Are You Tattooed? Here’s How to Enjoy Hot Springs in Japan

While tattoos aren’t illegal in Japan, they can still limit your access to certain places - especially hot springs, one of the country’s most cherished traditions. That said, having ink doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Below, you’ll find what to expect, some helpful context, and the types of baths that may (or may not) welcome tattooed guests. Most importantly, we’ll point you to a super handy online tool that makes finding tattoo-friendly onsen easy - plus, we share our top 5 favourites to get you started.

Some Historical Context

You would have understood by now that hot springs are usually a no-go for anyone tattooed. This rule applies to most pools, gyms, yoga studios, public baths, and even beaches and workplaces. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you are considered as someone associated with anything criminal or looked down on if you have an old-school skull or a cute butterfly inked in your skin, it’s just how Japan has dealt with tattoos for years now. To avoid crime in your establishment, and as this part of the population usually had gang-related tattoos, simply ban anyone tattooed. This way, you don’t have to deal with false accusations or troubles in your lobby.

Like many other cultures, there is indeed a tradition of tattooing in Japan that goes back to the Jomon Period (until 300 BCE) but as a form of public punishment. Later on, during the Edo Period (around 1800 CE) it evolved from punishment to being simply and utterly banned, as they were associated with crime. It is legal to get a tattoo in Japan only since 1946.

Some tourists choose to hide their tattoos when travelling, in fear of hurting locals' sensibilities, but most of the time you would get praise or indifference. Although some places will forbid you to enter if you have a visible tattoo – you could be kicked out when it comes to hot springs since you will be naked.

Are All Hot Springs Banning Tattoos?

No! First of all, there are several types of hot springs from onsen to sento or even rotenburo. The type of hot spring that most people have in mind when thinking about trying one is the onsen. According to the Hot Spring Act, an onsen is a type of “hot water, mineral water, and water vapour or other gas gushing from underground”. Rotenburos are outside baths, a subcategory of onsen coming with amazing sea or forest views. This is the kind of place that will usually ban tattooed people from entering the premises. You could check on their website or by asking the front desk but there is a really high chance that even the smallest tattoo could become a problem.

An option here would be to hide it with a band-aid! That’s actually quite common, and you can find specific band-aids for this, but it might be hard if you have bigger pieces on your body.

The sento, on the other hand, is a public bathhouse and the hot water is not naturally heated, but reheated. Some sentos will use natural water, and some will use tap water. The good news: they usually are open to everyone! They are less frequented by tourists, and that is a shame: sento is a perfect way to meddle with the locals while enjoying a Japanese hot spring, even with tattoos. Do check if you see any sign indicating that the place you chose forbids them, or enquire at the entrance just in case.

Another Solution: Private Baths

We have to say this is the perfect option, even if you don’t have tattoos. Most traditional hotels come with a private bath option. Conditions will vary from one hotel to the other, but usually, you will have to pick a time slot when you check-in and you will enjoy a private bath in your hotel, maybe even coming with an amazing view!

It is not a requirement for all hotels, and some have better baths than others. We recommend you get in touch with one of our consultants to find the perfect match for you! They will also help you find a place matching all your requirements, including food allergies, meal options, or additional services.

In our experience, we never heard about anyone having trouble with such places even when the public bath of the hotel is banning tattoos – as the main fear is that other guests would complain about said tattoos more than actually refraining tattooed guests from coming in.

An Online Tool to help you out 

When planning your trip, you might want to check in advance whether you’ll be allowed to enter certain hot springs with your tattoos. Finding the right onsen that welcomes tattooed guests can be challenging - not only for tourists but also for locals with tattoos. Luckily, there is a dedicated website to help with exactly that. That's why we recommend taking a look at the website of Tattoofriendlyonsen. 

How does it work? 

Search: You can look up tattoo-friendly onsen by location, region, or city to find places that fit your travel plans. 

Verify: Each listing clearly states the tattoo policy, such as “Fully Tattoo Friendly,” “Cover Up Required,” or “Private Bathing Allowed.” 

Enjoy: Book your ideal onsen experience and relax knowing you won’t face any tattoo-related restrictions. 

Another helpful website is Tattoo GO, a community-driven platform where users share experiences about tattoo-friendly onsen, gyms, and yoga studios. While the English version isn’t perfect, it can offer valuable insights from fellow travellers. 

Need more clarity? Our consultants are here to help you out. 

️Our top 5 Tattoo-Friendly Onsen in Japan 

1. Hyotan Onsen – Beppu (Oita Prefecture)

Located in Japan’s onsen capital, Hyotan Onsen is a spacious and award-winning hot spring complex that’s as welcoming as it is diverse. You’ll find traditional open-air baths, unique waterfall baths, sand steam baths, and even private options - all fed by natural spring water. Tucked into a serene corner of Beppu, this spot is perfect if you want a full-on onsen experience without the fuss. Tattooed guests are warmly welcomed, and the generous opening hours mean you can even drop by late in the evening for a relaxing soak. Bonus: there’s an on-site restaurant serving local Oita specialties. 

Open from 9:00 am to 1:00 am / Entry from ¥1080 

2. Hottarakashi Onsen – Yamanashi Prefecture

Imagine soaking in a steaming outdoor bath as the sun rises over the Japanese Alps - that's exactly what Hottarakashi Onsen offers. Perched on a hill overlooking Yamanashi’s vast valleys, this rustic onsen has two outdoor baths, each offering panoramic views (including Mount Fuji on clear days). The water is refreshed daily, and the casual, unpolished atmosphere adds to its charm. Arrive early for sunrise or stay until dusk - the views are spectacular either way. Tattoos are not an issue here, making it a favourite among adventurous travellers. 

Opens at sunrise / Entry ¥900 

3. Dogo Onsen – Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture)

One of Japan’s oldest and most culturally significant hot springs, Dogo Onsen has been welcoming bathers for over 3,000 years. The main building - which inspired Spirited Away - is an attraction in itself, with intricate wooden architecture and a timeless atmosphere. There are three bathhouses in the area: Honkan, Asuka-no-Yu, and Tsubaki-no-Yu, all tattoo-friendly. Each offers a unique way to experience the region’s legendary thermal waters. Come for the history, stay for the soothing soak. 

Entry from: 

• Hokan from: ¥700 - (opens 06:00) 

• Asuka-no-yu from: ¥610 - (opens 06:00) 

• Tsubaki-no-yu: from ¥450 - (opens 06:30) 

4. Kinosaki Onsen – Hyogo Prefecture

More than just a hot spring, Kinosaki is a whole town dedicated to bathing. Stroll the lantern-lit streets in your yukata and hop between seven distinct public bathhouses, each with its own design and charm - all open to tattooed visitors. The vibe is relaxed, romantic, and perfect for a night or two away from city life. Most traditional ryokan in town offer free access to the baths, making it an ideal overnight destination. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic retreat or a cultural deep-dive, Kinosaki delivers. 

Bath passes available / Best enjoyed with an overnight stay 

5. Takaragawa Onsen - Gunma Prefecture

Takaragawa Onsen might be the most photogenic of the list. Set deep in a forested valley, its large riverside open-air baths are surrounded by rocks, trees, and the gentle sound of flowing water. In winter, snow blankets the landscape, creating a surreal and peaceful atmosphere. The baths here are mostly mixed-gender - a rarity in Japan - though there are women-only sections as well. Tattoos are completely fine, and the natural setting makes it feel like a hidden retreat far from the modern world. 

Part of a traditional ryokan / Day visits and overnight stays available

Ready to Soak In? Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Onsen Escape

Whether you're covered in ink or just have a small design, finding a tattoo-friendly onsen in Japan is possible - and well worth the effort. From scenic outdoor baths to modern spa resorts, our tips and picks offer a warm welcome without compromising the magic of a true Japanese onsen experience. Still have questions or want help planning your perfect trip? Feel free to get in touch - our Japan experts are happy to assist!