Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Guide｜Reasons for Refusal, Hiding with Stickers, Choosing Private Baths

Even with tattoos, you can enjoy Japan's onsen (hot springs). However, in public baths like day-use onsen or hotel public baths, you may often be refused entry if you have tattoos. To ensure entry, choosing from foot baths, private baths, guest rooms with open-air baths, or facilities that don't refuse tattoos is the quickest way.

This article first explains why entry is refused and whether covering with a sticker allows access. Then, it introduces four methods and the steps to check the rules before visiting, concluding with specific examples in Atami.

The answer is "it depends on the facility." According to a survey conducted by Japan's tourism authorities in 2015, about 56% of hotels and ryokans refused entry to people with tattoos, about 31% did not refuse, and about 13% allowed entry under conditions such as covering tattoos with stickers.

In 2016, Japan's tourism authorities advised that it is not appropriate to refuse entry to foreign travelers with tattoos solely because of their tattoos. They suggested measures such as covering tattoos with stickers, guiding visitors during less crowded times, or directing them to private baths. However, the final decision rests with each facility. Even now, many day-use onsen and public baths still state "those with tattoos are not allowed."

In Japan, tattoos have long been associated with anti-social organizations. As a result, many facilities refuse entry out of concern that other guests, such as families with children or the elderly, might feel scared or uncomfortable. It's not prohibited by law, and in the survey mentioned above, many facilities made this decision independently.

Whether it's a fashionable tattoo or a foreign traveler, the treatment is often the same. While it may seem unfair, it's best to be aware of the rules in advance to avoid any awkward situations at the entrance.

Some facilities allow entry if small tattoos are covered with skin-colored stickers. Generally, tattoos the size of a palm can be covered, and some places sell special stickers at the reception. For example, the onsen at Haneda Airport offers cover stickers for purchase (introduced in the article on airport day-trip onsens).

On the other hand, there are facilities that do not allow entry even if tattoos are covered with stickers. Large tattoos, like those covering the entire back, cannot be fully concealed, so consider other methods. Additionally, in Japanese onsens, wearing swimsuits or rash guards is not permitted, so clothing cannot be used to cover tattoos.

Comparing four methods based on certainty of entry and cost, the most reliable options are private baths and guest room baths, where you won't encounter other guests.

You can soak just your feet while keeping your clothes on, so it's unlikely you'll be refused entry due to tattoos. Many free footbaths are available in front of stations or around town in onsen areas, making it easy to stop by during a walk. Bring a small towel to dry your feet.

These are private baths that you can reserve for exclusive use at a set time. They are often found within accommodations, and some day-use onsen (hot spring) facilities also offer them. Since you won't be sharing with other guests, it's usually possible to enter even if you have tattoos. It's also great for families or couples to enjoy together.

Popular time slots fill up quickly, so it's best to make a reservation soon after you arrive. Before booking, it's reassuring to confirm if tattoos are allowed.

In guest rooms with onsen baths or whole buildings available for rent, you can enjoy the bath anytime without worrying about others. Although the cost is higher, it's the most reliable option for those with tattoos. You can search for terms like "guest room open-air bath" or "onsen-equipped guest room" on booking sites.

Many traditional public baths (sento) in town do not refuse entry to those with tattoos. The national sento association explains that there is no rule prohibiting tattoos as a group policy. However, rules can vary by establishment, and larger super sento or day-use onsen often have different policies and may refuse entry.

Some communal baths in onsen areas and facilities that have changed their policies now accept tattoos. For example, an article on Ikaho Onsen introduces communal baths that allow entry to those with tattoos.

When asking at the reception, show the following Japanese on your screen or say it as pronounced:

• "I have a tattoo, can I bathe?" (TATTOO GA ARIMASUGA, NYUUYOKU DEKIMASUKA)
• "Can I enter if I cover it with a seal?" (SEAL DE KAKUSEBA HAIREMASUKA)
• "Do you have a private bath?" (KASHIKIRIBURO WA ARIMASUKA)

The complete bathing rules are summarized in the Onsen Manners Guide.

Let's take Atami, about 40-50 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo, as an example to see how rules differ among facilities in the same onsen area.

Enjoy the onsen atmosphere at the footbath near the station, and opt for a private bath for a guaranteed enjoyable experience in Atami. Atami Rental Villa Moon and Sun offers private natural onsen and sauna in each villa, and tattoos are allowed. For an overview of Atami's onsen, refer to the Atami Onsen Guide, and for choosing accommodations, see How to Choose Ryokan and Hotels in Atami.