A visit to the
First of all, why people with tattoos cannot take onsen? This is because there is recognition in Japan from historical background that tattoo, so-called Irezumi in Japan, is “something anti-social people get” or “something members of illegal organization such as gangsters get.”
Traditionally, visitors with tattoos aren't allowed in Japan's onsen (natural hot springs) because of an age-old association with organized crime.
If you are inked and headed to Japan, here are some things you should know: 1) Expect to completely cover tattoos at any pool, gym and most water parks and beaches. Tattoos are generally outright banned in Japan in these areas and there are often clear signs stating this.
Where Tattoos are Banned. Tattoos are banned at most onsen hot springs, swimming pools, water parks, and beaches. It's safe to assume all onsen do not allow tattoos, unless it is otherwise stated. Again, this applies to tourists and even the tiny, butterfly tattoo.
Tattoo Ban
The laws of tattooing in Japan have fluctuated throughout the centuries. In 1872 tattoos of all kinds were prohibited to help give an appearance of civilization and sophistication throughout the country. This prohibition resulted in an increase in arrests and tattoo artists moving their shops underground.
Body ink has long been stigmatised in Japan due to its links with the criminal underworld. In recent years tattoos have been associated with country's largest organised crime syndicate, the Yakuza, but their murky history dates much further back.
In some cases, you can get away with covering your tattoo. However, you will be required to wear long sleeves or other accessories whenever you are working or going to and from your place of work.
Some places in Japan happily welcome tattooed tourists. For those with obvious and huge tattoos that are impossible to cover or those who are not fond of hiding their body art, do not worry because there are some sites that provide comprehensive lists of tattoo-friendly onsen and sento.
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.
Doctors do not recommend using onsen at all while menstruating. But, if you absolutely cannot avoid it, use a tampon. Even if it's a “light” day, nobody wants blood or bodily fluids floating around in the shared bath water. Using a tampon will also help protect against water entering through your cervical opening.
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.
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.
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.
Kitahama Onsen Termas Bath
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.
It reinforces the sense of otherness and wildness that Japanese feel when encountering foreigners. This is gradually changing, but someone with a visible tattoo will tend to be someone who is not a member of polite society. So Japanese people will see such a thing as a mark of lower-class status.
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”.
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.
Their influence and activities remain local. Contrarily, the yakuza are a confederation of criminal syndicates active throughout Japan. According to Japanese law, their status is not illegal: they have offices and a yakuza presence is still noticeable in many cities.
Onsen Etiquette
If you have any tattoos or body piercings, it is possible that you won't be allowed to enter. Be sure to remove any piercings (ears are okay) and conceal any ink. (Tattoos in Japan are widely associated with the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia, and are generally frowned upon.)
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.
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).
– 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.
No, less. Traditionally, Japanese tattoos were done as a sign of the mafia, not fashion. Currently, the Japanese mafia has been exterminated, and people with tattoos are not allowed to enter facilities.
A Centuries-Old Stigma
In South Korea, tattoos, also called munshin, have long had negative associations. During the Koryo dynasty, which ruled from 918 to 1392 A.D., people were forcibly given tattoos on their faces or arms listing the crimes they had committed or marking them as slaves.