Got ink? Worried about your upcoming trip to Japan? The main keyword “what can’t you do in japan if you have tattoos?” probably has you picturing being turned away from everywhere, right?
Relax! Let’s get this out of the way right now: for 95% of your trip, nobody will care about your tattoos. Restaurants, temples, shopping, walking around—you’re totally fine. The real restrictions are almost entirely limited to three specific places: onsen (hot springs), sento (public baths), and some gyms/swimming pools.
This guide is your official “no-stress” plan. We’ll break down why this rule exists, exactly where you’ll face it, and—most importantly—all the easy ways to get around it so you can still enjoy everything.
Key Takeaways
For those of you in a hurry, here’s the fast-and-friendly version:
- The “Big 3” Problem Areas: The only places you’ll likely have issues are onsen (hot springs), sento (public baths), and many public pools or gyms.
- Why the Ban? It’s not about you or your art. Tattoos (called irezumi) are historically associated with the yakuza, or Japanese organized crime. These bans are an outdated (but still common) way to keep gangsters out.
- General Tourism is Fine: You will not be banned from restaurants, bars, temples, shrines, stores, or theme parks for having visible tattoos.
- Your Survival Kit: Covering up is key for restricted areas. Tattoo cover-up stickers, athletic sleeves, and rash guards are your new best friends.
- The Onsen “Hack”: You can still enjoy hot springs! The secret is booking a kashikiri (private onsen) at a ryokan (traditional inn) or finding a specifically “tattoo-friendly” public onsen.
The Elephant in the Room: Why Are Tattoos Such a Big Deal in Japan?
This whole thing isn’t about your cool watercolor raven or that tiny script on your wrist. The cultural baggage in Japan is tied specifically to irezumi, the traditional, large-scale tattoos covering large parts of the body.
For decades, these tattoos were the unmistakable mark of the yakuza, Japan’s organized crime syndicates. They were a symbol of loyalty, toughness, and a life outside of mainstream society.
As a result, “no tattoos” signs became a polite, legal, and non-confrontational way for an establishment to say “no gangsters.” The goal was to make other patrons (families, regular folks) feel safe and comfortable.
Unfortunately, this became a blanket policy. It doesn’t distinguish between a foreign tourist with a sleeve and a local gangster. While younger generations in Japan are far more accepting (and many have tattoos themselves!), the establishments—especially older, traditional ones—are very slow to change their rules.
The “No Ink Zone”: What Can’t You Do in Japan if YouHave Tattoos?
Okay, let’s get specific. Here are the main places where your ink will be an issue.
1. Onsen (Hot Springs) and Sento (Public Baths)
This is the big one. An onsen (natural hot spring) or sento (public bathhouse) is a core part of Japanese culture. They are also communal, naked bathing facilities. There is no hiding your tattoos here.
You will almost always see a sign at the entrance with a graphic of a tattooed person with a big “X” over them. This is the most strictly enforced rule you will encounter. It doesn’t matter if your tattoo is a tiny butterfly or a full back piece; if it’s visible, a staff member will politely—but firmly—ask you to leave.
2. Public Swimming Pools and Water Parks
Just like onsen, these are communal swimming areas, and most carry the same “no tattoo” rules.
The rules here are sometimes more flexible, but you need a plan. Many public and hotel pools will allow you entry only if you cover your tattoos completely. This is where a rash guard (like surfers wear) or waterproof athletic sleeves are non-negotiable. Don’t be surprised if you’re the only one wearing one, but it’s the price of admission.
3. Gyms and Fitness Centers
This one surprises some folks. It’s not about you lifting weights. The problem is the locker rooms and showers.
Most Japanese gyms have large, communal bathing areas—just like a sento—for members to use after their workout. Because of this, the “no tattoo” policy is almost always part of the membership contract. While some 24-hour chains like Anytime Fitness can be more foreigner-friendly, you should assume most traditional gyms will turn you away.
Your Ultimate Tattoo Survival Guide for Japan
Now for the good news! You have tons of options. Having tattoos in Japan isn’t a problem, it just requires a tiny bit of planning.
The Art of Covering Up: Your New Best Friend
For pools or gyms (and sometimes very lenient onsen), covering up is your go-to strategy.
- Tattoo Cover Stickers: You can buy these “skin-colored” patches all over Japan. Look for them at “Don Quijote” (a giant discount store), drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, or online from Amazon Japan. They’re great for small-to-medium tattoos.
- Clothing: For larger pieces, stickers aren’t practical.
- Arms: Athletic compression sleeves (like for basketball) are perfect.
- Legs/Torso: Rash guards and athletic leggings are your solution for pools.
Here’s a quick comparison of your options:
| Cover-Up Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tattoo Cover Stickers | Small/Medium Tattoos | Waterproof; discrete. | Impractical for sleeves; can be expensive; some onsen ban them. |
| Rash Guard / Leggings | Large Tattoos (Pools) | Total coverage; easy. | Only for pools/gyms; not for onsen. |
| Athletic Sleeves | Arm/Leg Tattoos (Gyms) | Reusable; comfortable. | Only for gyms; not for bathing. |
Heads-up: Some onsen are so strict that they even ban the cover-up stickers. It’s frustrating, but it’s their rule. Which brings us to the best solution…
How to Still Enjoy an Onsen (Yes, You Can!)
This is the golden-ticket advice. You do not have to miss the hot spring experience.
- The #1 Hack: Kashikiri (Private Baths)
This is, without a doubt, the best way to enjoy an onsen. Many ryokan (traditional inns) and even some larger onsen facilities offer private, reservable hot spring baths. They are called kashikiri (貸切) or “family baths.” You book a 45-60 minute time slot, and the entire hot spring bath is just for you (and your partner or family). Since it’s private, nobody cares about your tattoos. You get the full, amazing, authentic experience with zero stress. - Find “Tattoo-Friendly” Onsen
Thanks to the rise in tourism, a growing number of onsen have simply given up the old rule. These “tattoo-friendly” or “tattoo-welcome” places are more common in major tourist cities and famous onsen towns. A quick Google search for “tattoo friendly onsen [city name]” is all you need. Places like Kinosaki Onsen, for example, have famously declared that all their public bathhouses are tattoo-friendly.
Where You Absolutely DON’T Need to Worry (aka 95% of Your Trip)
Seriously, the “no ink zones” are the rare exception, not the rule. To ease your mind, here is a list of places where your tattoos are a complete non-issue:
- Restaurants & Bars: 100% fine.
- Izakaya (Pubs) & Clubs: 100% fine.
- Temples & Shrines: 100% fine. (Dressing modestly in general is respectful, but this has nothing to do with tattoos).
- Shopping Malls & Stores: 100% fine.
- Theme Parks (Disneyland, Universal Studios): 100% fine (except for any attached water parks, which follow the pool rules).
- Walking on the Street: 100% fine.
You might get some curious glances from an older person on the subway, but it’s almost always curiosity, not hostility. They know you’re a tourist, not a yakuza member.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I be treated badly by locals if I have visible tattoos?
Overwhelmingly, no. As a tourist, you get a lot of leeway. At worst, an older person might stare (again, usually just curiosity). Younger Japanese people will likely not even notice, or may even compliment your ink.
Do I need to cover my tattoos all the time in public?
Absolutely not. You do not need to wear long sleeves in the middle of a hot, humid Japanese summer just to walk around. It is perfectly fine to be in a t-shirt or dress with your tattoos showing. The only time you must cover up is when you are specifically trying to enter one of the “no ink zones” we discussed.
Can I be denied entry to a restaurant or bar?
It is extremely unlikely, bordering on impossible for a regular tourist. The “no tattoo” rules are not a feature at restaurants, cafes, or izakaya (pubs). You can eat and drink everywhere.
What’s the difference between an onsen and a sento?
Good question! An onsen uses natural, volcanically heated hot spring water that often contains minerals. A sento is a public bathhouse that just uses heated tap water. The social rules for bathing are identical, and both almost always ban tattoos (unless they are specifically “tattoo-friendly” or you rent a private kashikiri bath).
Conclusion
So, let’s circle back. Don’t you dare cancel or stress about your trip over your ink.
The list of “what can’t you do in japan if you have tattoos” is actually tiny. 95% of Japan is wide open to you, tattoos and all. For that other 5%—the onsen, pools, and gyms—you just need a simple plan. Either cover up with a sticker or rash guard, or (the best option) book a private kashikiri bath.
Now you know the rules and, more importantly, you know the hacks. Go have an amazing, stress-free trip!
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