Here's some essential onsen tips for those with tattoos. In Japan if you have tattoos it can affect where you're welcome and what you can do, especially at onsen...
I recently published an article entitled: A Luxury Spa Day At Arima Onsen (that won't break the bank).
Immediately after I was asked if I could provide some onsen tips for those with tattoos. So, here they are...
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Essential Onsen Tips For Those With Tattoos
by Rob Dyer
An email from Linda in New Zealand
One such response was via an email from Linda who lives in New Zealand. Linda is off to Japan for what sounds like a great trip next month and wanted some advice about using onsen for those with tattoos.
Here's what Linda says:
"Hi we are travelling to Japan in a month with Intrepid on a food based tour, with extra time in Tokyo at the start and four extra days in Osaka at the end of the tour. As part of the tour we will be staying in a monastery for a night. And two nights in a ryokan in Sakyama.
My concern query is I have heard that tattoos are not that accepted in Japan. I have several, two on my forearms, both are very tastefully done birds done in watercolour with quotes... but should I avoid the onsens, and keep my arms covered?
Thanks so much
Linda from NZ...(where tattoos are very much accepted and part of our culture)"
Linda is not the first to ask, so here's what I think...
Tattoos and the yakuza
Whilst tattoos in Japan are synonymous with the Yakuza (gangsters/mafia), the Japanese are unlikely to think that non-Japanese who have tattoos are members of the Yakuza!
That said, because of the association, if you have tattoos in Japan it can affect where you are welcome and what you can do.
This most often crops up at onsen where, since you have to get naked to partake, any tattoos are likely to be seen by other bathers - and here lies a risk that you might offend other Japanese bathers - which won't go well with the owners of the establishment.
But as foreigners, you will be given more leeway that if you are Japanese. Firstly, I would say, if you want to try an onsen during your trip and you have tattoos – absolutely try. Don't presume it is a non-starter that you can use onsen (and I recommend you do!).
RELATED: How To Travel in Japan Without Speaking Japanese
I recommend contacting onsen in advance
I recommend contacting the onsen in advance and explain that you have tattoos and, like Linda did above, how extensive they are, and ask if it is still possible to use the onsen facilities. Some may simply decline. That's their choice.
Others, however, will take a different view and will accept you - with no more comment or question.
Some ways you can bathe with tattoos
Some may suggest bathing at certain times or days to avoid busy periods and lots of other guests. Some may suggest booking a private bathing room (if they have them) so that you can have privacy whilst others can bathe without 'fear' of seeing someone with tattoos!
Some onsen will welcome you but simply issue you with skin-coloured patches to stick on, covering up any potentially offending ink.
If you are using an onsen which is part of a ryokan (traditional inn) then there is probably less chance that others would see your tattoos - unless the ryokan is a very large modern one.
Some ryokan allow you to reserve the onsen for private bathing (often used by couples or families) - which can get around the issue as you won't ever be sharing the pools with people you do not know.
How to Travel in Japan Without Speaking Japanese
One of the major considerations with travelling in Japan is the inscrutable Japanese language.
A seemingly incomprehensible, often kaleidoscopic, barrage of cryptic symbols awaits the foreign traveller who doesn’t speak or read the language.
I’ve been exploring Japan since 2000 and I’ve picked up plenty of tips along the way.
I’ve distilled 19 years of my experience into this ebook for you.
This practical Guide and Workbook covers all the essential basics you need to ensure your first (or next) trip to Japan is as Amazing as you deserve it to be.
Is the Japanese tourism industry changing its policy on tattoos?
As more and more foreigners visit Japan, and as the fashion for tattoos in some Western countries becomes ever more commonplace, attitudes towards tattoos are changing.
The massive tourism drive the Japanese government encouraged ahead of the incredibly successful 2019 Rugby World Cup prompted authorities, local governments and onsen owners to develop more welcoming policies.
Not long ago, the Japan Tourism Agency suggested to the tourism industry that it relaxes its policy on banning those with tattoos from their facilities. I think this encouragement will slowly change the policy at individual onsen, or hotel chains who will take a more welcoming view.
Japan's most tattoo-friendly onsen town
Kinosaki Onsen is a 1300-year-old onsen (hot spring) village famous for its seven different public baths and charming atmosphere. Unusually, all seven public bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen are tattoo friendly.
So if you have tattoos and are keen to sample onsen here then Kinosaki should be at the top of your list of destinations to include in your itinerary. Read more about Kinosaki Onsen (and its tattoo-friendly policy) here.
30 tattoo-friendly onsen in Japan
The excellent Gaijinpot website has a nicely curated article that pulls together 30 tattoo-friendly onsen.
No matter what size your tattoo, all the onsen in this list will welcome you. It's handily grouped by region, has photos of every establishment on the list, and also includes information on how to get to each location.
You can read the 30 Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japan article HERE.
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
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Resources
Download a PDF of this Guide:
Further Reading
A Luxury Spa Day At Arima Onsen (that won't break the bank)
The Best Way to Experience The Real Japan? Stay In A Ryokan
Hot Spring Hopping in Kinosaki Onsen
Japanese Inns and Hot Springs: A Guide to Ryokan and Onsen (Book Review)
Yunomine Onsen: Boiling Eggs at Japan’s Oldest Hotspring
Do you have tattoos? Do you have any experiences or recommendations to share about using onsen in Japan? If so, why not share them by leaving a comment below.
Many people could benefit from learning about tattoos in other cultures. Tattoos have symbolic meaning to individuals as well as cultures. Thank you for taking the time to write this guide about visiting an Onsen in Japan.
I agree – tattoo culture can be very different in different countries around the world, and Japan has its own unique tattoo culture.
Here is a search engine to find Tattoo friendly onsen.
https://tattoo-friendly.jp/
Thanks G – that’s a great website! Not seen that before.
Dear Editor, quite interesting story about Onsen and the ability of booking in advance for Family use as well as people with Body Art.
I don’t have tattoos but have Friends who does and thought they would not be accepted in an Onsen for it’s sacred waters… none of them belong to a Mafia, or done their tattoo in prison, or in the Marine. These people are just free spirited and are in fond to turn their own bodies into an Art masterpiece, as I understand it.
Again, Dear Rob Dyer, great Article and super Content:
#Cheers to You!
my Best,
Regina Rianelli
Thanks for the feedback Regina – much appreciated.
So pleased you found the article great!
Also reassuring to hear that none of your friends are in a mafia. 😉
Dear Rob Dyer-san, DomoArigatôguzaimasu ! Nope… sorry, my Family comes from Paola Cosenza, South Italy, such lovely place by the beach, al mare. We are more into Charity deeds, Humanitarian actions more than anything else, as a matter of fact.
#Cheers to You ! Great Articles at all times !
That’s great to hear Regina. I tired to do some volunteering after the 2011 tsunami but wasn’t able to co-ordinate the dates with my work. Shame. Hopefully on another occasion. 🙂