few places to pick. I’m willing to drive the extra mile for a good massage so distance was not an issue for me. I searched all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area and a few did come up but I figured what the heck, just try this place out, it’s closer to me. It’s not like I have to commit to a whole hour. I can do 30 minutes and if I’m not satisfied, I’ll just find another place next time.
I called the day before and the owner answered. I believe his name is Katsu. They do have other masseuses available though but I figure he’s the owner, why not just have a session with him. I asked if he’s available the following morning and he told me to come in at 10:30. I was so happy! So you go there and like most traditional Japanese households, you have to take off your shoes before you enter the place. There’s a waiting area inside, he takes you in to one of the rooms and gives you something to throw on, you take off your shirt and pants. When you’re ready, he’ll ask if you’re ready and come in and start working on you. Now let me start by saying like how not every doctor or dentist is not treated equally, massage therapists, masseuses are the same. Everyone has their own technique and style and the way they do things.
Back home in Hawaii I went to a shiatsu place (okay I lied earlier I said I never got shiatsu lol) and the owner was from Japan just like Katsu, the owner of this place. However, the shiatsu place I went to in Hawaii, they called themselves medical shiatsu, so they would ask what is specifically wrong with me and only work on that area. This place is different. Katsu does ask for specific areas that you want to be worked on, but he will work on your whole entire body and if you think he cannot do it in 30 minutes, he will. He is that good. The place in Hawaii, had me coming for a whole hour all the time saying 30 minutes is not nearly enough. Katsu, says to me that one hour is too long. He said he would work on me for 45 minutes but an hour is not necessary. He says next time I come in we will just do 30 minutes.
Katsu is very nice. He’s an older man, kind of reminds me of my grandpa lol. He doesn’t want to cheat you or take your money. I guess because I told him I’m not working and I’m a student and no income, he feels I shouldn’t be spending my money. When I left, I gave him more money than it cost because aren’t I supposed to add tip? He gave me back $ 10 saying I gave him too much lol I said how about tip. He said okay, $ 5 is enough, don’t need to spend so much money. Really?! When did anyone every give you back your tip and say that it is not needed.
There is also a hot water and cold water pool. They have specific times for men and women to go I think on the weekend. $ 15 I believe between certain times. There are lockers, showers, blow dryers, shampoo, seriously, you don’t need to bring anything but yourself! Next time I’m going back to soak in the water. O M G that would be heaven!

First time there today and it was a really good acupressure type of massage. I felt quite relaxed and warm after being pushed and pulled by an older lady named Yoko. She did a good job for the 60 minutes I was there.
BTW: The strip mall it is located in is a dump so don’t let that fool you.
I think I am going to sleep like a pig tonight. Go get beat up a little and I think you won’t regret it.

Holy freakin’ WOW!
My uncomfortable flight from Hawaii to California really caused havoc on my back, neck and shoulders, not to mention, a stressful not so TGIF at work. So, a quick search for Shiatsu massage led me to Nippon Shiatsu Spa after my shift.
First off, the address on the Unilocal page is correct, however, if you’re using the map feature on Unilocal’s mobile app, that’s wrong. Nippon is located on the corner of Ball and Beach. Not, Ball and Western.
Second — walk in, pay first. Yes, you read that right, you pay first. Then, you’re instructed to remove your shoes then off to the changing area to undress into shorts. They even provide some for you if you’re not wearing any.
After I changed into their shorts, I was led over to an open room where there were a few tables where I got one of the best massages in a very long time. I’ve said the same things a few times lately, however, as I sit here composing this review, there’s no tightness whatsoever in my lower back which I still tend to feel even after some of the other good massages I’ve recently had.
I want to say the girl’s name is Mayuki but I could be wrong. I just know that she got to the underlayer of muscles with her fingers to where I could feel the knots just disappearing while she worked her magic. She didn’t have a routine where she followed some script — she searched out the knots and loosened them all up. There were moments when I was in pain, but it was the kind of pain that just hurts so good!
I’ve had massages all over, ranging from the east coast, to the west; from relaxation to deep tissue; from inexpensive $ 15 an hour sessions to some that cost a lot more — Nippon is only $ 60 an hour. I’d gladly pay more.