Many foreign travelers with tattoos face a problem at Japanese onsen: signs that say "No Tattoos Allowed." It's a moment when their anticipated onsen experience suddenly becomes inaccessible.
"Why are tattoos not allowed?" "Isn't this discrimination?" "It's just fashion..."
These questions are understandable. In many countries, tattoos are accepted as self-expression or art. However, in Japan, there is a different historical and cultural background.
This article will explain in detail why many Japanese onsen facilities prohibit tattoos and introduce ways to enjoy onsen even if you have tattoos.
Why Are Tattoos Prohibited in Japan?
Historical Background: Tattoos as Punishment
Edo Period (1603–1868) In the Edo period of Japan, tattoos were used as a punishment for criminals.
Irezumi Kei (Tattoo Punishment)
- Tattoos were marked on criminals' arms as a sign
- A lifelong "criminal brand"
- A severe punishment that made social reintegration difficult
This historical background is the origin of the Japanese image of "tattoos = something bad."
Association with Yakuza (Anti-Social Forces)
Post-Meiji Period Tattoos were once banned during the Meiji period (from 1868), but the tattoo culture continued among the Yakuza (Japanese organized crime groups).
Yakuza and Tattoos
- Many Yakuza have full-body tattoos
- A sign of loyalty to the organization
- A means of intimidation
- A way to show "difference" from ordinary people
Modern Perception In modern Japanese society:
- Tattoos = Yakuza = Anti-social forces
- This image remains strong
- Especially prominent among the older generation
Reasons Onsen Facilities Prohibit Tattoos
1. Concern for Other Guests Many Japanese guests feel uneasy when they see tattoos, thinking "they might be Yakuza."
2. Providing a Safe and Secure Environment Onsen facilities have a duty to provide an environment where all guests can feel safe.
3. Preventing Trouble To prevent the entry of Yakuza, a rule of complete tattoo prohibition is established.
4. Social Responsibility A social responsibility to not associate with anti-social forces.
Is This Discrimination?
Lack of Consideration for Foreigners? This is a common question among many foreigners. However, from the Japanese perspective:
- It's not discrimination, but a safety measure
- A desperate measure to exclude Yakuza
- A realistic problem of "difficulty in distinguishing"
However, Japanese society is beginning to discuss the impact of this policy on foreign tourists.
Changes Due to the Increase in Foreign Tourists
Guidelines from the Japan Tourism Agency (2015)
In preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Japan Tourism Agency issued the following guidelines to onsen facilities:
Recommendation for Flexible Responses
- Consider allowing small tattoos
- Provide methods to cover tattoos with stickers
- Consideration for foreign tourists
Signs of Change
Increase in Tattoo-Friendly Facilities Especially in areas with many foreign tourists, facilities that allow tattoos are increasing.
Conditional Permission
- Only small tattoos are allowed
- Allowed if covered with a sticker
- Allowed in private baths
Generational Differences in Awareness The younger generation is relatively tolerant of tattoos.
How to Enjoy Onsen Even with Tattoos
Method 1: Find Tattoo-Friendly Facilities
How to Search
- Search online for "Tattoo-Friendly Onsen"
- Guidebooks for foreigners
- Consult with hotel concierges
Characteristics of Tattoo-Friendly Facilities
- Areas with many foreign tourists
- Facilities targeting young people
- New facilities
Advance Confirmation is Important Always confirm with the facility in advance.
Method 2: Use Private or Family Baths
What is a Private Bath? A small onsen bath that can be used privately.
Benefits
- No tattoo restrictions
- Private space
- Enjoyable for families or couples
Cost
- Regular bathing fee + 1,000–3,000 yen
- Time limit (30–60 minutes)
Reservation Popular facilities require reservations.
Method 3: Use Public Baths (Sento)
Sento are Relatively Tolerant Many sento (especially in urban areas) are more tolerant of tattoos than onsen.
Reasons
- Community-based, with many foreign guests
- Flexible response due to long-standing culture
- Smaller scale, easier to handle individually
Tokyo's Sento Especially Tokyo's sento tend to be friendly to foreigners.
Method 4: Cover with Tattoo Stickers
Tattoo Cover Stickers Large skin-colored stickers to cover tattoos.
Where to Buy
- Drugstores
- Amazon Japan
- Sold at some onsen facilities
Sizes Available in various sizes. For large tattoos, multiple stickers may be needed.
Effectiveness Effective for small tattoos. However, not practical for full-body tattoos.
Method 5: Use Hotel Large Baths
Exclusive for Hotel Guests Some hotel large baths are exclusive to guests and may allow tattoos.
Check When Booking Confirm if tattoos are allowed when booking the hotel.
Method 6: Rooms with Private Open-Air Baths at Onsen Ryokan
The Most Luxurious Option An onsen ryokan with a private open-air bath in the room.
Benefits
- Completely private
- No worries about tattoos
- The ultimate experience
Disadvantages
- Expensive (50,000–200,000 yen per night for two people)
- Difficult to book
How to Find Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Facilities
Online Resources
1. Tattoo Friendly (Website) A site where you can search for tattoo-friendly onsen facilities.
2. Google Maps Look for facilities with "Tattoo-Friendly" in reviews.
3. SNS Search for "#TattooFriendlyOnsen" on Instagram and Twitter.
How to Confirm in Advance
Confirm by Phone
- If you don't speak Japanese, ask hotel staff for assistance
- "I have tattoos, can I bathe?"
- Japanese: "入れ墨がありますが、入浴できますか？" (Irezumi ga arimasu ga, nyūyoku dekimasu ka?)
Confirm by Email If the facility supports English, inquire by email.
Understanding and Respecting Japanese Society
Understanding Cultural Differences
Differences in Perception of Tattoos
- Western: Art, self-expression, fashion
- Japan: Historically negative image
Which is Correct? Both are correct. It's a cultural difference.
Importance of Mutual Understanding
Understanding from Foreigners Understand Japanese history and culture and respect the rules.
Understanding from Japanese Understand that foreign tattoos are unrelated to crime or Yakuza.
In the Midst of Change
Japanese society is gradually changing its perception of tattoos. Especially among the younger generation and in the tourism industry, flexible responses are spreading.
Tips for Onsen Experience with Tattoos
For Small Tattoos
- Cover with stickers
- Consult with the facility in advance
- Relatively easy to get permission
For Large Tattoos
- Use private baths
- Find tattoo-friendly facilities
- Try sento
For Full-Body Tattoos
- Private baths are optimal
- Rooms with private open-air baths
- Specialized tattoo-friendly facilities
Positive Changes
Changes After the Olympics
The perception of tattoos has been gradually changing since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021).
Awareness of the Younger Generation
Japan's younger generation is more tolerant of tattoos. Fashion tattoos are also increasing.
Response from the Tourism Industry
The tourism industry is beginning to respond flexibly to the tattoo issue to welcome foreign tourists.
Conclusion: Enjoying While Respecting Culture
The prohibition of tattoos in Japanese onsen has a deep historical and cultural background. It is not discrimination but a measure to maintain safety and order in Japanese society.
However, there are definitely ways to enjoy onsen even with tattoos. Private baths, tattoo-friendly facilities, and sento. The options are increasing.
The important thing is mutual understanding and respect. Foreign travelers should understand Japanese culture, and the Japanese side should understand the tattoo culture of foreigners. This mutual understanding creates a better onsen experience.
Even with tattoos, there are ways to experience Japan's wonderful onsen culture. By researching and planning in advance, you too can enjoy Japanese onsen.
Beyond cultural differences, the beauty of onsen can be shared.
