In recent years, tattooing has become a popular form of personal expression for many people around the world. However, foreign tourists with tattoos often face difficulties when visiting Japan. Why is this?
The major difficulty for tattooed foreign tourists in Japan is the cultural stigma surrounding tattoos. In traditional Japanese society, tattoos were often seen as taboo and closely associated with the criminal behavior of the yakuza. This negative perception led many public places, such as hot springs, swimming pools, and gyms, to completely prohibit entry to individuals with tattoos.
This can be incredibly frustrating for foreign visitors, who may not be aware of this cultural norm and find themselves being permanently excluded from certain activities or establishments. It also frustrates foreign-born permanent residents like me, as well. Despite having only two small tattoos, I've been (politely) thrown out of several onsen and one health club over the years.
Another challenge for tattooed foreign tourists in Japan is the lack of understanding and communication barriers. Many Japanese people are not familiar with the concept of tattoos as a form of self-expression. They immediately jump to their negative assumptions about any person with tattoos. This leads to misunderstandings and uncomfortable situations for foreign tourists with tattoos, who feel judged or discriminated against because of their body art.
There are limited options for tattoo-friendly accommodations in Japan. Some hotels may be more accepting of guests with tattoos, yet many traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) and upscale guesthouses still have strict rules against tattoos. You must ask the staff to be certain, as these facilities are often too worried about social negativity to post a notice. They do not want any Japanese to think that their lodging may also be attractive to tattooed people. This can make it difficult for tattooed foreign tourists to find suitably luxurious lodging during their stay in Japan, leading to added stress and inconvenience. Rest assured that most mid-level hotel chains and the inexpensive "business" hotels don't care one way or the other if your skin has designs printed within it.
However, foreign tourists with tattoos also face challenges in social interactions with locals. In Japan, it is important to show respect and adhere to social norms, and having visible tattoos can make it difficult to navigate these customs. For example, visiting a traditional onsen (hot spring) absolutely requires guests to be fully naked, which can be uncomfortable for individuals with tattoos, who may feel self-conscious or judged by others. Even an ordinary street-side conversation may abruptly end should tattoos be spotted.
There are (finally) a few onsen that have started ignoring tattoos altogether, and that's something the money from waves of inked tourists has clearly been helping out with! Here in Kansai I take my guests to enjoy a couple different such springs that I have learned are accepting... and as a slightly odd note, I also learned that one of my neighborhood sento (public baths) has always been accepting of tattoos—since I live just down the street from the headquarters of the Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza! That sento is likely run by members who are yakuza themselves, but the staff are always polite to me when I visit.
While an increasing number of young people are themselves being tattooed, Japanese society as a whole has been slow to adjust to this change. A limited number of ordinary onsen and health clubs are now (very quietly) letting it be known that they accept those with tattoos. They know that doing so overtly would instantly strip their business of most tattoo-free customers, especially those of older generations. Once again, when in doubt, you must ask.
Overall, the difficulties for tattooed foreign tourists in Japan highlight the importance of cultural awareness and understanding. While tattoos may be a common form of self-expression in many cultures, it is essential for foreign tourists to be mindful of these cultural differences when visiting Japan. While it's normal to be proud of your skin art, keeping your artworks covered, out-of-sight and out-of-mind during your Japanese visit may still be for the best.
Japanese mafia (Yakuza) members flaunting their colors and criminality at an event.
Traditional style (and yet non-Yakuza) tattooing. See the difference between them? Yeah, me neither.
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