First and foremost, it's essential to clarify that tattoos, per se, are not illegal in Japan. No specific law prohibits people from having tattoos, either as locals or foreigners. However, the controversy arises due to regulatory grey areas involving the tattoo industry.
Rules in Japan
For example, if there is a sign that says, No Tattoos, then that's it. There are no exceptions. It is not up for debate. In this case, even a small butterfly, kanji character, or cute Hello Kitty tattoo is not allowed.
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.
Is tattoo illegal in Japan? Having a tattoo is not illegal per se in Japan. However, tattoo artists tend to work under-the-radar as their job, as every occupation involving needles are legally subject to owning a medical degree.
Japan has two tattoo cultures - Western and Yakuza - and while it seems unlikely that a foreign tourist would be confused with one, the rules generally exist to keep gang members out of certain spaces. However, these attitudes date back to the Edo period (1603-1868), where criminals were punished with tattoos.
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.
Traditionally, visitors with tattoos aren't allowed in Japan's onsen (natural hot springs) because of an age-old association with organized crime. However, times are changing, and more and more onsen have relaxed their policies—in some cases to accommodate tattooed foreign tourists.
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.
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.
As part of revamping its laws relating to sex crimes, Japan has raised the age of sexual consent from 13 to 16 years. The limit had remained unchanged for over a century and faced flak for being one of the lowest in the world.
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”.
Besides booking yourself a private onsen (which can be costly), you can purchase body stickers and skin-coloured patches to conceal your body art. However, most of these coverings are on the smaller side.
Avoid things like tank tops, shorts, and mini-skirts. Opting for more conservative clothing is always a safe bet even if you don't plan to visit temples or shrines. It's also generally frowned upon for women to show cleavage. Clothing with offensive messages or designs.
🐉 Is it OK to have a Yakuza tattoo? Yes, you can get a traditional yakuza tattoo. 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.
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 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.
Filial piety is the unspoken tradition of respect, loyalty and obedience towards parents or elders. This furthered the taboo of tattoos. To mark or otherwise damage the body is seen as direct disrespect of ones parents – such as tattoos.
Although swimsuits are allowed in a select few onsen, this is very rare. In most onsen, you take off all your clothes in the dressing room. Clothing and garments that are worn outside are considered sullied and should never be brought into an onsen. Nudity is a must for taking an onsen.
Male Condom
Male condoms are sold at pharmacies, drug stores, convenience stores, and some 100-yen shops. There are various types, from 100 yen for two condoms to 1,000 yen for twelve condoms per box. Anyone, regardless of gender or age, can buy it without an ID. Do not wear the condom improperly.
Crossing your feet in some cultures is considered very rude. In Japan you are expected to sit erect with both feet on the floor and never cross your ankle over your knee. In Singapore, as in many Asia cultures, the foot is thought to be unclean and should not be used to point at someone.
Public Displays of Affection
PDAs, gay or otherwise, are discouraged in Japan. Holding hands, kissing, and intimate embraces could garner disapproving looks and glances. That said, you're unlikely to witness any outright discrimination.
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.
Some onsen do not accept bathers with tattoos. This was initially to deny entry to members of Japanese organised-crime groups known as yakuza. If you're inked, ensure the onsen is tattoo-friendly before entering – some will accept decorated types if the tattoos are covered with bandages.
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.