For a Japan Onsen tour, you may wonder can you go to hot springs in Japan with tattoos. Here is our guide to the Japan Onsen Tattoo, including Tattoo rules for Onsen in Japan, the best Onsens in Japan that allow tattoos, and how to enjoy the Japan tattoo friendly Onsen.
Table of Contents
1. What is an Onsen in Japan
2. Japan Onsen Rules Tattoo
3. Onsen Japan Allows Tattoos
4. How to Enjoy Tattoo Friendly Onsen Japan
1. What is an Onsen in Japan
Due to Japan's volcanic nature, there are plentiful amounts of geothermally heated groundwater found in the form of hot springs. These hot springs, which contain minerals known for soothing and therapeutic properties, have been used for thousands of years as a form of medical treatment and leisure activity for local communities and travelers. As a result, operating and owning a hot spring has become a cultural and economic mainstay of Japan, with hundreds of inns and facilities built around them. Within the country, the region of Hokkaido is known for having the most concentrated number of hot springs and onsen areas.
2. Attitude towards Tattoos in Japan Onsen
In Japan, body tattoos usually carry negative connotations and have been culturally associated with crime as early as 720 A.D. However, most of the popular and tourist-visited public onsens tend to be tattoo friendly, with the more private onsens retaining the more conservative rules. However, is still recommended to check in with each individual onsen's rules before visiting them. Some tattoos may also allow you to rent a private onsen for personal use.
3. Onsens in Japan That Allow Tattoos
Can I go to hot springs in Japan with tattoos? Which Onsens in Japan Allow Tattoos? Here are a few of some of the best public onsens Japan has to offer:
1) Hisamatsu-yu (Tokyo)
Within this modernist-style location, discover a range of amenities including carbonated baths, seasonal pools, jets, sauna facilities, and a rejuvenating massage salon. The natural water from this tattoo friendly onsen Tokyo comes from a sodium monochloride salt source extracted from 1500m underground. The baths also boast a captivating display of projection mapping lights dancing across the ceilings and walls, drawing inspiration from the fluid movements of hot water. It adds an entertaining touch for them to enjoy while they soak in this Tokyo tattoo friendly onsen. (Further Reading>>>Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Tokyo)
Address: 4 Chome-32-15 Sakuradai, Nerima City, Tokyo 176-0002, Japan
2) Kashoutei Hanaya (Noboribetsu)
This small 21-guestroom inn provides a sulfurous, open-air hot spring that is open 24/7. You can enjoy the soothing Japan ryokan onsen tattoo friendly any time without any doubts of being stared at. (Further Reading>>>Noboribetsu Hot Spring)
Address: 134 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551
3) Takimotokan (Noboribetsu)
This popular tattoo friendly onsen ryokan located near the Jigodoukou “Hell Valley” in Hokkaido has its onsens fed by 5 different springs across a total of 35 baths and is open 24/7. The waters of the valley are known for their high mineral content, with each spring containing either sulfur, alum, ferrous Sulfate, or salt. Bathing in any of these spring's waters means they each have their own unique therapeutic and healing properties, making it one of the best Japan onsens that allow tattoos.
Address: 55, Noboribetsu-Onsencho Noboribetsu, Japan 059-0551
4) Fureai Onsen Yata (Osaka)
This tattoo friendly Onsen Osaka is spacious and includes both indoor and outdoor onsen for you to enjoy. There’s even an electric bath, and a sauna available for you to try out as well at the low cost of 100 yen per person. The barrier-free design of Fureai Onsen Yata also makes it wheelchair friendly. It is the best Osaka tattoo friendly onsen. (Further Reading>>>Osaka Onsen Tattoo Friendly)
Address: 6 Chome-3-16 Yata, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0023
5) Hyotan Onsen (Beppu)
Famous and family-owned for over a century, Hyotan is noted for its serene atmosphere and natural location. This onsen in Japan that allows tattoos also provides steam, sand, pebble, natural stone, and tile baths, and even buys eggs cooked with the spring's water. (Further Reading>>>Beppu Onsen Japan Guide)
Address: 159-2 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0042, Japan
6) Hoheikyo Onsen (Hokkaido)
Located amidst the region's mountainous woodlands, Hoheikyo is a Japan onsen that allow tattoos and offers up a premiere open-air experience, with gorgeous wood decorations within the pool itself. This tattoo friendly onsen is also known for offering authentic Indian curry and jingisukan – a Japanese grilled mutton dish, as dining options. (Further Reading>>>Hokkaido Onsen Resort)
Address: 608-2 Jōzankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301
7) Funoaka Onsen (Kyoto)
This Kyoto tattoo friendly onsen features a traditional style and offers a huge variety of baths, including a wooden bath, a giant bath, an extra-hot bath, and an herbal bath. (Further Reading>>>Kyoto Onsen Tattoo Friendly)
Address: 82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8225
8) Solaniwa Onsen (Osaka)
Solaniwa Onsen Osaka is an onsen in Osaka that allows tattoos and it is a luxurious urban hot spring complex situated in the heart of Osaka, Japan. Boasting an array of therapeutic baths, including traditional Japanese onsen and various themed pools, it offers visitors a rejuvenating experience amidst the bustling cityscape. With meticulously designed relaxation zones, sauna facilities, and stunning views, Solaniwa Onsen provides a serene escape from the daily grind. Whether seeking relaxation or cultural immersion, guests can indulge in this tranquil oasis, renowned for its unparalleled hospitality and commitment to wellness.
Address: 1 Chome-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0007, Japan
9) Healthy spa Tateba (Osaka)
If you have tattoos this is probably the best place to go in Osaka. There is a sign saying "Welcome tattoos everyone! Please come in.", which is very cute. Healthy spa Tateba is conveniently located in Osaka City and is easy to get to from the JR station. It is a super public bath with everything you need in a compact size! This Osaka tattoo friendly onsen features cold bath and the "stretching" bath, electric shock bath, and a bath with hinoki cypress in it. And there are also 3 jacuzzi spots and a sauna. The temperature of the sauna is close to 97 degrees. The cold water baths are amazing and as a foreigner who finds the water in the onsen always a bit too hot, cooling down in the really cold baths and switching between warm and cold feels so refreshing. On the left side, you also have a deep and wide pool for you to stretch in the warm water. The hot springs of this tattoo friendly onsen Osaka include carbonated springs and you can fully enjoy it. In short, Healthy spa Tateba is a homely bath that is loved by the locals and you can learn about the authentic onsen culture here.
Address: 2 Chome-14-19 Sakuragawa, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0022, Japan
Which one do you think is the best tattoo friendly onsen in Japan?
4. How to Enjoy a Tattoo Friendly Onsen in Japan
Here are the rules and etiquette to follow when you are to experience the Japan onsen that allows tattoos:
-Please shower before entering the baths.
-Please do not use it if you are feeling unwell or are displaying any symptoms of illness.
-Do not bring personal belongings and/or clothing with you into the bathing area: store them within a locker or leave them in your accommodations.
-Avoid excessive movement to avoid potential injuries both within and around the bathing area.
-Given that the water typically goes around 40-44 degrees Celsius (or 104-111 degrees Fahrenheit), try to enter it at a slow, deliberate pace. Bathe slowly! The onsen is meant to provide a relaxing and calming experience.
-Avoid putting your towel into the water. Either set it on the side of the bath or fold it up and place it atop your head.
-Those with high blood pressure and other health conditions should take extra precautions. Please exit the pool if you begin to feel nauseous and/or experience symptoms of heatstroke.
-It's typically advised not to shower after bathing in a hot spring; instead, simply dry oneself to maximize the beneficial effects of the mineral water on the skin.
-Enjoy yourself! Don't forget to be friendly and courteous towards those who share the baths with you.
Don't worry about being prohibited from entering the Onsen in Japan. Contact us for a private Japan onsen tour, and we will take you to the tattoo friendly onsen.
▲Read More Travel Guides to Japan Onsen Below:
>>>Best Onsen Destinations Japan
>>>Private Onsen in Hakone
>>>Best Hot Springs Near Mt Fuji
>>>Shibu Hot Spring
>>>Best Ryokan Kurokawa Onsen
>>>Nozawa Onsen Japan Guide
>>>Takaragawa Onsen Spring
>>>Takayama Onsen
>>>Spa World Osaka Review