Japan Tattoos : Travelling in Japan with Tattoos

Travelling in Japan with tattoos, tattoos in Japan and even, tattooing in Japan have become common themes in discussions with my friends and family when discussing their hopes to travel to Japan. It seems these days, the majority of those I surround myself with are inked and want to know how it will affect their travels. Japan tattoos … it led to some interesting research.

Those who know me well know about my infatuation with Japan. It is a country that has really stolen a piece of my heart, thus often leads to me discussing our travels at dinner parties, or even just with strangers on the train. Recently my dad told me all about his dreams of visiting all the onsen in Japan, only for me to tell him “sorry dad, you won’t be permitted at many onsen”. You see, my dad has a tattoo.

So what does that mean in Japan? Will a tattoo prevent him from really experiencing the Japan that he hopes to see? I had to investigate.

Japan Tattoos – History and Culture

Table of Contents

Japanese tattooing, or irezumi (入れ墨) has quite a lengthy history and culture and is said to have originated in the Jomon Period way back in prehistoric/ neolithic times, although the Japanese tattoo that we are familiar with these days grew from the Edo period (1603-1868) when tattooing in Japan also became illegal.

The Edo period was an incredible era of growth, especially around craft. It saw the rise of woodblock printing, ukiyo-e, which popularised illustrated heroes and made tattoos popular.

It was in the mid-19th century when Western ships began arriving in Japan. Wishing to avoid being occupied, the Japanese Government focused on appearing civilised to the Western world. In 1872 the first national bans on tattooing were introduced.

By outlawing the art, it quickly became a part of Yakuza culture, with members seeking out intricate and large format tattoos to prove their courage and tolerance to pain. It also had a significant impact on the Ainu women in Hokkaido whose tattoos have spiritual importance, and the women of Okinawa whose hajichi (hand tattoos) served as talismans.

In modern times, the Japanese tattoo has grown much traction as an art form. However, in Japan itself, it is still frowned upon. For many Japanese, obtaining a tattoo breaks social codes of respect and obedience and it can lead to a variety of issues when trying to participate in the public sphere, including government jobs. Those with tattoos face discrimination, with access to beaches, pools, public baths and gyms restricted.

Are tattoos illegal in Japan?

It wasn’t until 1948 that the official ban on tattoos in Japan was lifted, and only then by the US occupation forces. Whilst the art form has been maintained, tattoos have continued to be stigmatised, and negatively associated with the underground criminal element.

Interestingly, it should also be noted that whilst tattoos are not illegal, giving one is which puts today’s tattoo artists in Japan at risk of heavy fines or jail time if they do not have a medical practitioner’s license.

Tattoos and public spaces

Whilst not banned, tattoos are still frowned upon in Japan. They are ignored if covered but will be stared at if on show in public spaces and you may be refused entry to a range of places if they can be seen. If you are travelling to Japan and have a visible tattoo, you are likely to find it tricky when wanting to access beaches, pools, public baths and even gyms.

Onsen and Public Pools

If attending a hot spring or public pool it will be near impossible to hide your tattoos and you are likely to be turned away.

Tattoo Friendly Onsen

Visiting an onsen in Japan is one of those bucket list experiences that many people travelling to Japan want to check off. Many Australians have tattoos so I have searched for a few onsen that you appear to allow guests with tattoos.

Hoshino resorts permit guests with tattoos as long as they are covered with the provided stickers that come in a range of different sizes. The largest is 95 x 140 mm, however you can only use up to 4. If you are unable to cover them with the provided stickers you can not use the public onsen and will need to reserve a private onsen.

Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan has a tattoo-friendly policy that permits guests with tattoos visiting.

Takaragawa Onsen in Gunma allows tattoos and offers three different large mixed-gender baths, and allows women to wear bathing suits while bathing!

You may also find Tattoo Friendly Onsen Japan and Beppu Onsen useful resources when planning your trip, with both revealing which onsen are tattoo-friendly.

Theme Parks

I can’t recall ever seeing any signage about tattoos being banned in Theme Parks, but I have friends with sleeve tattoos that upon entering one of Japan’s largest theme park were approached by security, prompted to the gift shop and asked to purchase a long sleeve top to cover their tattoos if they wished to continue into the park.

If visiting a large public space, my advice would be to cover your tattoos and decrease the risk of a very embarrassed Japanese working needing to approach you and asking that you cover them.

Tokyo Disney Resort has a very clear policy that lists wearing attire or having tattoos considered inappropriate as prohibited. Make sure to cover up!

Universal Studios Japan is similar stating costumes that may offend public order and morals or violate laws regarding public decency (such as tattoos and excessive skin exposure deemed unfit for the park) as prohibited.

Temples and Shrines

When visiting Japanese temples and shrines a high level of respect should be observed. You may find our article on visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine helpful in providing you with insights in what to expect.

Being sacred spaces, tattoos should be covered to show your respect. Whilst there are no official signs requesting this, it is one of those unwritten laws that should be observed. I have a strong belief that when visiting such sacred spaces this is absolutely key to being a responsible traveller.

Tattoo Etiquette in Japan

When visiting another country it is essential to learn about the expected etiquette to reduce the likelihood of offending the locals and ostracizing yourself. This is especially true if visiting public spaces when you have a tattoo.

So what should you do and what should you avoid if you are visiting Japan with a tattoo?

Cover up. When in Japan, please cover your tattoos. This will be especially important in spiritual and holy places. The Japanese are unlikely to say anything directly to you if you don’t, but you will make them feel uncomfortable and embarrassed. Surely you don’t want that! Friends have told me how they bandage tattoos on their forearms and calves during the hotter months so they were covered. You may like to try that.

Do your research. When planning your trip to Japan, work out where you want to visit and work out if there are any exclusions in place regarding your tattoos. You don’t want to turn up to a location and have to endure the embarrassing conversation about your tattoos and why you are unable to enter – it also puts the workers in a tricky situation.

Don’t be offended if you are refused entry. That’s right, you will be excluded from a range of places if you do have a tattoo even if it’s covered. This will include most onsen and many ryokan.

Visit a kashikiri-buro, or private baths. If your tattoos are large and you are finding it tricky to locate an onsen that will accept you, you may like to look into kashikiri-buro.

Pin This

Travelling Japan with kids resources

Japan is one of our favourite countries to explore as a family. Over our three most recent trips we have attempted to draw together some resources that will help you too have an incredible trip.