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.
Since the 1990s, as tattooing in Japan is readily associated with the national mafia, some establishments and signs prohibit access to anyone with a tattoo to screen potential criminals. Unfortunately, these decisions also impact both Japanese people and foreigners who have tattoos without any connection to 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”.
Be Aware of Local Cultural Norms
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Allowing artists to work without a medical license. For the first time in history, the Japanese Supreme Court has acknowledged tattooing as an art rather than a medical procedure.
Tattoos are classified as dirty things, which is prohibited in Islam. They believe that a dirty body will directly lead to a dirty mind and will destroy their wudhu, ritual ablution.
In Japan, there are many public facilities that prohibit visitors who have tattoos. These public facilities are hot springs, public swimming pools, sports centers and public beaches. Tattooed visitors are prohibited from entering because they are considered to be a nuisance or as disturbing other visitors.
The answer is no, tattoos are not illegal at all. In fact, there is even a traditional Japanese tattooing style called Irezumi, which dates back many centuries. It has then been a source of inspiration and influence for the West and modern tattoo culture.
There is no law against getting a tattoo nor any regulation on where you can go for this procedure, which means that people of all ages and genders can get them done.
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.
Although the number of tattoo-friendly onsen and sento is growing, many still do not allow tattooed guests. Etiquette is important to Japanese bathing culture and crucial for a relaxing onsen experience. Inked visitors should avoid these facilities and instead find one of the many that do allow tattoos.
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.
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.
Today, tattooing exists in what is best described as a legal grey area, and the tattooed still face discrimination; in many public places – including onsens (public baths), gyms, public beaches, and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) – tattoos continue to be prohibited.
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.
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.