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.
Are Tattoos Illegal in Japan? While some view tattoos as an art form, the Japanese government, on the other hand, does not. Although they may not be illegal, tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza, a Japanese gang that covers their entire body with tattoos.
Yakuza doesn't use tattoos to identify their members, so you won't run into trouble. These tattoos are personal and based on Japanese legends, symbolism, and art. However, in Japan there is a strong stigma against tattoos, so you might not be able to enter some public places with visible body art.
CONTENTS. Actually, tattoos are fine in Japan. They're not illegal in any way. You may even see some people walking around with fashion tattoos, especially in Tokyo.
Japan has a longstanding taboo against tattoos, which remain associated with organized crime. Many beaches, hot springs resorts and gyms do not admit people with tattoos. Companies often expressly prohibit applicants who are inked.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
And that's why I've always found the Japanese Yakuza's take on tattoos so fascinating. They believe that tattoos are private, and so they'll commit to full body-suits that can't be seen above any collars or cuffs.
“Is it offensive or insensitive for me as a white man to get traditional Japanese tattoos?” No. There are plenty of Caucasian artists who sport 'yakuza' style tattoos, but since the yakuza have no Caucasian members, there is not much chance that these artists are affiliated to any gumi.
Wearers of traditional tattoos frequently keep their art secret, as tattoos are still seen as a sign of criminality in Japan, particularly by older people and in the work place. Many yakuza and other criminals themselves now avoid tattoos for this very reason.
During a matsuri – the Japanese word for “festival” – a man came up to her and invited her for a drink. He turned out to be the leader of a powerful Yakuza family. Part of her project also lays bare the women's “irezumi”, a Japanese tattoo that usually covers part or most of the body.
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.
Anton says the yakuza keep their tattoos covered up in public because they're very aware that tattoos are frowned upon. "They're the ones who brought upon this frowning, obviously, because they started tattooing themselves."
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.
You can get arrested if you tattoo a minor. The nationwide legal age in Japan is 20. Under the Anti-Organized Crime law, it is against the law for a member of an organized group forcing a minor to be tattooed. In some regional laws, it is generally against the law to tattoo minors.
Japan's Supreme Court has ruled that tattoo artists in the country no longer need a medical license to practice. In 2001, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare classified tattooing as a medical procedure due to the risks that accompany it.
In the past, tattoos in Japan were used to mark someone who committed a crime, and remnants of this culture still exist in various parts of Japan. This is the base for the rather widespread belief that "tattoos are a bit of a no-go in Japan."
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.
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. However clip-on earrings are quite common and acceptable, although of course not at school.
Tattoos as a mark of unity
The yakuza select them based on their meaning: the carp represents courage, the dragon symbolises wisdom, the tiger embodies strength, the snake is a symbol of healing… The members of a clan often have the same tattoos, with a strict requirement: that they are not visible in everyday life.
South Korean law permits only licensed medical practitioners, as opposed to tattoo artists without medical degrees, can 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.
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.