There’s a lot of confusion regarding the rules about tattoos in Japan, particularly when it comes to social stigmas versus actual laws.
There is a good reason that people ask, “Are tattoos a problem in Japan?” because the truth is that they certainly can be! This is because in Japan, tattoos are heavily associated with the Yakuza, that is, the biggest crime syndicate in Japan, often called the “Japanese Mafia.” In a culture where tattoos are not so common and traditions of associating them with delinquency are still held, it’s no wonder that they stand out as offensive in Japanese society.
Of course, since the 1960s, when the Yakuza were at their prime, such affiliations have diminished immensely. In addition, the influx of foreign visitors to Japan has helped reduce the stigma of tattoos and gang affiliation as foreigners are more likely to have them than Japanese people, though their prevalence is increasing among Japanese youth of the modern age.
If you have a tattoo and are planning a visit to Japan, you’ll need to be cautious of a few things. The good news is you have nothing to worry about in terms of entering and exiting Japan, but will need to adhere to the specific rules set out by individual establishments, particularly when it comes to onsens, gyms, and hotels.
Onsens
This is perhaps the biggest obstacle for tattoo folk visiting Japan, as rules for entering onsens or public baths are quite strict.
The vast majority of public and private onsens abide by a strict “no tattoo” policy. As mentioned above, it’s because of their association with the Yakuza that many businesses strive to maintain a clean public reputation that does not allow criminals into their establishment.
Of course, this is an unfair sentiment for those members of the public who simply have tattoos without being affiliated with gangs, but appearances and first impressions are a big deal in Japan, so looks matter!
Naturally, as onsens demand the removal of your clothes, this is the place where tattoos will be on full display, hence the rules are particularly well-enforced.
Gyms
Another big no-no for tattoo folk are gyms, and I must admit this one surprised me quite a bit.
Even global branches like Anytime Fitness which have no rules about tattoos on a global scale, still must abide by the no-tattoo rule for its Japanese branches.
I should preface here that the rule is in regards to showing tattoos, meaning you can still train here if you are able to cover up the area with appropriate clothing.
Restaurants & Cafes
Restaurants and cafes are generally safe for having exposed tattoos, and I’ve never been to an establishment thereof that enforces such rules.
A good friend of mine who frequently visited me in Japan would have no issues with his arm tattoos on display, at least as far as the food industry was concerned.
That being said, it’s recommended to cover up tattoos to avoid social discomfort, particularly in higher-class or rural establishments where formalities or traditions may still persist.
While extremely rare, there have been instances of tattoo wearers being denied entry or refused service unless they cover up their tattoos, though such circumstances are becoming more and more unheard of.
Public Spaces
Public spaces, especially the outdoors, are the safest places for tattoos, as there are no rules or regulations that can affect you.
That being said, you may still have to deal with social stigmas, particularly among elderly Japanese citizens who may still have a long-running phobia toward Yakuza affiliations.
If you’re a foreigner of caucasian or other non-Asian ethnic background, you’ll typically experience no unsettling reactions from Japanese citizens.
However, if you have an Asian appearance that could be mistaken for Japanese, then your tattoos are more likely to stir people up, particularly those with traditional or old-fashioned attitudes.
Tattoo-friendly Options
The good news for tattoo wearers today is that you can scour the internet for tattoo-friendly establishments and still have a full Japanese cultural experience! From tattoo-friendly onsens to gyms and traditional ryokans, many businesses in Japan are taking on a more lenient attitude about tattoos as foreign visitors increase and Yakuza members decrease!
As for those that still ban tattoos from their establishments, there are some workarounds for you to consider. You can purchase cover-up stickers to conceal your tattoos; in fact, some hotels and onsens even offer them at reception! This can be a great way to not limit yourself in terms of which onsens, gyms, or ryokans you can visit. Alternatively, simply search for tattoo-friendly businesses in Japan (there are more now than ever!) where you can enjoy their services and facilities without a second thought!
A popular choice is the Haneda Garden Hotel at Haneda Airport. Here you can enjoy luxurious facilities such as saunas, spas, massages, and onsens with amazing views of Mt. Fuji and planes taking off. It can also be a great last-minute option on the way home for those who missed out on experiencing an onsen during their Japan trip (especially if they were denied entry because of tattoos!).
So, are tattoos a problem in Japan?
My “tldr” answer to whether tattoos are a problem in Japan is no. However, I would say they can certainly be a nuisance that could hinder your Japan trip if you don’t take prior measures to account for restrictive areas. We are seeing a growing acceptance of tattoos all throughout Japan, with more tattoo-friendly establishments than ever before. However, being the strong-rooted cultural and traditional hub that Japan is, the stigma is likely never to be vanquished entirely.
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!