Japan guide

Stays & baths

Tattoos & bathing

Tattoos have long been linked to organised crime in Japan, so many onsen, sento, pools and gyms have “no tattoos” rules. More places are accepting visitors now, especially if a tattoo is small or covered.

8 steps · 4 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (2)
貸切風呂

What the rules look like

In a 2015 survey by the Japan Tourism Agency (the latest national figures), about 56% of facilities refused tattoos, 31% allowed them and 13% allowed them with conditions. In 2016 the agency encouraged facilities to find ways to welcome tattooed visitors, such as covering, quieter times or private baths.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a “no tattoos” sign doesn't apply to small or fashion tattoos.

Check before you go

Step by step

  1. Look at the facility's website for タトゥー or 入れ墨 (tattoo).

  2. Ask your hotel or ryokan to check for you, or show the line below at the counter.

  3. Neighbourhood sento and outdoor baths are often more relaxed than big resorts.

Common mistakes

  • Going all the way to a resort onsen without checking.

Covering a small tattoo

Step by step

  1. Buy a skin-coloured cover patch or sticker (sold at drugstores and some baths).

  2. Put it on in the changing room before you go into the bath area.

  3. Check it hasn't come loose after washing.

Common mistakes

  • Using a bandage that gets soggy and falls off in the water.

Private baths (kashikiri-buro)

Many ryokan and some onsen have private baths you can book by the hour. Nobody else is there, so tattoos are not a problem.

Step by step

  1. Ask when you book the room, or at check-in.

  2. Book a time slot and take the key at the front desk.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting until evening to ask — slots fill up.

On HAKOBUNE Spot

Baths, ryokan and saunas on HAKOBUNE Spot — check each place's rules before you book.

See all places

Sources

Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.

  1. Japan Tourism Agency入れ墨（タトゥー）がある外国人旅行者の入浴に関する対応について（観光庁, 2016）Japanese(opens in a new tab)Japan Tourism Agency (2016): bathing for tourists with tattoos
  2. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japanese Customs and Etiquette (Responsible Travel Guide)(opens in a new tab)JNTO: Japanese customs and etiquette for responsible travel
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