Hot springs in Japan, also known as onsen, hold a significant cultural and historical importance. These natural thermal baths are popular destinations for locals and tourists alike to relax and unwind. However, a particular issue that has arisen in recent years is the acceptance of tattoos in these traditional Japanese establishments.
While some hot springs in Japan have started to relax their policies on tattoos, allowing visitors with tattoos to enter, others have maintained strict regulations prohibiting individuals with tattoos from using their facilities.
[sign found at the entrance to a Japanese hot spring (sento)]
The association between tattoos and the yakuza, a notorious Japanese organized crime syndicate, has contributed to the stigma surrounding tattoos in Japan. In traditional Japanese culture, tattoos are often associated with criminal activity and are seen as a sign of disrespect. As a result, many onsens have strict policies banning individuals with tattoos from entering their premises. This used to pose a serious challenge for tourists (and foreign residents like me!) with tattoos, who simply wish to experience the therapeutic benefits of soaking in a hot spring.
Despite the negative connotations surrounding tattoos in Japan, attitudes towards body art are slowly shifting. In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of tattoos as a form of self-expression and art. Many young people in Japan are now getting tattoos to showcase their individuality and creativity, rather than to align themselves with criminal organizations. This cultural shift has led to some hot springs having recently started to change their policies to be more inclusive.
[Typical rules of a Japanese onsen or sento]
This shift in attitude may also be partially attributed to the increasing number of foreign visitors and residents, many of whom simply use their tattoos as part of their cultural or personal expression. As a result, tourists with tattoos now have increasingly more options for enjoying the relaxing and rejuvenating experience of soaking in a traditional Japanese hot spring.
I've recently compiled a list of about 40 tattoo-friendly hot springs and public baths located all across Keihanshin (the metro area comprising Kobe, Kyoto and Osaka), including a few onsen resorts. It's available here for you: https://maps.app.goo.gl/afxUMXEXcTZjHZL4A
Some hot springs are attempting to split the difference, adopting specific guidelines for visitors with tattoos, requiring them to cover tattoos with bandages, make-up or special stickers while using the facilities. This compromise allows some individuals without extensive tattooing to enjoy the relaxing benefits of their hot springs while respecting the traditional customs and considerations of the establishment. By adopting these more lenient policies, these hot springs are learning to cater to a wider range of visitors without compromising what they see as important cultural values.
On the other hand, there are still many hot springs in Japan that maintain strict no-tattoo policies. For these establishments, the association between tattoos and criminal activity remains a significant factor in their decision to prohibit all individuals with tattoos from entering their premises. These hot springs may also be reluctant to change their policies due to concerns about offending their older, quite regular, Japanese customers in the quest to bring in only a few infrequent guests.
[This one is very clear, isn't it?]
Public debate over whether hot springs in Japan should accept tattoos is ongoing, with arguments on both sides of the issue. Proponents of allowing tattoos in onsen argue that it is a form of discrimination to ban individuals with tattoos from using the facilities, especially since tattoos are becoming increasingly accepted in modern society. Those in favor of maintaining the no-tattoo policies, however, argue that it is important to respect the cultural traditions and values of Japan, even if they may seem outdated or restrictive to outsiders.
Ultimately, the acceptance of tattoos in hot springs in Japan is a complex issue that reflects the evolving attitudes towards tattoos in Japanese society. While some onsen have begun to relax their policies on tattoos, others continue to enforce strict regulations. As the popularity of tattoos as a form of self-expression continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how hot springs in Japan adapt to accommodate this cultural shift.
EDIT: Someone just asked me online if these tattoo restrictions apply ONLY to Japanese hot springs? Well, I've seen them in Japanese exercise gyms, some swimming pools, many hot springs, and a few resort hotels which have shared baths. That's about it.
Some places allow you to cover up tattoos, but be aware that many WON'T allow cover-up clothing, bandages, or make-up to hide even small tattoos. Figure that if establishments bother to restrict people with tattoos at all, they usually go all-in on it. I've only a couple small tats myself, and have still been refused entry (or literally been approached and tossed out mid-enjoyment!) many times over the years.
(If you enjoyed this article, you might also appreciate the earlier one about my own experiences in Japan as a tattooed person. https://www.jayteetours.com/post/a-tattooed-person-in-japan )