Can foreigners have tattoos in Japan?
Of course, some places require you to cover your tattoos up, which I'll provide some tips for later, but it's safe to say that you'll be generally fine living in Japan with tattoos as a foreigner in Japan today.Generally you only really need to cover tattoos in public baths or gyms; and the occasional shrine/temple that has signs to.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 it OK to have Japanese tattoos : It's also important to remember that traditional Japanese tattoos are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and history, and they hold a special meaning for many people. Disrespecting these tattoos or appropriating them for fashion or trend purposes can be seen as offensive and cultural appropriation.

Can I get a job in Japan if I have a tattoo

You will not be hired for most companies and industries if you have a visible tattoo – noone is going to strip you down in an interview to check, so if the tattoo is on your torso, upper arms, or legs, you will not have a problem.

Are tattoos expensive in Japan : Suffice to say it will be very expensive. The Japanese full back tattoo is not paid for in one lump sum. The tattoo is paid for as you go along, session by session. The irezumi artist will charge by the hour, and each session will usually be scheduled for a pre-determined length of time.

This social aspect, however, led many onsen and sento to prohibit tattooed guests. The Japanese taboo toward tattoos stems from their association with members of Japanese organized crime. Gangsters in Japan are typically heavily tattooed, and body art in Japan came to be associated with unsavory characters.

Some onsen will welcome you but simply issue you with skin-coloured patches to stick on, covering up any potentially offending ink.

Do I have to be Japanese to get a Japanese tattoo

Naturally, you are allowed to get this style of tattoo even if you aren't Japanese and it won't be offensive. In fact, seeing as the culture of Japan has a taboo around tattoos, a lot of Japanese people don't have the ink themselves. If the style speaks to you, absolutely get the ink!Nishimura Mako is a petite woman in her late fifties, with flowing hair and a delicate face. But you soon notice that she is no traditional Japanese lady – she is tattooed up to her neck and hands and her little finger is missing. These are signs of affiliation to the yakuza – Japan's notorious criminal syndicates.First, choose your tattoo studio and artist.

Tattoo size Price Session count
500-yen coin size 6,000–10,000 yen 1 session
10 x 10 cm. 20,000-30,000 yen 1-3 sessions
A4 size 30,000-50,000 yen 1-2 sessions
Postcard size 60,000-90,000 yen 1–5 sessions


You will not get into much trouble in your daily life with tattoos in Japan, and displaying your tattoos in public places such as restaurants, bars, parks, and beaches is generally not a problem.

Is it easy to get tattoos in Japan : Because Japanese society has yet to completely welcome tattoos as an art form and a way of life, the majority of tattoo parlors in Japan are hidden in private studios and can only be visited with appointments in advance.

Can foreigners with tattoos go to onsen : Traditionally, people with tattoos were banned from entering onsen due to the negative associations irezumi (the Japanese word for tattoo) have with criminality and gang affiliations. However, today there are now more and more onsen facilities declaring themselves 'tattoo-friendly'.

Are onsen mixed gender

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.

But before we dive in, why these anti-tattoo rules Well, it's not just the onsen; it's unacceptable to flash your body art in gyms, swimming pools, and even at the beach in Japan.Although the Oni its commonly associated with evil, they are also believed to be symbols of protection and may have a positive significance for protection and bringing goodwill and help to people. You may choose to get an Oni tattoo as a way to ward off evil or protect yourself from unseen forces.

Is it rude to show tattoos in Japan : 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.