Tattoos are legal in Japan, but they aren’t as common as in other countries. While body art is not a problem for the vast majority of travel activities in Japan, there are a few situations where you’ll need to be mindful if you have tattoos.
But don’t worry! With an open mind, common sense and a little bit of prior planning, it’s easy to have a stress-free trip without worrying about your tattoos. Here’s everything you need to know before travelling to Japan with your body art.
Are Tattoos Allowed in Japan?
Tattoos are not illegal in Japan, but they do have some negative cultural associations.
In modern Japan, tattoos are associated with criminality. In the Edo period (1603-1868), tattoos were sometimes given as a punishment for wrongdoing, and they were briefly banned outright in the Meiji period (1868-1912).
However, it was the rise of the yakuza, or Japanese mafia, that solidified the criminal connotations of tattoos. In an effort to avoid associations with tattooed gang members and organized crime, many businesses at the time instituted a blanket tattoo ban. This allowed them to indirectly keep out the yakuza without fear of reprisals.
Over time, the distinction between tattoo owner and gang member blurred until tattoos became synonymous with criminality. To this day, public servants like teachers and government officials tend to refrain from body art to avoid reputational damage.
This association continues to make some people in Japan uneasy around tattoos, particularly among the older generations. However, in the vast majority of cases these feelings will be kept private. Walking on the street with visible tattoos won’t cause any problems. You’re also welcome to enter temples and shrines, although some more conservative places may appreciate it if you cover up.
You’re most likely to run into issues if you want to visit an onsen (Japanese hot spring), pool, beach or gym. These places often restrict entry to people with tattoos, even if the tattoo in question is very small. This varies by establishment and some places may be fine if you cover up your tattoo, but this isn’t always the case.
Where Are Tattoos Banned in Japan?
While tattoos aren’t illegal in Japan, some places restrict access to people with visible tattoos.
It’s common for the following places to have tattoo restrictions in Japan:
- Public onsen
- Gyms
- Beaches
- Pools
- Bathhouses
- Water parks
For these places, it’s best to assume that tattoos are banned unless explicitly stated otherwise. You can often find a “No Tattoo” sign near the entrance to these places, but even if you don’t see one, it’s always better to ask beforehand to avoid any issues.
If you’re asked to cover up or leave because you have visible tattoos, please respect the wishes of the establishment. While tattoos may be widely accepted in your home country, the cultural perception of tattoos in Japan has been slow to shift. Keep this in mind and don’t take it personally. It’s an opportunity to show good manners, display understanding of local customs, and maybe make things easier for the next tattooed visitor.
This doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on trying a Japanese hot spring though! Some public onsen in places like Beppu and Kinosaki Onsen, for example, are known to allow tourists with tattoos. And there is always the option to book a private onsen or ryokan with onsen access. That way, you can bathe in private and there won’t be any issues with your tattoos.
If you’d like to experience Japanese bathing culture without worrying about your ink, there are still plenty of tattoo-friendly onsen worth visiting on your travels. This GaijinPot article will introduce you to 30 of the best from all over Japan.
How to Travel in Japan with Tattoos
You can easily travel to Japan with tattoos and not have any issues. You may not even have to cover them up, depending on which places you’d like to visit. Here are some tips that can help you travel in Japan with tattoos:
- Do your research. If you’re planning to visit a ryokan, onsen, gym or beach, check the website or enquire before booking. It’s always better to check and avoid any uncomfortable situations. Some gyms and pools allow tattoos during quieter periods.
- If public baths don’t allow tattoos, you can opt for a private onsen instead. While this is a little more expensive, it allows you to enjoy the onsen without having to worry about your tattoos. These also have the added bonus of being mixed gender if you are travelling with a partner or family.
- Cover your tattoos if necessary. Long sleeves, trousers and scarves can all help in appropriate weather.
- Buy some tattoo covers. These are essentially big bandages and are an easy way to cover tattoos. You can find them in convenience stores in Japan or order some online before your trip. If you’re planning to visit an onsen, it’s still best to check with them beforehand. Some places still won’t allow you to enter even if your tattoo is covered, and large bandages are also frowned upon at onsen for health reasons.
How do Japanese People React to Tattoos?
For all of the reasons above, it is still uncommon to have tattoos in Japan. You may attract a few stares, particularly if you have large or prominent pieces. However, you are still welcome in Japan if you have tattoos. While they are a minor inconvenience in certain situations, they’re unlikely to be a lasting issue that affects your trip.
The general consensus is that attitudes towards tattoos are slowly changing, particularly amongst young people. Exposure to global trends in body art has led a growing number of young Japanese to see tattoos as a form of individual expression, and you may see Japanese people with ink in more forward-thinking, creative spaces.
On the whole, people in Japan recognise that this is one issue where Japanese cultural norms differ from those of the wider world. While some people may stare, the vast majority understand that it’s common to have tattoos in other countries. As a foreign tourist, you can expect grace and understanding from your Japanese hosts when it comes to following social rules and customs. Just keep in mind that being a foreigner doesn’t give you a free pass.
Conclusion – Are Tattoos Illegal in Japan?
Tattoos are legal in Japan. Onsen, beaches, pools and gyms may have tattoo restrictions, but there are often tattoo-friendly alternatives to these places. If you are respectful and do a little advance research, you’re unlikely to run into issues with tattoos in Japan.
With or without tattoos, there’s plenty to get excited about if you’re exploring Japan’s bathing culture. The archipelago is dotted with natural hot springs from north to south, all of which offer a memorable day or two of relaxation as part of your Japan trip. Check out our recommendations for Mount Fuji private onsen or itineraries for the famous Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen for a taste of what awaits.
