Terrible space for a "professional" massage. It smelled like old food and her fat Frenchie was under the massage table snoring. I could smell a funky oder the whole hour. I didn't realize her dog was under there till I got up. Yuck! The massage was a lot of poking and repetition with no skills. She was rough when she turned my head and pulled my neck. It was not a traditional shiatsu massage at all! The whole experience was terrible I was desperate for a affordable massage. That is why I took it, instead of stopping it. Kept thinking maybe at some point she would improve, big disappointment... Waste of my hard earned money. read more

I went for the first time and can't wait to return. Three months following my knee replacement, I couldn't wait to have a deep massage . Judy was attentive & checked in with me throughout the massage. My tight muscles & inflammation were treated well. Next time-90 minutes. I loved every minute. read more

The woman that runs and owns this place is really good, and has the ability to do super deep pressure work. It's very affordable and professional, and the shiatsu part really helps with knots in muscles and for athletes. I highly recommend Marin shiatsu. Been going through a few years now and love it. read more

I've never had a shiatsu massage in my life, nor did I know I needed one, until Wednesday night!!! Judy was amazing!! The work she did on my piriformis muscle and sciatica was phenomenal!! I was so fortunate that she was able to get me in right away, and worked on me for an hour and a half!!! I mean WORK too, she was getting in deep and working my pain away. I'm looking forward to a hot stone massage and cupping next time. read more

See all

I came in with burning upper back pain. Judy relieved my discomfort within ten minutes! I became a certified massage therapist in 1982. I have practiced and experienced therapeutic bodywork all over the world for the past 40 years. I know a master when I meet one. Judy is a master practitioner! read more

An amazing massage that I got. She was an expert and I felt amazing after the massage. She makes sure that you feel comfortable and to make sure all your tight spots upper back, head and neck are gone. I asked for deep tissue and that's exactly she did it for me. Some places don't do it correctly. I love her that she helped me out to release all my body pain. Highly recommend it and I would go back for sure!! read more

Excellent service. Judy runs an impressive business. Fair pricing and unbelievably relaxing massage. Really recommend this place. read more

Marin Shiatsu - Massage chair - Massage Near Me - Novato, California

Came here Monday July 15, 2018 at about 2:30pm. I wanted an hour of a Deep Tissue Massage because I pulled a muscle in my neck. The pain stretches from neck down my back and into my scapula. It was really bad and I needed some relief. I called and I was told I could come in right then. So I got my things, closed up the house and left. As I pull onto the street to seek parking I received a call from the owner or whoever is doing the massage and she says "Are you coming or not." It was pretty aggressive in words and tone but I thought "Maybe its a language barrier and it wasn't meant to come out that way." I was directed straight in to the little room, got undressed and later on the table. It was pretty toasty in the room. I saw an AC unit on the wall and was hoping it was going to be turned on, but NOPE! During my massage it was hot. I had to lay my legs on a pillow thing with no sheet on it so I was sweating on it. It was hot in there and she was providing the service with a sheet on me rather than no sheet and using oils or lotions. During my session she had to leave the room 5x because someone walked into the front door and then 1x for a phone call. It was super annoying. Apparently she either needs a helper or she should leave a note at entrance for people to write their name and number and list her available times. Something. MASSAGE: - super deep and strong, like whoa! - no rubbing at all. It's all knuckles, fingers, and elbow pushing. And she James her fingers and elbow into you - she can target areas your sore but she has a hard time understanding you so good luck PROS: - availability - Very deep tissue - service felt good - great strong pressure or less. CONS: - my neck is still in pain and tight - language barrier makes it difficult to discuss issues. She should provide a body chart so you can show her - interrupted 6x during my massage where she had to stop to either deal with a phone call or people walking into her shop - no rubbing at all. I really wanted her to rub and push from my scapula and up to my shoulder and neck but she couldn't understand me. - Maybe not the best place to get relief from any injuries - small hot place - was given massage by a sheet instead of oils or lotion and it just doesn't feel the same PRICE: - $55 for 1 hour - Provided $18 tip read more

I found this place completely randomly, noticing the sign she had set out on Grant St. So glad I did! Judy gives a firm, deep tissue massage that has been amazingly effective for me in treating pulled muscles in my lower back and shoulders. The space is clean, professional and relaxing. Judy is friendly, but lets me zone out & relax once the massage starts. Highly recommend. read more

Why isn't this place packed all the time?! I went here for the first time last week. Judy- the owner, is a one person show, and she is PHENOMENAL! I will NEVER pay anyone else to massage me except for her. She asks you at the beginning where you need focus and she does her magic. She has a strong touch and worked all my knots out. By the time she told me to turn over, I could barely move because I was in such a deep relaxed state. I'm use to the reflexology places that are hit or miss, but this.... Wow! Give her a try, you will not be sorry. read more

In short: highly recommend, Judy does great work and knows what she is doing. Long version, here is the story: I could not move my neck up or down and it hurt to go side to side as well. I was in tremendous pain from a combination of sitting at a computer in an uncomfortable chair 10 hours a day and sleeping on it wrong one night. I needed something to fix it. I decided to get a massage and looked at places near my house and found Marin Shiatsu. I made my appointment and came in after work and Judy massaged and worked on my neck, shoulders and back for quite some time, it hurt quite a bit at times, but in that way you know is going to help. At the end of my hour my neck felt quite a bit better. The next morning, my muscles were SORE, and my neck felt a little bit better still, now the morning of the second day after my massage my neck feels wonderful!!! Judy is amazing and so a great job, I had suffered through the sore neck for 2-3 days, I wish I had gone in after day 1. Live and learn. I will definitely be coming back. Judy, thank you so much! read more

Holy crap I wish I had gone here sooner. If you like a strong deep tissue massage this is the place to go. Judy is seriously gifted. I've had many massages in my life and I can honestly say this was the best. I usually think massages feel good while they're happening, but when I get up I'm still tense and disappointed. Not today! She actually loosened the knots. I will be going back. Soon. read more

Massage therapist, despite my repeatedly asking to not go so deep, continued with excruciating pressure. She left the room four times during the massage to speak with other people (walk-ins, other message practitioners?). Massaged only my back and did not bother with arms, hands, legs or feet. Among the worst massage experiences I've ever had. Terrible. read more

I went to Judy based on yelp reviews since I'm new to living in Novato. I have had many many massages and many different types and I find Judy to be top notch. Simple peaceful setting, very comfortable and serene. Warm table, very adept masseuse. She worked hard various tough spots and then put a soothing ginger rub on. She is non nonsense and will let you know some things may hurt but I am familiar with that in a massage and found the results entirely worth it. I have been to her several times and plan to continue to. read more

This is the best massage place ever. Judy does an amazing job finding the tights spots and works them hard. I feel like she customized the massage based on where the tension is. She uses her muscles to put pressured on the needed spots. I have been here a few times and every time it is great. I feel relaxed and energized after the massage. No doubt I highly recommend her and she is the only place in Marin I will go. Also, the price is reasonable $55 for an hour! read more

Love this place. The masseuse knows what they are doing. I had knot in places I didn't know. I recommend everyone to try the Ginger therapy. It so relaxing. read more

When I went to Marin Shiatsu little did I know how amazing it would be! Judy, their very experienced massage therapist, is one of the most gifted people to ever work on me! She is very warm and welcoming, offering ginger tea at first. Judy is both strong and gentle at the same time. I like a deep tissue massage and she knows how to work very deeply while creating a well balanced feeling of equanimity. Highly recommend Judy! read more

Wow! I'm so glad I found this tucked away place. We just moved here, and was in desperate need of a good massage. Julie, was amazing. You can't beat the price either. She really listened to my areas of pain, and it was the best ever. read more

Judy is an amazing professional. I suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and she makes the pain go away. Please try the hot ginger treatment is you have a troublesome neck or back problems ...you won't regret it! A new super fan! read more

Wow factor at this place, came here for an hour massage and she pushed out so many knots at places I didn't know I had them. The ginger really loosened me up with a warming sensation especially on that cold but very relaxing day. read more

I have to say that this was one of the best massages I have had in a very long time. Judy spent 90 minutes on areas that need a lot of work. Without any guidance she found my trouble spots, and managed to get to everywhere I would have asked. Very reasonable pricing, and very nice people. This was a great find!! read more

I've been here a few times now. The lady gives a good, strong massage. Great location for Novato!

I saw the sign when I was on Grant Avenue and was curious, as I'm a big fan of Shiatsu massage. I went on Yelp, and was a little skeptical of all the 5 star reviews, but decided to give it a try anyway. I'm very glad I did! Judy gave me the kind of massage that I really like - deep and therapeutic. I've never been one for the mushy type of massage - the kind that feel good at the time, but don't do anything afterward for the deep knots and muscle pain that I tend to have. For those who like a good strong massage, I would highly recommend that you give Judy a try! The place isn't fancy, but the table is comfortable, the music's OK and it's nice and clean. Best of all, the prices are very reasonable! read more

Love Judy!! My husband and I both are very happy with her- hubby likes light/relaxing massage but I like deep tissue/myofascial/trigger point release/acupressure type massage to really get the stubborn knots out. Judy adjusts to our different needs & makes both of us very happy!! I'm in pain most of the time with muscle tension & knots so I am very, very happy to have found her! Reasonable price & very nice/caring person as well! :) English may not be her 1st language but communication is not too difficult & she is very intuitive about where you need more attention & what pressure is needed to get the knots out. I'd like to selfishly keep her our secret find so she doesn't book out super far but I guess I'll be nice & let others know about her so they can benefit too ;) read more

I've tried most of the massage places in Novato and around San Rafael, and right now I would rate Marin Shiatsu and the work that Judy does at the top of the list. My preference is for a hard deep tissue type massage, and this is what you get here. As others have said, the ginger therapy at the end really helps soothe the muscles and is a nice touch. read more

Wow! I'm so glad I found this tucked away place. We just moved here, and was in desperate need of a good massage. Julie, was amazing. You can't beat the price either. She really listened to my areas of pain, and it was the best ever. read more