We’ve all heard the saying, “Having a tattoo means you cannot enter an onsen in Japan.” But is this true? It’s time to uncover the truth about tattoos and their acceptance in Japanese onsens. In this article, we’ll highlight the top 10 tattoo-friendly onsens and offer insights into the evolving attitudes toward tattoos in traditional Japanese culture. Whether you’re a tattooed traveller looking to soak in the serene waters of a traditional onsen or simply curious about the cultural dynamics, this guide is for you. Read on to discover where to enjoy a relaxing onsen experience without worrying about your tattoos.
Why is a tattoo not allowed in an Onsen in Japan?
Tattoos have a long history in Japan. They were initially associated with punishment in the 7th century, when the Emperor punished a rebel with a tattoo. By the 17th century, tattoos were used to mark the worst criminals, making them social outcasts.
“By the 17th century, tattoos had become reserved for the very worst criminals.”
In the late 1700s, criminals began to cover their punitive tattoos with decorative designs, eventually using them as punishment. This period marks the origin of the association between tattoos and organised crime.
By the 18th century, decorative tattoos had gained popularity as an art form, but were eventually banned due to their association with crime. Despite their illegality, tattoos became even more popular among the counterculture, especially within the yakuza (Japanese mafia).
To the yakuza, tattoos physically manifested a member’s bravery, loyalty and resistance to the law.
Top 10 Tattoo-Friendly Onsen In Japan
- Why is a tattoo not allowed in an Onsen in Japan?
- 1. Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)
- 2. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
- 3. Shibaseki Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
- 4. Otakinoyu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
- 5. Yamato-no-Yu Onsen (Chiba Prefecture)
- 6. Hottarakashi Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- 7. Hoheikyo Onsen (Sapporo, Hokkaido)
- 8. Takaragawa Onsen Onsenkaku (Minakami, Gunma)
- 9. Saki no Yu Onsen (Wakayama)
- 10. Takegawara Onsen (Beppu, Oita)
- Tips for going to the onsen if you have tattoos
- Enjoying an Onsen with Tattoos
- FAQ for Tattooed Travelers
1. Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)
Dogo Onsen, is a legendary hot spring destination in Japan as one of the oldest hot spring destination that had welcome bathers over 3,000 years. Known for it’s exceptional architectural marvel that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. It is conveniently located 180 minutes from Tokyo by air and bus. This tattoo-friendly historic onsen, renowned as the only Michelin 3-star facility in the Shikoku region, makes for an excellent weekend getaway and a must-visit destination.
Since Dogo Onsen Honkan does not offer lodging, it specialises in day trips for bathing. The main building features two baths, “Kami no Yu (Bath of the Gods)” and “Tama no Yu (Bath of Spirits),”with four bathing courses to suit different experience and three rest areas. Following a meticulous 5.5years restoration completed in 2024, visitors can once again admire the bathhouse in all it’s restored splendour while soaking in a tradition that has endured for three millenial
Address: 5-6 Dōgoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
Operating hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm
Admission Price (¥):
Kami no Yu (Downstairs) – Adult – 700 yen | Child – 350 yen
(Includes a rental yukata)
Kami no Yu (2nd floor)– Adult – 1,300 yen | Child – 650 yen
Tama no Yu (2nd Floor)– Adult – 2,000 yen | Child – 1,000 yen
Tama no Yu (3rd Floor)– Adult – 2,500 yen | Child – 1,250 yen
More prestige rooms can be found on their website
2. Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)
Kinosaki onsen isn’t define by a single bathhouse but an entire hot spring town built around the timeless tradition of onsen hopping. Visitors are drawn to it’s charming an historic streets in yukata moving from one public bath house to another while soaking in the town’s relaxed atmosphere.
Better still, all seven Kinosaki Onsen’s public bath houses warmly welcomes tattooed guests without restrictions which makes it one of Japan’s most accessible onsen towns for international travellers no matter what sizes are you tattoos and enjoy the hot springs exactly how the local visitors have for generations.
Address: 357-1 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka 669-6101 Hyogo Prefecture
Operating hours: 7:00am – 11:00pm (varies by bathhouses)
Admission Price (¥): Day pass (All seven hot springs)
Adults – 1,500 yen
Middle school age below – 750 yen
Children under three years old – Free
3. Shibaseki Onsen (Oita Prefecture)
Shibaseki Onsen is a tranquil retreat within a serene bamboo forest in Beppu, Japan’s celebrated onsen capital known for their exceptional medicinal bath. Legends tells of Japanese emperors have been journeying here as early as 1044 in search for it’s restorative properties.
Unlike many historic bath houses, Shibaseki Onsen is entirely welcoming of tattooed guests making it allowing everyone to experience Beppu’s oldest healing retreats without restrictions. their mineral rich thermal waters is reputed to sooth cold muscles and health physical fatigue effectively.
Address: Noda 4 Gumi, Beppu, Oita 874-0016, Japan
Operating hours: 7:00am – 8:00pm
Admission Price (¥):
Adults – 300 yen
Child– 100 yen
4. Otakinoyu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
Yamato no Yu is a modern and elegant public bathhouse near Narita Airport, just south of the Boso no Mura open-air museum park. It’s an ideal destination for travellers seeking a Japanese bath near the airport.this adults-only facility proudly welcomes tattooed bathers with zero restrictions in all its indoor and outdoor pools.
The bath facilities at Yamato no Yu include outdoor and indoor pools, as well as gender-segregated saunas. Additionally, three small private baths are available by same-day reservation. Fed by geothermal waters initially at 19 degrees Celsius, these baths are heated to approximately 41 degrees Celsius. While technically classified as reisen (“cold springs”) because their temperatures are below 25 degrees Celsius, they contain natural minerals known for their health benefits.
Address: 596-13 Kusatsu, Agatsuma District, Gunma 377-1711, Japan
Operating hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Admission Price (¥):
Adults – 300 yen
Child– 100 yen
5. Yamato-no-Yu Onsen (Chiba Prefecture)
Yamato no Yu is a modern and elegant public bathhouse near Narita Airport, just south of the Boso no Mura open-air museum park. It’s an ideal destination for travellers seeking a Japanese bath near the airport. This elegant adults-only bathouse combines modern comfort fed by geothermal waters initially at 19 degrees Celsius, these baths are heated to approximately 41 degrees Celsius, creating a peaceful retreat for unwinding after a long trip.
Tattooed guest are warmly welcome without restrictions across both it’s indoors and outdoor baths. The facilities at Yamato no Yu include outdoor and indoor pools, as well as gender-segregated saunas. Additionally, three small private baths are available by same-day reservation.. While technically classified as reisen (“cold springs”) because their temperatures are below 25 degrees Celsius, they contain natural minerals known for their health benefits.
Address: 1630 Ōdake, Narita, Chiba 286-0841, Japan
Operating hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Admission Price (¥):
Adults (Weekdays) – 950 yen
Adults (Weekends/Holiday) – 1,100 yen
Child– 600 yen
6. Hottarakashi Onsen (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Hottarakashi Onsen is a breathtaking mountain top hot spring overlooking the Kofu basin, known for their uparalled panaromic view with Mt. Fuji in sight. Located in Yamanshi prefecture this rustic and beloved open air vath is completely tattoo friendly with no covering or concealment required.
Relax in Hottarakashi Onsen open-air bath while taking in the stunning vistas of the Kofu plains, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery featuring two baths: Kocchi-no-Yu, known for its wooden-and-rock open-air bath with views of Mt. Fuji, and Acchi-no-Yu, a larger bath offering vistas of the Kofu basin at sunrise and sunset.
Address: 18-1669 Yatsubo, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi
Operating hours: 1 hour before Sunset – 10:00pm
Admission Price (¥):
Adults– 900 yen
Child– 400 yen
7. Hoheikyo Onsen (Sapporo, Hokkaido)
Hoheikyo Onsen is a popular destination nestled within the breathtaking Jozankei mountain valley, known as an exceptional day-use onsen. Now, imagine sinking into a steaming outdoor bath as delicate snowflakes fall on your shoulder feeling the crisp mountain air wrapping around you while soaking in the warmth of the hot spring is one of Hokkaido’s most unforgettable onsen experiences. It is located about a 45 to 70-minutes drive from central Sapporo, and this beloved hot spring is famous for welcoming tattooed guests with zero restrictions in all its communal bathing areas.
The standout feature about Hoheikyo Onsen is how it’s one of the largest rotenburo (outdoor baths) in Japan able to hold 200 people at once and the baths are filled with 100% pure, undiluted, and unheated spring water poured straight from the earth (gensen kakenagashi)
Address: 608-2 Jōzankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301, Japan
Operating hours: 10:00am – 10:30pm
Admission Price (¥):
(Day-use only)
Adults– 1,300 yen
Children – 600 yen
8. Takaragawa Onsen Onsenkaku (Minakami, Gunma)
Takaragawa Onsen is an iconic world famous ryokan hidden deep in a mountain gorge in Gunma Prefecture, making it one of Japan’s most photographed riverside ryokan. Spanning over 470 tatami mats of open-air bathing space beside a rushing river, the onsen offers an experience unlike most in Japan.
Their most distinctive features is that three outdoor baths are mixed-gender, a tradition once common across Japan but now increasingly rare. Guests are provided with a modesty yukata to wear in the water allwoing couples and families to share an authentic onsen experience together in comfort which is difficult to find in Japan today. Takaragawa Onsen is also a fully tattoo friendly, welcoming guests without requiring tattoos to be covered or concealed
Address: 1899 Fujiwara, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma 379-1721, Japan
Admission: 300 JPY includes access to the sauna, indoor and outdoor baths.
Admission Price (¥):
Day Trip (Including bath dresses)
Adults– 1,500 yen
Children – 1000 yen
Operating hours: 10am – 2pm
Overnight Stay (Ryokan)
Average: 12,250 yen – 35,000 yen per person
(includes traditional room and hearty dinner and breakfast)
9. Saki no Yu Onsen (Wakayama)
Saki no Yu Hot Spring Resort is a dramatic, natural hot spring perched directly on the Nanki Shirahama coast, famous for their exceptional historic bathing site. Located in Wakayama, this incredible atmospheric outdoor bath is welcoming of tattooed guest who wish to bathe in it’s communal waters.
Saki no Yu has a profound history and proximity to the sea a long history dating back to ancient times, even mentioned in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). Among the “7 Great Yuzaki Hot Springs” named in the chronicle, Saki no Yu is the only one still existing. The spring is a sodium chloride spring, which is effective for rheumatism, movement disorders, menopausal disorders, and female reproductive disorders.
Address: 1668, Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama 649-2211, Japan
Operating hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (varies by season)
Admission Price (¥):
Adults– 500 yen
Children – 500 yen
10. Takegawara Onsen (Beppu, Oita)
Takegawara Onsen is a magnificent Meiji-era bathhouse that has stood for over a century and remains one of Beppu’s most cherished hot springs. While its beautifully preserved wooden architecture is landmark, what truly sets this onsen apar it its famous sunayu (heated sand baths), a unique Beppu experience.
Dressed in a provided yukata, guests are gently buried up to their necks in naturally heated volcanic sand, allowing warmth to lowly envelop the body in one of Japan’s most distinctive bathing rituals.
This iconic and historic bathhouse is well-known as a tattoo friendly too. Recognised by the Japanese government as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan for its high artistic and historical value, it captivates visitors with a facade reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away.”
Address: 16-23 Motomachi, Beppu, Oita 874-0944, Japan
Operating hours: 6:30am – 10:30pm (Sand baths 8:00am – 9:30pm)
Admission Price (¥):
Regular bath– 300 yen
Sand bath– 1,500 yen
Tips for going to the onsen if you have tattoos
Here are some essential tips when visiting an onsen with a tattoo.
Tip #1: Cover-up methods
If you have tattoos and plan to visit a non-tattoo-friendly onsen, here are some tips for covering them up before you soak. You can use tapes available at drugstores or inquire at the onsen’s front desk if they sell them. To be safe, check the facility’s policy on its website or call beforehand, as some places may have specific rules regarding the size or type of covered tattoos they allow.
Tip #2: Visit a Sento
You may opt for a sento bath instead – also known as public baths in Japan. It is typically more affordable than a private onsen. Sento baths have separate male and female baths. You can learn more about the differences between an onsen and a sento and the basic etiquette of taking an onsen bath.
Tattoos are generally accepted in public baths, but double-checking beforehand is always wise.
Tip #3: Book a private bath
Unlike your typical onsen, which you must share with other guests, private onsen or family baths (called “kashikiri buro” or “kazoku buro” in Japanese) allow guests to occupy the baths all to themselves.
Another option is to dip in an onsen without having to cover up your tattoo.
Tip #4: Contact And Ask In Japanese
You should try contacting the onsen directly (especially if it’s a large sento or ryokan). Their phone number or email will be available on their website. Ask the owners if tattoos are okay. Sometimes, they allow you to visit but ask that you avoid peak hours. They might also ask if you can cover your tattoo.
Here are some useful Japanese phrases:
1. Do you allow guests with tattoos to use your onsen facilities?
タトゥー・タトゥーのある方の温泉施設の利用は可能ですか？
Tato~ū tato~ū no aru kata no onsen shisetsu no riyō wa kanōdesu ka?
2. Do you accept cover-up tattoos?
カバーアップタトゥーを受け入れますか
Kabāapputato~ū o ukeiremasu ka
3. I’m a foreigner with a tattoo. Can I use your onsen?
私はタトゥーを入れている外国人です。あなたの温泉を使ってもいいですか？
Watashi wa tato~ū o irete iru gaikoku hitodesu. Anata no onsen o tsukatte mo īdesu ka?
4. Are there any restrictions on the size or visibility of tattoos in your onsen?
温泉でのタトゥーの大きさや見え方に制限はありますか？
Onsen de no tato~ū no ōki-sa ya mie-kata ni seigen wa arimasu ka?
Enjoying an Onsen with Tattoos
We hope this article helps you effortlessly find a tattoo-friendly Onsen in Japan. However, if you cannot travel but still crave an authentic Japanese Onsen experience without the concern of tattoos, indulge in the luxurious Hinoki Onsen bath at Ikeda Spa in Singapore. Immerse yourself in a bath crafted from cypress wood and infused with premium bath salts, offering an unparalleled relaxation experience. Escape the daily hustle in the serene ambience of our spa. Click the banner below to discover how to enjoy a complimentary onsen bath with us!
FAQ for Tattooed Travelers
If a facility has a strict no-tattoo policy and your ink is spotted, a staff member will politely but firmly ask you to leave immediately. You will generally not be fined or arrested, but you will not receive a refund for your admission fee. To avoid an embarrassing situation, always check the policy beforehand.
Unfortunately, no. Traditional Japanese onsen etiquette strictly dictates that you must enter the water completely naked. Wearing any clothing, including swimwear, athletic rash guards, or underwear, is seen as unhygienic and is strictly prohibited in communal pools.
Historically, the ban exists due to tattoos being associated with the Yakuza (organised crime). While modern Japanese locals easily recognise that a Western-style flower, quote, or tiny minimalist geometric tattoo is not a gang marker, the legal rules at traditional establishments are often black-and-white. To an older bathhouse manager, a tattoo is a tattoo, regardless of style or meaning.
Yes, usually the rule of thumb is “the size of your palm.” Most onsens that allow cover-up stickers specify that the tattoo must be entirely hidden by one or two standard-sized patches (around 10x15cm). If you have a full back piece or a full sleeve, stickers will not be accepted, and you should opt for a 100% tattoo-friendly onsen or a private bath.
Generally, yes! While onsens are recreational hot springs that can set their own rules, traditional neighborhood public baths (sento) are classified as public infrastructure essential to daily hygiene. Because of this public utility classification, many local sentos across cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are legally or culturally open to all residents, including those with tattoos.
Absolutely. Private rental baths (kashikiri) or private rooms with attached hot spring baths are completely exempt from tattoo regulations. Because you are paying for exclusive use of the space, you can bathe freely without any covers, regardless of how much ink you have.
You can easily purchase them at any Japanese drugstore (like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Welcia), convenience stores near major onsen towns, or via Amazon Japan. Look for skin-toned waterproof sheets labeled as “Tattoo Cover Stickers” (タトゥー隠しシール).
Yes, public or municipal-run hot springs (like those owned by the local city council) tend to have more relaxed or inclusive rules compared to privately owned luxury resorts. For example, Beppu’s city-run historic baths are famously affordable and welcoming to everyone.
Yes. A tattoo ban almost exclusively applies to the communal, shared public bathing waters. You are completely free to check into the hotel, relax in your room, and eat in the shared dining halls just keep your tattoos covered by your clothing or the provided hotel yukata while walking around public corridors.
Most mega-spa resorts and hot spring theme parks have strict security and explicitly ban tattoos of any size, even if covered by tape. Because they cater to massive crowds and families, they enforce zero-tolerance policies at the entrance gate. Always prioritise smaller, historic, or independently verified tattoo-friendly locations like the ones on our list.
