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Can you go to an onsen with tattoos?
How tattoo rules at Japanese baths work, from government and official sources.
Sometimes. Japan has no single rule: the government leaves the decision to each facility.1 Of the 101 facilities we checked on their official websites, 50 accept tattoos (including 30 only under conditions such as cover stickers or private-bath use), 18 refuse them and 33 say nothing. So check the specific place before you go.
Facility numbers update automatically from our data (latest check 9 Oct 2026). How we check
Is there a law against tattoos at onsen in Japan?
We found no national rule that bans or requires admitting guests with tattoos. In a 2016 written answer to the House of Representatives, the government said it had prepared reference material for bath operators on foreign visitors with tattoos, and that the final decision on how to respond belongs to each facility operator.1 The Japan Tourism Agency’s ryokan guide gives the same practical answer: it depends on the ryokan, so contact it in advance.4
What does the Japan Tourism Agency advise onsen operators?
In March 2016 the Japan Tourism Agency issued a one-page sheet for operators on foreign travellers with tattoos.2 It is advice, not a rule. In our own words, it asks operators to keep in mind that:
- people may have tattoos for religious, cultural, fashion or other reasons;
- guests need to understand one another; and
- a tattoo does not in itself cause a hygiene problem.
It then lists example ways to accept guests with tattoos:
- Covering the tattoo with a sticker or similar so other bathers cannot see it (a hygienic bathing garment is also mentioned);
- asking for nothing special when a tattoo is small — for example palm-sized — and not intimidating to others;
- suggesting times with fewer families in the bath;
- directing guests to a separate bath, a private (kashikiri) bath, or, at lodgings, a room with its own bath.
Each facility still decides for itself, which is why the policies in our table differ so much.
Why do some onsen refuse guests with tattoos?
Japan’s national tourism organization (JNTO) explains that tattoos were historically used in Japan to mark criminals and later became partly associated with criminality, which led some family-oriented places such as hot springs to refuse them. It also says attitudes are changing and that rules are applied case by case.6 Many facilities’ official rules simply state the restriction without giving a reason.
What do the tattoo policy labels on this site mean?
We sort each facility’s official statement into one of four labels. “Not stated” means we found nothing — it is never shown as allowed.
- ✓Tattoos allowed
The official site says guests with tattoos may use the baths, with no cover-up required.
- !Allowed with conditions
Allowed only under stated conditions — for example covering small tattoos with stickers, or using a private bath only.
- ✕Not allowed
The official site says guests with tattoos may not use the shared baths (a private bath may still be offered — see conditions).
- ?Not stated on official site
We could not find any tattoo rule on the official site. This does not mean tattoos are allowed — ask the facility.
Do tattoo cover stickers work at onsen?
Only where the facility accepts them, and usually only for small tattoos. JNTO notes that cover sheets generally suit only very small tattoos.5 36 facilities in our list mention covering tattoos in their official conditions — read the exact size limit on each page:
Can you use a private onsen if you have tattoos?
A private bath is one of the options the Japan Tourism Agency lists, and JNTO suggests booking one.2,5 The official sites of 8 facilities in our list say tattoos are OK in their private bath. See private onsen and kashikiri baths for the full list and booking rules.
Do sento (public bathhouses) in Tokyo allow tattoos?
It depends on the bathhouse. The Tokyo Sento Association’s Q&A and its English “How to enjoy sento” guide do not set any tattoo rule, so each sento decides for itself.7 We list 4 Tokyo sentos with what their own site says on the Tokyo page.
How do you check an onsen’s tattoo policy before you go?
- Find the facility in our table and open the “Checked” link to the official page.
- Read the facility’s own rules or FAQ (look for “tattoo”, or タトゥー / 入れ墨 / 刺青 on Japanese pages).
- If the site is silent or unclear, ask the facility directly before you go. JNTO also suggests asking in advance.6
- If you are refused at the door, follow the staff’s decision — the facility makes the final call.
For bathing manners in general, see onsen etiquette.
Sources
- Government answer to written question No. 298 (190th Diet session) on tattoos at bathing facilities — House of Representatives of Japan, 2016. Checked 9 Oct 2026.
- Points to note and example responses for bathing by foreign travellers with tattoos (入れ墨（タトゥー）がある外国人旅行者の入浴に際し留意すべきポイントと対応事例) — Japan Tourism Agency (copy published by Shizuoka Prefecture), March 2016. Checked 9 Oct 2026.
- Shizuoka Prefecture page publishing the Japan Tourism Agency material on tattoos and bathing — Shizuoka Prefecture. Checked 9 Oct 2026.
- Ryokan guide Q&A (Japanese) — can guests with tattoos use the large bath? — Japan Tourism Agency. Checked 9 Oct 2026.
- How to Best Enjoy Japan’s Onsen — Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). Checked 9 Oct 2026.
- Onsen Hot Springs — On Tattoos and Etiquette — Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), 20 June 2024. Checked 9 Oct 2026.
- Tokyo Sento Association: Q&A and “How to enjoy sento” (English) — Tokyo Sento Association (東京都公衆浴場業生活衛生同業組合). Checked 9 Oct 2026.
The Japan Tourism Agency sheet is no longer at its original address on the ministry website; we link to the copy published by Shizuoka Prefecture.