Yes, Japan allows foreigners with tattoos to visit the country. However, people with visible tattoos may be barred from certain places like onsens (hot springs), gyms, swimming pools, and some traditional ryokans (inns), as tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza.
Walking around town is perfectly fine, especially in the big cities. However, you're going to want to cover up when you visit anywhere that is traditional, such as temples, shrines, and ryokan. Even if there isn't a posted rule, it is respectful to cover your tattoos in these places.
Unfortunately, these decisions also impact both Japanese people and foreigners who have tattoos without any connection to the yakuza. But before going into the details, the simple answer to the question posed in the title of this article is: Yes, you can absolutely travel to Japan if you have a tattoo.
When getting a job in a company, does a tattoo become a negative factor? Still, many Japanese companies reject employees who have tattoos. For Japanese companies, if an employee of the company gets a tattoo, it seems that he is an anti-social person or is associated with other anti-social people.
Restricting tattooed guests from bathing would make it impossible for much of the global population to experience this vital part of Japanese nature and culture. Today, having a tattoo will not prevent you from experiencing an onsen or sento.
Tattoos are still a taboo in Japan. While they are not illegal, having an inked skin can sometimes prevent people from enjoying certain quintessentially Japanese experiences such as taking a bath in an onsen or sento, or even swimming in a pool.
On the southern island of Kyushu is where you'll find Beppu, a steaming hot spring haven located in Oita Prefecture. Beppu is a relatively safe bet for onsen lovers with tattoos as many of the facilities you'll find here have more relaxed attitudes to the archaic rules. Kitahama Onsen Termas is one such example.
Rules are very important in Japan, and as there is a no tattoo rule in nearly all pools, onsens and gyms, a foreigner walking up to the desk with tattoos showing is bound to cause concern. Just cover up and keep those tattoos covered and that is acceptable. If you can't cover up, don't go to those environments.
The country has been known to be less welcoming than many others when it comes to visitors with inked skin, but in recent times things are changing. The common misconception about tattoos is that it represents yakuza (Japanese mob) connections, but in fact, that's not the case.
Expectations for dress and appearance will vary by region and culture. If you're planning to teach English in Japan with tatoos, for example, you will find schools that prohibit teachers from having visible tattoos. This is largely due to the cultural association tattoos have with the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia).
Cover your tattoos
Strange as it may seem, many gyms in Japan won't let you inside with exposed tattoos. Tattoos are associated with Yakuza (gangsters), who are often heavily tattooed. The government put this rule in place to keep Yakuza away from the public because they can't specifically say “no Yakuza”.
– Tattoos or 'irezumi' have a long and complicated history in Japan, going back several hundreds of years. Tattoos have many symbolic meanings in Japanese society and can denote where an individual ranked in society. Today, tattoos are generally perceived negatively in Japanese society.
South Korean law permits only licensed medical practitioners, as opposed to tattoo artists without medical degrees, to open tattoo parlors, although it is not illegal to have a tattoo. Only the army prohibits tattoos. People can have tattoos after serving in the military.
While tattoos are not illegal, they can prevent people from getting the full Japanese experience. When using public transportation in Japan, such as trains, tourists with visible tattoos will want to keep in mind that their ink may be offensive to some of the locals.
Ear piercings are against Japanese school dress code, along with any other forms of jewelry and even painted nails. In fact, piercings of any kind are very uncommon in Japan, even for older people. Usually the people who get ear piercings in Japan are rule-breakers, or people who are trying to look tough.
Three largest syndicates
The Yakuza are still active in Japan. Although Yakuza membership has declined since the implementation of the Anti-Boryokudan Act in 1992, the Japanese National Police Agency estimated in 2022 that approximately 11,400 Yakuza members were engaged in illegal activity in Japan.
Well I'm sorry to ruin your dreams, but unfortunately, as many of you already know, if you are a tattooed person, you are not allowed to enter most of the public baths, pools, hot springs, gyms or beaches in the country.
Their pricing should be available on their website so you know what you're getting into. If it's not, contact them and ask about it before committing to an appointment. Luckily, Japan is a no-tipping culture so there is one less cost you have to worry about.
In Japan tattoos have long been stigmatized for their association with organized crime gangs, the Yakuza, who pledge their allegiance with full-body markings. Consequently, anyone with ink – regardless of their profession – cannot usually use public swimming pools, hot springs, beaches and even some gyms.
Regardless of the style of tattoo you want, you will doubtless have no trouble finding a very talented Japanese artist who can create exactly the design you want. And, you will probably be very impressed with the result. Regardless of the style of tattoo you are after, Japan is a great place to get inked.
Having tattoos is perfectly fine and legal. And if you're asking can you show tattoos in Dubai? Yes you can. Saying that, however, if you have a tattoo that is considered offensive and against the values of the UAE, you may face trouble.
Insider's Tips to Know Before You Go:
Some spas in Japan do not allow guests with tattoos to use their facilities. If you have tattoos, check with the spa directly to make sure it is a tattoo-friendly destination.
The Japanese have perfected the art of onsen, or hot spring baths, for centuries. Traditionally, men and women would bathe together in the same facility, but these days the baths are segregated by gender. Today, konyoku (mixed-gender onsen) are hard to find, with places like Tokyo having bans on such establishments.
No clothes or bathing suits are allowed in the onsen bathing areas. People try hard to preserve the cleanliness of onsen. They are somewhat sacred places. Clothes and bathing suits can bring dirt and soap into the hot spring waters from outside and are, therefore, considered unhygienic.