I came in feeling like the peanut brittle you impulse buy at the market because it was the only thing with sugar you could justify eating at that time but the moment you bite into it you instantly regret every single one of your life choices, and I left feeling like the most luscious and supple drizzle of smooth peanut butter--laced of course with glimmering drops of honey willingly donated by scores of bees who had once heard of the legendary Okuyama Body Spa... all atop a perfectly crisped slice of gluten free toast. There is NO need to go to any other place for a massage. Ever. Seriously. I don't care what deal you think you're getting. I've been coming here for months in excruciating pain (and sometimes in tears) from sitting like a gremlin at my laptop every day and every single time they've taken the time to understand what my problems were. In fact, sometimes I think they're only asking to make me think I know what's hurting, because they can read my body better than me! Seriously. They aren't just giving a back rub or trying to carve out large portions of your soul for no reason--they are SO knowledgeable about the human body and what YOURS needs. Every massage feels like a tailored physical therapy appointment. It's so easy to feel like you're missing out on something better in New York. But I never will as long as I keep coming here. read more

Okuyama Bodywork - Clean, warm, and peaceful facilities. Perfect ambiance! - Day Spas Near Me - New York, New York

I have been a loyal customer of Okuyama Bodywork for years, but I am forced to write this because of a recurring and predatory issue at the West Village location. During my most recent visit with a female staff member. I was once again harassed and coerced to increase my tip to 20% after I had already provided 18%. This is not an isolated incident; it has happened to me multiple times this year alone. It is important for management and customers to know that under New York Labor Law § 196-d, it is unlawful for staff to demand or coerce a specific tip amount. Tips are legally voluntary gratuities, and pressuring customers to increase them after a service is a violation of New York's labor and consumer protection standards. It is disappointing that as a long-term client, my loyalty is met with aggressive demands for more money. I hope this serves as a warning to others: be prepared for uncomfortable and illegal pressure at the front desk, regardless of how much you choose to tip. read more

What in the twilight zone is up with these positive reviews?! Husband and I just went in for an hour massage, we both agree it was the worst of our lives. We get massages in the city at least once or twice a month for years so we're very familiar with this style of massage in a bare bones environment, but YIKES. Have these masseuses ever seen a body before? The first 20 min at least was just long slow presses onto bone under the towel, then the most mediocre repetitive motion up and down my back. It was almost comical how uninspired and borderline unpleasant it was. It also looked kind of dirty, and there was an exposed light switch without a cover. For $54 (which I realize is still a good price but there are plenty of places nearby that are cheaper and better) I expected at least a fake plant or something. read more

Okuyama Bodywork - Calming atmosphere... - Day Spas Near Me - New York, New York

don't risk it here, just WALK TO RENEW ON 8TH walk 5 minutes to Re new and I will never take another chance to save a few minutes again. the reviews of low stars are CORRECT. and get a better chance for a professional skilled therapist. and a selection to choose from not a dirty hole in a wall with attitude and mediocrity. It WAS okay in the PAST it has CHANGED. the massage .. 10 minutes in -I wanted to go home. i have 20 years of getting massages from all kinds of places from low to high this was the worst. I was waiting for it to start. I had to tell her how to massage. I should have walked out. Very rude demeanor, and 20 minutes late!!! to arrive, - see Claire B and Joy G as far as what the substantive issues were - she started to slam check the tip I left which was 8 SINGLES. and said angrily 2 MORE. Even after what I experienced ----I gave 15% cash tip and she took my charge card to charge 2 more! Why would you do that? I'm asking the owner -was the $2 worth a customer? Why I will never return or give another chance to? I DID gave the woman the extra 2 dollars she wanted to charge my card for on top of what I left... I regret throwing it gently when i left - sorry. What a low class disgusting human and rude way to treat customers by angrily counting out their tip and demanding more, since when was the tip mandatory? you deserve a bad review and no tip. I am MORE than willing to give what is deserved this was RUDE just like the hateful woman who massaged me today what a disgusting ugly unrelaxing experience. read more

I love this place, have been coming for 5years now. They are amazing with taking me short notice. I work very physically demanding jobs and am very athletic so my injuries need maintenance so they don't pile up. I try to make it to see Sunny twice a month. read more

I feel bad leaving a so-so review for a place that has otherwise unanimously stellar ratings but I've been spoiled by a great massage spot on the UWS where I live (Renewing Spa 2, ask for Emma) and everything else pales in comparison. Also, I hobbled out of there and woke up the next day with my shoulders and back in agony and somehow I don't think that's the point of a massage. This place does deep-tissue. Actually deep-tissue. If that's your cup of tea, so be it, but maybe this whole time I've been enjoying a few notches below deep-tissue. To put it bluntly, I don't like being in pain when I'm getting a massage. I know the difference between sore knots/muscles being worked on and actually hurting. And to make it worse, I'm incapable of speaking up until it's serious (yeah, I know, this is something I am working on). My masseuse was nice but the process felt like he was jabbing at the same particular pain points in my shoulder and waist over and over again. Finally, after some muffled grunts, I asked if he could go ease up and he did but not by much. So a tip that if they ask you whether you prefer lighter or harder, always say lighter at first. The place is definitely no-frills. You'll hear your neighbors and people coming in from the street. Call ahead for an appointment if you're going on the weekend - they had to turn away a few walk-ins while we were there. read more

I've been having neck and should issues from sitting on the desk 9-5, always craving to get a good deep tissue to release the tension. Found his place located at the corner of Charles St and 7th Ave. it's on the basement so space is a little bit tight and dark, but it's very clean and does it's job. I got a 20mins massages on my back, the masseur mixed different technique with fingers, elbow, forearm to target all the pressure points along and spine. If you like it very strong like me this is perfect place for you, even it's only 20mins I felt so much relief of my neck and shoulder. Will try to set up and appointment for a longer section. Also they offers unbeatable price. Really affordable.but remember to bring cash, cash only place is nothing new for NYers. read more

The best "cheap" deep tissue massage I've ever had. For $50 per hour (cash discount), you will leave feeling like a new person. Please remember to tip generously as your masseuse is doing a lot of hard work for the 1/3rd of the price you'd find elsewhere in the city. read more

I am a long time customer and have been going to Okuyama for years. Unfortunately with the opening of the Chelsea location they moved all their experienced masseuses uptown. The guys working downtown clearly have no massage training. They gently rub you with no pressure and are unable to speak English so can't take feedback (not their fault but makes their lack of training tougher). They are so bad that I just walked out without a massage after trying two different masseuses and attempting to explain the basics of how to relive back knots without any results. I am so sad but I cannot recommend this locations less now. Go to Chelsea. read more

Got a massage here for the first time today, and it was an amazing experience! Clean, welcoming, no-frills environment and a massage by someone who truly knew what he was doing. My upper back tends to be really, really tight, and this massage made a difference! Bonus points: super uncomplicated scheduling process via phone. I'll definitely be back! read more

Beyond my expectations. If you want a deep tissue massage (and I mean deep) then this is your place. Mei is highly recommended. Come not to relax but for the therapeutic nature of this massage. Mei said that the massages in her home country of China are all deep tissue and that we (as Americans) are not used to the strength. If you can hammer through it you will be quite pleased with the after results. I think Mei had helped me tremendously in the long run. read more

Got a massage from Okuyama herself! She and Michael are so lovely, it made the experience much more enjoyable. The Charles st location is more spacious compared to their other one, so would definitely recommend giving this place a visit. Okuyama made sure to ask me if I wanted gentle or strong pressure, and I nearly regretted saying strong until I felt super relaxed at the end of the massage. The 30min massage includes legs, shoulders, neck, and arms -- in that order. Then her husband Michael cracked my neck which felt so darn good I wish every place offered that. Would come again when I'm west village! read more

Okuyama Bodywork - Day Spas Near Me - New York, New York

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This place solves all my problems. I literally had a nerve pinch within my neck and shoulder and they resolved it in 30 minutes. YOU WANT TO COME HERE. Michael is my favorite and I think the best masseur in the city. Trust me. This is your new massage place. read more

Very good deal. Hard working, good service. Available appointments the night of. Was very satisfying after a full day of walking NYC

Outstanding massage place. In the midst of all the small massage places in the neighborhood, definitely go for this place. They keep it very quiet, and the masseurs there are outstanding and really really care. They ask you if you come in for a specific reason, if the pressure is fine, and in general constantly check on you. You have their full attention and care for the whole time. And they are also super sweet and the owner seems to be kind to his employees which you can feel because everyone seems happy and at peace. On top of that, it's also one of the cheapest places in the neighborhood... 100% recommend read more

My friend recommended this place for the high quality and great price. They assured me that despite its very unassuming appearing, I would probably get one of the best massages of my life. I'm super happy that I went. I went with Mei because that's who my friend recommended, and she really was incredible. I received a deep tissue treatment because I thought that would suit my concerns best and she agreed that would be ideal. She has a great understanding of the body and its stress points. She was highly communicative and made sure I was comfortable the entire time, which I really appreciated. I walked out of my session much more limber and decompressed. I will definitely be coming back--really amazing establishment. read more

I've gone to many places for a massage in NYC but Okuyama is the only place I will keep going back. They know how to work out every knot and every ounce of stress like magic. Can be intense at times but it is worth it afterwards! 10/10 recommend if you want to walk out feeling like a brand new person read more

I've been coming to this place for a few months now and I just realized I've never written a review for it! I pulled a muscle pretty badly rock climbing a while back and was searching for a place that could really alleviate the muscle tension I was experiencing. So many places offer very superficial massages despite advertising them as deep tissue, but after a lot of trial and error, I came across Okuyama. This is definitely a very honest, restoration-centered establishment. I've had sessions with several different masseurs here and they were not only all so professional, they were so dedicated to my progress as well. Everyone genuinely cares about your health and getting you to where you want to be, I always feel like I'm in safe hands when I'm here. They are probably among the only places I've been to that offers true deep tissue massages that unravel everything that's been causing issues. The difference between a few months ago versus now is tremendous and it really is all due to the amazing team here. If you're searching for a massage that goes beyond the superficial, Okuyama is absolutely the place to visit. read more

The place was very dirty and smelly. Nothing was relaxing at this place. I came out with anxiety from this massage spot. I am not sure how the reviews are great. Sorry I rather pay more and have a pleasant experience. I can't get a massage and it's dirty and dusty under the massage table. Find your self a clean place. read more

Ok I thinks it's time to write comments here now. Recently this place has been my go-to place for massage therapy. I've been going tothis spot out for over 5 months. And also tried other places as well. Finally, I decided to stay with them. The massagers always focus on more of your problems and keep working on those key spots, which makes your body feel great right after and better in the long run. Go there ask for Mei, Michael or Jack. They are my favorites. read more

Okuyama Bodywork - Day Spas Near Me - New York, New York

Great! Very deep and loved it! Would recommend! Went with friends. Will definitely come back!

I came here because I had a ton of built up tension in my neck and upper back. The staff member working on me was Mike, very accommodating and laid back! In terms of the massage, he really understood where my knots were and worked on breaking them up. He also understood anatomy well, he asked me to place my hand/arm behind my lower back which exposes the latissimus dorsi muscle. I am an occupational therapist so I have some training in anatomy and manual techniques, so I was surprised at his handling. Mike also knew which directions the muscle fibers ran as he worked on massing them in that direction (not against)! I felt very loose and mobile after the massage. I was surprised to hear that they have been operating for over 13 years, a hidden gem. Most customers come here through word of mouth. The prices for massages are ridiculously low, a 30 minute massage for example will cost $26. That is very inexpensive for the area of the west village where everything is generally very expensive due to the real estate. In terms of the facility, it is indeed no frills but people come here for their expertise and insane value. Highly recommended, I will be coming here a few times a month after this experience. read more

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Back again and probably the best massage of my life. These guys are amazing - it really feels like they are fixing things rather than just giving a massage. read more

I visited Okuyama to help relieve some neck pain from sitting at my desk 9-5. The left side of my neck hurt a lot and I let Mei know. She did wonders relieving the pain on my left side! With a firm hand, she got all my knots out. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, something on the right side of my neck didn't react well to the massage. I didn't realize until I woke up the next morning, unable to turn my head. I thought maybe it was a normal reaction to a deep tissue massage, but it has been stiff and painful for several days. Michael greeted me at the door and he was very friendly. The staff really welcomes you in their shop! I would go back for a quick foot massage if I'm in the area, but I would be reluctant to go back for another neck massage. read more

I just had one of the best massages at Okayama. Michael was my masseur. He's been doing this for more than a decade; very talent masseur in nyc. I had a 60 min full body massage. He mainly focused on my back because he knew that my work requests a lot of walking and standing. He's very knowledgable of what he does. He provided some good suggestions while I was getting massaged. Highly recommended this place. Will be back for sure!!! read more

Mei is the best masseuse in NYC, as far as I'm concerned. She finds every single knot and problem area and slowly works them out with firm yet sensitive technique. Seriously, she found knots i didn't even know I had--this morning it hurt to turn my neck, and after one session with Mei that pain is gone! She's a true professional who really knows how the body works, and locates the areas of stress we all carry. The staff is friendly, the place is clean, and I will be returning here again and again! Don't miss out on this west village gem. read more

I love Okuyama! My favorite massage therapist is Mei. She's so strong and knows all my pressure points. And it's quite inexpensive for the quality read more

I got what I needed from my massage here but it's a specific kind of message. A lot of sharp elbows breaking down the knots vs long or deep strokes. As such, it's not as much of a relaxing massage and more like a problem solving massage. The space is bare and at times, was noisy. For the price it was a good value so if you just need knots worked out and no frill la it is fine. read more

My girlfriend and I just got massages from here. Very nice deep tissue massage on my back that felt very restorative and relaxing. Overall a great value and very friendly owner. Will come back again. read more

Had an incredible massage at Okayama, left feeling so refreshed and relaxed - highly recommend!

It was amazing!! Exactly what I needed today, took care of my sore muscles. Thank you!!

Amazing massage by Mei. My back was in so much pain and now I feel like walking in clouds. I'm so glad I found this place!

Oh my lord...I just had my first visit for my poor back issues, and it was incredible! The process of massage was really painful, since I have series nots in my back muscles (I'm a professional dancer for 15 years, a Principal dancer for the Martha Graham Dance Company for eight years) . And, after this first session, I walked out of the door like noodles, and I felt so much lighter, and my back muscles are much more relaxed! It is going to be my regular body therapy from now on! I highly recommend this place! read more

I always feel torn putting good reviews on places that are undiscovered gems, but if it keeps this place in business I will say there is no one on Earth who is better than Mei. She's phenomenal and I've been to many many massage therapists, most of whom are considerably more expensive. It's real deep tissue trigger point massage - this is not for the faint of heart - but if you want your knots gone this is the place to go read more

Amazing - they are incredible and have been coming here for months! Amazing!! I'm pregnant and the prenatal sessions are brilliant - June and May are amazing! I come here each week to get massages and without a doubt they never fail to amaze me!! read more

Michael was amazing with my back pain. He paid close attention to my pain spots and knots, and tended to them like a master! Much needed after a hard year of working from home! read more

Excellent service and unbeatable prices. I have been coming here since they were allowed to reopen mid pandemic- they are operating safely and following all protocols. Never had such a good and strong massage! read more

I had an extreme cramp in my neck and they were able to massage it out! This is a deep tissue massage and if you're looking for something effective this has been my favorite spot out of any other place I've been to! read more

So you have a lot too get passed at this little massage place. It's loud and you hear everyone come and go. The other massage therapists also may regularly interrupt yours to ask questions. The smell is also a bit off in there. And no hot stones like other places in the city. If you can get passed all of that... the massage itself is great and the price is pretty much unbeatable. read more

I found out about this secret gem recently and can I say, it's AMAZING! They're just simply unbelievable I have to come here every week because they're so good! Best massage in Manhattan, wish I could give them more than 5 stars. Ask for Mei!!! And also Michael is great! It's in the basement for anyone that gets lost :) read more