Shiatsu Massage

Kyoto
English
1 hour

Why Choose This Shiatsu Massage Experience?

Discover the healing power of Shiatsu massage, an ancient Japanese technique that combines mindful touch with therapeutic pressure to relax the body, calm the mind, and renew your energy.
After a long journey or a busy day exploring, there's no better way to unwind than with this traditional body therapy—just like the locals do, including the occasional Geisha or Maiko.
Conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto’s atmospheric Higashiyama district, this experience offers both cultural immersion and complete relaxation.

Available language: English
Activity type: Wellness reservation
Duration: 1 hour
Meeting point: Kyoto, Higashiyama

What is Shiatsu Massage?

Looking for a deeply restorative wellness therapy during your stay in Kyoto?

Rooted in traditional Eastern medicine, Shiatsu (meaning "finger pressure") is a hands-on Japanese therapy that uses precise pressure on specific acupressure points along the body's meridians. These points, called tsubo in Japanese, are believed to help restore balance to the body's energy—also known as “qi”—and promote overall wellbeing.

Shiatsu shares its theoretical foundation with acupuncture and traditional anma massage, yet it requires no needles—just the skilled hands of certified practitioners trained to listen to the body through touch.

Recognized Benefits of Shiatsu Include:

Reduction of physical and emotional stress
Immune system support
Improved energy flow and balance
Deep relaxation and muscle tension relief

An Art Recognized Worldwide

Though practiced in Asia for centuries, modern Shiatsu took shape in Japan in the early 20th century, thanks to Tokujiro Namikoshi. It has since gained global recognition, officially approved by Japan’s Ministry of Health in 1954, and acknowledged by the European Parliament in 1997 as one of the most effective forms of non-traditional therapy.

The technique is not only physical—targeting the muscles through gentle but firm pressure—but also energetic, aiming to restore harmony to the body’s life force.

Your Massage Experience in a Traditional Kyoto Machiya

Step into a serene Kyomachiya—an elegant traditional townhouse made of tatami mats, wooden beams, and shoji paper windows. Let yourself be enveloped by a calming atmosphere as your session begins on a warm Japanese futon, heated by Binchotan-charcoal flooring and softly illuminated by a nearby Japanese floor lamp.

For 60 minutes, relax under the expert hands of a professional Shiatsu practitioner. Your therapist will customize the treatment based on where you feel discomfort or tension. Just let them know—your body will do most of the talking.

Even if you’re new to Shiatsu, there’s no need to worry. You’ll learn to appreciate the gentle, mindful application of pressure that makes this therapy so profoundly effective.

Additional Information

What’s Included:

1-hour session combining Shiatsu and Anma massage
Comfortable massage gown (sizes L to 8XL)

What’s Not Included:

Transportation to the venue

Cancellation Policy:

Up to 7 days before: Full refund
Between 7 days and 5:00 PM the day before: 50% fee
After 5:00 PM the day before or on the day: Non-refundable

Important Notes Before Booking:

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. A few days later, a ticket in Japanese will be sent—please print and bring it with you.
Limited availability during high season. If your chosen time is unavailable, we’ll suggest alternatives or offer a full refund.

Let your body and mind be renewed by one of Japan’s most respected healing arts. Whether you’re new to acupressure therapy or a seasoned wellness traveler, this Shiatsu experience is a must while in Kyoto.