— even with tattoos
Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japan: What You Need to Know (2026)
You may have heard that tattoos are not allowed in Japanese onsen (hot spring) .
If you have tattoos, you might be wondering:
“Can I still enjoy onsen in Japan?”
The answer is yes — but it depends on where you go.
There are 3 main options:
The Easiest Way: Private Onsen (No Stress)
If you want to relax without worrying about rules, Kashiwaya Ryokan in Shima Onsen is a perfect choice.
All of our baths — including the public bath — are tattoo-friendly.
In addition, we offer:
So you can choose:
No need to hide your tattoos.
No stress about other guests.
Just relax and enjoy.
Ready to enjoy onsen without worrying about tattoos?
Are Tattoos Allowed in Japanese Onsen?
Traditionally, tattoos have been associated with organized crime in Japan.
Because of this cultural background, many public onsen still restrict entry for guests with tattoos.
However, things are changing.
Today, you’ll find more options than before — especially in tourist areas.
1. Tattoo-Friendly Onsen
Some onsen openly allow tattoos.
However:
2. Cover Your Tattoo
Some facilities allow tattoos if they are covered with stickers.
This works best for:
But it may not be practical for larger designs.
3. Private Onsen & Rooms with Private Open-Air Baths (Best Option)
Private options are the most reliable and stress-free way to enjoy onsen with tattoos.
At Kashiwaya Ryokan, you can choose between:
Both options allow you to enjoy onsen without worrying about:
If you prefer flexibility, the private baths are perfect.
If you want complete privacy anytime, a room with a private onsen in your room is the ideal choice.
This is why many international travelers choose a ryokan with private onsen in room.
What Size Tattoos Are Allowed?
It depends on the facility.
General guideline:
If you’re unsure, private onsen is the safest choice.
Why Are Tattoos Restricted in Japan?
Tattoos have historically been associated with the yakuza (organized crime) in Japan.
This image was reinforced by popular films in the 1960s and 70s, where tattoos were often linked to crime.
Although attitudes are changing, many traditional onsen still maintain restrictions — and tattoo bans are still more common.
FAQ
Q : Can foreigners with tattoos go to onsen(hot spring) in Japan?
Yes, but it depends on the facility. Private onsen are always safe.
Q : Do I need to cover my tattoo in Japan?
In some public baths, yes. Private baths do not require it.
Q : Are tattoos becoming more accepted in Japan?
Yes, especially in tourist areas — but rules still vary.
Q : What is the best option for tattooed travelers?
Private onsen or ryokan with private onsen in room is the easiest and most stress-free choice.
Experience Onsen Without Worry
At Kashiwaya Ryokan, you can enjoy onsen freely — regardless of tattoos.
All of our baths, including the public bath, are tattoo-friendly.
For more privacy, you can choose between:
Whether you prefer a traditional onsen experience or complete privacy, you can relax your way.
No need to hide your tattoos.
No stress.
Just pure relaxation.
Ready to enjoy onsen without worrying about tattoos?
If you interested in Japanese style Onsen, Please click here
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan >
Comments
[…] As I wrote in a previous blog, there are still many facilities to prohibit people with tattoos because the custom that “people with tattoos are anti-social forces, such as gangsters” has been very strong since ancient times. […]
[…] with tattoo cannot take onsen due to cultural differences here in Japan. However, in Shima onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan, you can enjoy onsen without hesitation even with tattoos because there are three free private onsen and two rooms with open-air baths. […]
My wife and I are planning to visit Kashiwaya the next time we come on business to Japan! This post helps a lot because I have a small tattoo on my foot.
Thank you! We are looking forward to seeing you!
It’s nice to see the culture surrounding tattoo’s is changing. Hopefully more ryokan will start accepting tattooed customers in the near future.
I’ve wanted a tattoo of Kinosaki-onsen for a long time but I can’t get it or else I won’t be able to go there anymore 🙁 Kind of ironic…
Thank you for the information 🙂
I always recommend people with tattoo who want to go to Onsen “Tattoo covering” service in Asakusa. It says that the tattoo-cover last up to 5 days and is completely painless and water proof. The price is also cheap!
Asakusa is easy to access for tourists.
Hopefully, more people with tattoo could go to Onsen.
Thank you for this article! I have a small tattoo, so trying to plan a trip to Japan seems daunting with the restrictions. I worry about offending people without meaning to. This article is very reassuring to me! Thank you very much.
My daughter is doing University in Japan and I am planning to go visit and also enjoy onsen but I have a small tattoo in my foot. She has one behind her neck and I guess they have not checked her out because she has visited one before. I really would love to visit Japan, also love tattoos but not getting one just because I want to have this experience and visit my kid many more times without getting in trouble.
I am staying at Hotel Paco in Hakodate. Written policy is no tattoos in Onsen. Desk staff told me to go in after midnight when there should be few people.
I entered at 6pm and kept my two tattoos as inconspicuous as I could – no problems.
I think it is very important to mention here because it is not mentioned. In Japan so called “members of anti-social forces” have a quite big power in the society (it can depends on the district though.), an Japanese would really avoid to get visit from such people.
When you start a new restaurant or cafe in Japan, you might get a visit from such people in the beginning and they demand you to pay some money otherwise they might come back with many members with a lot of tattoo and threat other usual people in the restaurant. In the end you cannot any more continue to have business. It sounds very difficult to get rid of them if once you have started to have a problem with them.
Such people have (probably) always have tattoo, and thats why Japanese want to have such rule in Olsen and such places in order to avoid getting involved with mafia group.
Thank you for your article. My family and I are planning a trip to Japan, and want to experience the traditional onsen. I am now doing some research regarding tattoo friendly ryokans, since I myself have tattoos on my arms, and came across your article.
It is a little disheartened to think that I’ll be rejected from onsens because of my look. But on the other hands, I understand the reason behind it.
I guess we have to respect the culture of local people and be responsible in our traveling.
The article is a few years ago, so I hope the situation is getting better now.
Thank you for your comment.
I’m sorry for the late reply.
The situation is not getting better.
Many onsen hotels continue to reject guests who have tattoos.
I am disappointed about that.
However, it may still take quite some time for the situation to improve.
It’s great to know that Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan welcomes guests with tattoos! It’s a shame that so many onsen still have strict rules against tattoos, but places like yours make it possible for everyone to enjoy the onsen experience without concern. I appreciate your efforts to provide private onsen options and create a more inclusive environment for all visitors. Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you for your heartwarming comment. We are grateful to welcome guests with tattoos from all over the world, having heard that our inn is tattoo-friendly.
If you have the chance, please come and stay with us.
Thank you!